Why Do Catholics ...?

Why is Michelangelo not St. Michelangelo? It would seem that someone inspired to paint such breathtaking images of Scripture would be named a saint by Holy Mother Church.

"Such human works are just not part of the criteria. The Church looks for heroic virtue," explained Colin Donovan, vice president for theology at EWTN. "And, probably for every canonized saint who showed such virtue, there are thousands or even millions of others who likewise had it. Finally, there is God’s role, who wills to raise this person up as an example but not that person."

Have you always wondered about some aspect of the faith? Do you have a question about Pope Francis? If you do, email us your question at [email protected] and look for the answer in an upcoming issue.

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis

Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza City on March 31, amid the ongoing battles Israel and the Hamas militant group.

People Explain ‘Why I Go to Mass’

‘Why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough to answer that it is a precept of the Church. … We Christians need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the grace of Jesus, with his living presence in us and among us, can we put into practice his commandment, and thus be his credible witnesses.’ —Pope Francis