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Medalius Encyclopedia

The Catholic faith
in clear questions.

58 frequently asked questions about the sacraments, Mary, the saints, the Mass, salvation and much more — answered with official sources, no confrontation, no fluff. Search, browse by topic, or submit your own.

Most searched this month.

Updated · 13 Jun

A study of questions and doubts.

Showing 13–24 of 24tal results
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Salvation 1 min

Why do Catholics have the sacrament of Confirmation?

Just as the apostles received the Spirit at Pentecost, Confirmation strengthens us for the mission.

Acts 2:4 CIC 1288
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Mariology 1 min

What is the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception?

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception states that Mary was conceived without original sin, preserved by God from the beginning of her existence

CIC 490 - 493 Genesis 3,15 Luke 1,28
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Sacraments 1 min

Why do Catholics believe in transubstantiation?

Transubstantiation is the change of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ

CIC 1322 - 1419 Christ's sacrifice is unique and unrepeatable: Hebrews 7:27 9:26
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mass 1 min

Is the Mass a repetition of Christ's sacrifice?

Christ's sacrifice on the cross becomes present in an unbloody manner in the Mass and is not a repetition.

Christ’s sacrifice is unique and unrepeatable: Hebrews 7:27 9:26 10:10
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Sacraments 1 min

Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest?

Confessing to a priest is following the apostolic tradition of the ministry of reconciliation.

2Cor 5,18 CIC 1442
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Commandments and Laws 1 min

Did the Catholic Church change Saturday to Sunday?

The weekly Easter on Sunday reflects Christ’s victory over sin, something that Saturday prefigured.

CIC 1193 CIC 2175 Dies Domini, 1
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Papacy 1 min

Is the Pope infallible?

The Pope is infallible when he teaches ex cathedra in matters of faith and morals.

CIC 891 Mt 16:18 Jn 21:15-17
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Sacraments 1 min

Why do Catholics have seven sacraments?

The seven sacraments were instituted by Christ as effective signs of divine grace in Christian life.

CIC 1210 - 1419 1. Baptism: Acts 2:38-39 Acts 16:15
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Priest 1 min

Why do Catholics call priests father?

The term "father" reflects the priest's mission to guide and protect the faithful, as a father does with his children.

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 6: The Sacrament of Holy Orders, §§ 1536-1600. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 1 Corinthians 4:15
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Images 1 min

Do Catholics worship images?

Catholics use images to honor and remember the saints, but worship is reserved for God.

Catechism of the Catholic Church p. 2132
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Salvation 1 min

Do Catholics believe in salvation by works?

Grace is given to us freely, faith opens us to receive it, and works are the visible response to God's gift.

Grace as a free gift: Ephesians 2:8-10 Faith without works is dead: James 2:17 Cooperating with grace: Philippians 2:12-13
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1 min

Why do Catholics pray the rosary?

The Rosary is a form of prayer that meditates on the mysteries of the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary

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