When we whisper a prayer —”Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord” —we’re doing more than remembering; we’re loving. Even when someone has already reached eternal life, our prayers still echo, increasing their joy in God’s presence and deepening our own hope in the life to come.
In this Ask A Priest episode, Fr. Edward reflects on the meaning behind our prayers for the departed, the hope of Heaven, the mystery of resting with the Lord, and how our prayers can help our loved ones draw closer to Heaven.
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Why Do Catholics Worship Mary?
Catholics don’t worship Mary, but they do pray with her. Why? In this Ask A Priest episode, Father Edward walks through what the Church actually teaches about Mary, her role as intercessor, Queen Mother, and model of prayer. Far from distracting us from Christ, devotion to Mary always leads us closer to Him. If you’ve ever struggled with Marian devotion, this conversation is an invitation to see it with fresh eyes.
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Why Do Catholics Call Mary Queen of Heaven?
Where does the Bible call Mary the Queen of Heaven?
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim explains why historical context matters when we talk about Mary’s role as Queen. In the Davidic kingdom, the queen wasn’t usually the king’s wife, it was the king’s mother. Known as the Gebirah, the queen mother held a place of honor and intercession, bringing the people’s needs before her son.
That Old Testament context helps us understand Mary. If Jesus is the King of the universe, then Mary, His mother, is the Queen Mother, the one who intercedes for us and brings our needs to her Son. Father Tim also points to Revelation, where a woman appears clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars.
Mary is not a distant figurehead. She is our mother and queen, always leading us closer to Jesus.
Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.
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Do Priests Retire from Priesthood?
Do priests stop being priests when they retire? Do they stop wearing their collar? In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim explains why priesthood isn’t a job you retire from, it’s a vocation you live to the end. Just as parents never stop being parents, a priest never stops being a spiritual father. Priests may retire from active ministry, but they never retire from loving, serving, and bringing Jesus to the world. As Scripture says: “You are a priest forever.”
