Conscience and Concupiscence

10/14/2024

Regarding the teaching on following your conscience, how could one do so if you’re highly scrupulous? Is our concupiscence a result of our free will? Why don’t we as Catholics focus on baptism of the Holy Spirit? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Relics of St. Joseph

10/7/2024

Are there relics of St. Joseph? Do we know where he is buried? Why was it wrong for Protestants to take books out of the bible? I know the Church is against abortion. What is the Church doing for people who are willing to adopt? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Rules for Humility

9/30/2024

When Jesus says “Who is my mother and who are my brothers” in Matthew 12:48, is Jesus devaluing his mother? Are the souls in purgatory present at Mass? Why don’t most Catholic Churches encourage their congregation to read the Catechism? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Unprepared Apostles?

9/23/2024

How important is it for Catholics to obtain a plenary indulgence and offer to the poor souls in purgatory? My 13-yo would like to know that if the Catholic Church is built on faith, and God was scientifically proven to exist, would we still need the Church? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Baptized in Jesus' Name

9/16/2024

Have they found Sodom and Gomorrah? Should we be baptized only in Jesus' name? How can I prove the Bible is divinely inspired? and more on today's mailbag edition of Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Celibacy in the Priesthood

9/9/2024

How can I help my daughter who has concerns regarding confirmation? What can Mary do for us? Why does the Catholic Church ask their priests to be celibate? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Redemptive Suffering

9/2/2024

Did Adam and Eve really exist? Are we worthy to pray to God? What is the role of divorced people in the Church? and more on this special mailbag edition of Open Line Monday with Fr. John Trigilio.

Via Negativa

8/26/2024

What kind of body will we have after the resurrection? How can I help my fallen away family members back to the Church? How can I prove to someone who is not a Catholic that the early Christians really were Catholics? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Right Way of Giving to the Poor?

8/19/2024

How to discern prophecies? What to do in Sunday's rest? Should I give money to the poor indiscriminately? This and more in today's edition of Open Line with Fr. Trigilio.

The Incarnation of Jesus

8/12/2024

Was Joseph alive when Jesus' ministry started? Is it correct to say Jesus is a human being? Is it wrong to say the incarnation is below God? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Sacred Tradition

8/5/2024

Do Catholics worship Mary? When is the Pope infallible? How do we know that Sacred Tradition has been passed down faithfully? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Hypostatic Union

7/29/2024

Can God create Himself? Was Jesus created? When we go to heaven, does our knowledge of God continue to grow or does it stay the same? How do we reconcile free will and concupiscence? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Dogma of the Trinity

7/22/2024

Is the trinity only conceptually or universally revealed to mankind as three persons in one substance? If a priest is celebrating Mass and he’s not in the state of grace, is he exempted from consuming the host during consecration? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

What Kind of Messiah?

7/15/2024

Do all men cheat on their spouses? Should we believe visionaries who make claims of sedevacantism? How can we offer Christ up in the Divine Mercy Chaplet? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Spouse of Mary

7/8/2024

What is a Norbertine? Why do Catholics worship false gods? Who was Mary's spouse? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Holy Doors

7/1/2024

Is it a sin to refuse a beggar? How do dispensations work? How do we know that the Catholic Church was the Church founded by Jesus? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Replacing Judas

6/24/2024

Can I, a Catholic, marry my Jewish girlfriend? Why is missing Mass a mortal sin? What happened to Joseph Barsabbas aka Justus after he was not chosen to replace Judas? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Improve Your Prayer Life

6/17/2024

Fr. John remembers Al Kresta. What can I say in confession if I can’t remember all my sins? Jesus says to keep his commandments and his statutes. What are his statutes? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Blessing Refusal And Being Pastoral

6/10/2024

Fr. Trigilio takes a question about a refused blessing.

Teaching Transubstantiation

6/3/2024

Why do priests wear vestments? Can I repurpose a blessed object? Where does the teaching of transubstantiation come from? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding

5/27/2024

Can you tell me what happens to the purificator cloth after the mass since they contain body of Christ. Do they burn them in fire? What is the difference between Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Immortality of the Soul

5/20/2024

If our bodies are to be buried intact when we die, should an amputee be buried with his amputated limb? Does not following the GIRM make the Mass illicit? What are Holy Days of obligation? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

It Is Finished

5/13/2024

What happens to the soul when somebody goes to communion with mortal sin? Did God the Father die when Jesus died? What was the Catholic response to the Protestant Reformation? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Poor in Spirit

5/6/2024

Was Moses the only person to see God's face? Why do have to recite the Rosary out loud? What does it mean to be poor in spirit? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Souls of the Miscarried

4/29/2024

What is the soul? What is the role of the deacon in the Catholic Church? What happens to the souls of the miscarried? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Hard To Understand Perpetual Virginity

4/22/2024

(Evergreen) Hard to understand the #Catholic belief in Mary's perpetual virginity, is it possible to be perfect?, and do Catholics worship Mary and the Saints?

Treating Gender Dysphoria in a Catholic Way

4/15/2024

What does canon law about who should be handling the Eucharist during adoration? My relative is experiencing gender dysphoria but wants to remain Catholic. What are some resources that would be helpful to him? and more on today's mailbag edition of Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Solar Eclipse Edition

4/8/2024

Why are three oils blessed at the Chrism Mass? What happens to the old oil? Did Christ die for all or for many? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Looking for Christ

4/1/2024

I find it difficult to tell my wife she is not worthy to receive Communion, any advice? For a funeral over the Easter Triduum, how did they have the Blessed Sacrament available? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Holy Week Mailbag

3/25/2024

If God is unchanging, did he have a body eternally, and how does the incarnation relate to God being eternal?, What is the best way to explain the Trinity to younger students?, Given that the tree of knowledge of good and evil was where sin came from; could God have created the Garden of Eden without it?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Mass for Dogs?

3/18/2024

Why did the Protestants break off from the Catholic Church and are they close to reunification? Is a confession invalid if the priest can't hear all of our sins? What does mortification of the senses mean? and more on today's Open Line with guest host Dr. David Anders.

This Day You Will Be with Me in Paradise

3/11/2024

Why should we appeal to natural law in moral debates? How do you respond to Protestants about Judith and the deuterocanonical books being historically inaccurate? Where did the thief on the cross go? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Holy Water

3/4/2024

Is it okay to listen to a recitation of the Rosary with my headphones while praying the Rosary? Can I be a Catholic, with next to no Marian Devotion? Did Jesus descend to a physical hell? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Sacrifice of the Mass

2/26/2024

What is your advice for someone about to receive the Eucharist for the first time? How can I evangelize a Christian neighbor of mine without pushing her away or ruining the friendship? Is it good to pray the same prayers for years or can I mix it up? and more on today's Open Line with Guest Host Dr. David Anders.

What is Lent About?

2/19/2024

Will one mortal sin actually send someone to hell? Could a civilian leader end the Great Schism? What is Lent about? and more on today's Open Line with guest host Dr. David Anders.

Venerate versus Worship of Saints

2/12/2024

Are Protestant baptisms valid? Can you explain the difference between veneration and worship of the saints? When is it permissible for laypeople to baptize? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Is There A Hierarchy In The Trinity?

2/5/2024

Is there a hierarchy in the Trinity?

Communion of Saints

1/29/2024

Why did they eliminate the Season of Septuagesima from the church calendar? How are we meant to understand the terms “binding” and “loosing” in the gospel of Matthew? Before a saint is canonized, can we ask someone who is dead to pray for us if we don’t know if they are in heaven with God? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Eucharist and Salvation

1/22/2024

Why are we being dared to say the Our Father? Why do we no longer say the word One in the Collect, as in one God forever and ever? Is the Eucharist necessary for salvation? and more on today's Open Line Monday with Fr. John Trigilio.

Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. Day Mailbag

1/15/2024

Your e-mails and listener comment line calls are answered on a special mailbag edition of Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Pray for the Dead

1/8/2024

Do we have any citations from Scripture that our Lord blessed couples in irregular/sinful relationships? What is the Catholic Church's teaching on divorce and marriage? When my father died, my priest said now you pray TO him not FOR him. This confused me, I thought we are to pray for the deceased. and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Jesus' Missing Years

1/1/2024

Why do the US bishops insist on parking a Holy Day on January 1? Why are there no stories about Jesus during his teen years? Why did they name him Emmanuel, but we call him Jesus? Why was Jesus Jewish and we are Catholic? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Why Did the Three Kings Leave Jesus?

12/18/2023

Why did the 3 Kings leave Jesus after seeing him in the Nativity? If a priest celebrates a Mass without certain vestments, is it invalid? If a person knows he needs to abstain from Communion, is he still part of the sacrifice? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Messianic Secret

12/11/2023

What is the last judgement? Can you speak about worship regarding the cross, saints, Mary? What’s the distinction between spiritual gluttony and the pursuit of wisdom? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

In Praise of Mary

12/4/2023

Do we praise Mary? Why does the Church allow organ donation but not the scattering of ashes? Is the anointing of the sick as efficacious if the person is unconscious? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The New Jerusalem

11/27/2023

Should priests use hand sanitizer during the Mass? Did Jesus turn water into wine or grape juice? What does the word church mean when Jesus said upon this rock, I will build my church? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Types of Purgatory

11/20/2023

Why do priests wear uniforms? Why does God allow torture? Are Catholics bound to believe in a specific type of Purgatory? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

God's Will

11/13/2023

How many masses should we say for the souls in Purgatory? My daughter is gay, she sent me an ultimatum letter, what should I do? Was yesterday's second reading about the rapture? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

There Are No Wasted Prayers

11/6/2023

What are sacraments and what are graces? Do they involve salvation? Why did God create the devil? How does each person of the Trinity have separate wills and yet, are one God? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Patron Saint of Pregnancy

10/30/2023

When did some Christians start rejecting Halloween? Are there any prayers for the unborn? What advantage do the souls in heaven who have a high degree of glory have over those souls with a low degree of glory? and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Improving Homilies At Mass

10/16/2023

Improving homilies at mass, can you tell me more about plenary indulgences, and can you explain the thing about the lone demon bringing more demons back with him? #homily #Catholic #plenaryindulgence #demon

The Intercession of Our Blessed Mother

10/2/2023

Does God purposefully place obstacles in your way in order to keep you back from something not part of His will for you?, How can I explain to a non-Catholic why Catholics ask for Mary’s intercession?, Is it true that we only must receive the Eucharist once a year?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Wonderful Affirmation of God's Mercy

9/25/2023

If God knew that there was going to be so much suffering, why did he create us at all?, Is it sinful to receive Communion when you’ve arrived late to Mass?, Why do you have to go to a priest to confess sin?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Baptized in Jesus Name?

9/18/2023

Have they found Sodom and Gomorrah?, Should we be baptized only in Jesus' name?, How can I prove the Bible is divinely inspired?, and more on today's mailbag edition of Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Heavenly Citizenship

9/11/2023

When Jesus told the good thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise," was he referring to the Beatific Vision?, What is the Church's teachings about doing yoga for health benefits?, Why infant baptism?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Redemptive Suffering

9/4/2023

Did Adam and Eve really exist?, Are we worthy to pray to God?, What is the role of divorced people in the Church?, and more on this special mailbag edition of Open Line Monday with Fr. John Trigilio.

Via Negativa

8/28/2023

What kind of body will we have after the resurrection?, How can I help my fallen away family members back to the Church?, How can I prove to someone who is not a Catholic that the early Christians really were Catholics?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Form and Matter

8/21/2023

If I pray the same prayer over and over, will God come through with an answer?, Are novenas superstitious?, Is God the creator of all life?, Did Tradition evolve over time, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Explaining Purgatory

8/14/2023

How can I, with absolute certainty, know that I detest sin more because of my love for God than my fear of hell?, My daughter is going to be a surrogate for her friend. What does the Catholic Church teach about this?, How can I explain Purgatory?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Assigned Devils

8/7/2023

How do we know that the altar in Boalsburg, PA is the one Christopher Columbus had on his flag ship?, When did celebrating daily Mass become commonplace?, Is there a devil assigned to every person?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Faith and Works

7/31/2023

Why do we need to go to Confession if we believe in the power of prayer?, Does the part of the Lord’s Prayer that says, “Give us this day our daily bread,” refer to us receiving the Eucharist daily?, Did Mary sin at any time in her life?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Role of the Sacraments

7/24/2023

The role of the sacraments is discussed, How can we argue against penal substitution?, How do we get saved?, and more on today's Open Line with guest host Dr. David Anders.

The Two Judgements

7/17/2023

Can you receive the Eucharist more than once in the same day?, How many of the hand gestures and movements at Mass are appropriate?, Is it okay to chew the Eucharist?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Hiddenness of God

7/10/2023

How are we supposed to reconcile “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” with the idea of taking up our cross?, Are the souls of the dead aware of what occurs here amongst the living?, How can we know what is from God when we use our conscience?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Importance of Reconciliation

7/3/2023

Why is it ok to call a priest father?, Why was Mary Magdalene not to hold on to Jesus?, How are Bishops chosen?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Helping the Homeless

6/26/2023

What is the best way to help homeless beggars on the street that leads them to a better life?, Did Adam and Eve exist?, Is polygamy a sin?, Does 1 Corinthians 4:6 prove sola scriptura?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Helping the Poor

6/19/2023

What does the Catholic Church teach about when a person's soul is infused into a body?, Please give me your thoughts on what I can do to help the poor, Do I tithe to the first and second collection or do I just give a chosen amount?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

What Happens When You Die?

6/12/2023

What happens when you die?, why use the word "but" in deliver us from evil?, what is the Synod of Synodality?, and dealing with vengeful Psalms.

Consequences of Free Will

6/5/2023

What are the requirements to receive the Eucharist?, When Jesus returns at the final judgment, what will happen to the earth and creation?, Can you explain free will?, and more on today's Open Line Monday with Fr. John Trigilio.

Memorial Day Mailbag

5/29/2023

How can venial sins be forgiven?, Who is the beloved disciple?, What to do with the cremated remains of a relative?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Where Did Jesus Ascend From?

5/22/2023

How did Elijah get to Heaven?, What did Paul mean when he said, "I have become all things to all people"?, Where did Jesus ascend from?, and more on today's Open Line Monday with guest host John Martignoni.

The Immortality of the Soul

5/15/2023

If our bodies are to be buried intact when we die, should an amputee be buried with his amputated limb?, Does not following the GIRM make the Mass illicit?, What are Holy Days of obligation?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Treating Gender Dysphoria in a Catholic Way

5/8/2023

What does canon law about who should be handling the Eucharist during adoration?, My relative is experiencing gender dysphoria but wants to remain Catholic. What are some resources that would be helpful to him?, and more on today's mailbag edition of Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Hard To Understand Perpetual Virginity

5/1/2023

Hard to understand the #Catholic belief in Mary's perpetual virginity, is it possible to be perfect?, and do Catholics worship Mary and the Saints?

Die to Your Self

4/24/2023

What is the Catholic belief in the Holy Spirit? When you commit a mortal sin, does the Holy Spirit leave you?, What is a Catholic’s obligation to accept and not question Catholic teaching?, How do I die to myself? What does that mean?, and more on today's Open Line with guest host Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers.

Contributions of Christian Denominations

4/17/2023

Should we venerate a cross or crucifix on Good Friday?, Is it sinful to throw away religious materials?, Do all Christian denominations contribute to the Church?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Strive for Holiness

4/10/2023

I don't believe the apostles were real, Are there any living descendants of Biblical people?, Is Christ present in the Greek Orthodox sacraments?, and more on today's Open Line with guest host John Martignoni.

Holy Week Mailbag

4/3/2023

If God is unchanging, did he have a body eternally, and how does the incarnation relate to God being eternal?, What is the best way to explain the Trinity to younger students?, Given that the tree of knowledge of good and evil was where sin came from; could God have created the Garden of Eden without it?, and more on today's Open Line Monday with Fr. John Trigilio.

Close Proximity to Holiness Itself

3/27/2023

A priest mentioned in his sermon the other day that Mary Magdalene (the woman who dried the feet of Jesus with her hair) was ALSO the sister of Lazarus. How did I miss that?, How does the Catholic Church view baptism from Protestants?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

What is Heaven Like?

3/20/2023

I have a Protestant friend who said that the Levitical priesthood went away with Judaism and he wants to know why we have priests in the Catholic Church. How should I respond?, How do we defend the infallibility of the papacy?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Road is Narrow

3/13/2023

How can I practice Lent when no one else in the house understands or cares about it?, How can I explain infant baptism to people who believe a child should make that choice?, and more on today's Open Line with guest host Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers.

Jesus Christ is God's Mercy

3/6/2023

If you were to doe immediately after going to confession, would you go straight to Heaven?, What's the difference between the soul and spirit?, Why do we deserve God's mercy?, and more on today's Open Line with guest host Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers.

Overcoming Attachment to Sin

2/27/2023

How do you change your attachment to a sin you have done repeatedly in the past?, What does the Church teach about dreams and interpretations? Does God really speak to us in that way?, How can I defend Mary’s Immaculate Conception to a non-Catholic?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Eucharist as Sacrifice

2/20/2023

Can you explain why Jesus says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, Why was Satan allowed to do so much to Job’s family?, How can I explain the Eucharist as a sacrifice?, and more on today's Open Line mailbag with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Orgin of Original Sin

2/13/2023

In the book of Revelation, at the end of time it talks about the Antichrist. Is this a real person or a mentality?, When was Jesus aware that he was the Lord?, How did the Church develop the concept of original sin?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

Eye of the Needle

2/6/2023

Why do Catholic theologians and apologists seem to elevate the writings of so-called canonized saints as if their writings are inspired?, How would you explain that Jesus had to establish a Church?, What is a mortal sin and what does the Church teach about it?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

God Exists!

1/30/2023

Do you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that God exists?, Why did St. Joseph have to die?, What would happen to the Church if the Pope developed a severe case of Alzheimer’s disease?, and more on today's Open Line with Fr. John Trigilio.

The Eucharist and Salvation

1/23/2023

Why are we being dared to say the Our Father?, Why do we no longer say the word One in the Collect, as in one God forever and ever?, Is the Eucharist necessary for salvation?, and more on today's Open Line Monday with Fr. John Trigilio.

Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. Day Mailbag

1/16/2023

How does a plenary indulgence upon death work?, How can i surrender completely to God?, Who are the poor?, and more on today's special mailbag edition of Open Line.

Jesus' Missing Years

1/9/2023

Why do the US bishops insist on parking a Holy Day on January 1?, Why are there no stories about Jesus during his teen years?, Why did they name him Emmanuel but we call him Jesus?, Why was Jesus Jewish and we are Catholic?, and more on today's Open Line.

The Octave of Christmas Mailbag

12/26/2022

Fr. Trigilio answers your questions on a special mailbag edition of Open Line.

Why Did The 3 Kings Leave Jesus?

12/19/2022

Why did the 3 Kings leave #Jesus after seeing him in the #Nativity?, if a #priest celebrates a Mass without certain vestments, is it invalid?, Craig wants suggestions for Catholic universities that are really Catholic and involved in sports, whom would you suggest and if a person knows he needs to abstain from #Communion. is he still part of the sacrifice? #Catholic

The Biblical Basis for Purgatory

12/12/2022

Can you give me a good biblical explanation for Purgatory?, What are the best Bible verses to defend becoming Catholic?, The writers of James and Hebrews seem to have different beliefs about faith and works. Do they disagree on how salvation is obtained?, and more on today's Open Line with guest host John Martignoni.

What Is Modernism?

12/5/2022

What is #Modernism?, the Church's position on #vasectomy, what is a #soul?, and do you go right to #heaven if you got the sacraments before #death? #Catholic #Church #morality #birthcontrol

The State of Grace

11/28/2022

Is it a mortal or venial sin to watch a film where someone takes the Lord’s name in vain?, Has any pope ever died while attempting to introduce error into the Church, thus preserving papal infallibility?, What does it mean that Mary was free from original sin?, and more on today's Open Line.

Sobriety and the Sacraments

11/21/2022

I’m having trouble explaining to my girlfriend how we know in our fullest sense that God is real. I’d like some help on this, Is there any chance that Lucifer will repent? Should we be praying for him to repent? If he does will he be saved and hell would go away?, and more on today's Open Line.

Jesus, Fullness of Revelation

11/14/2022

Why should I become Catholic? Are there more “benefits” than in just being a born-again Christian?, How do I explain to my Protestant friends why we ask for Mary’s intercession instead of going straight to God?, Why is it that Catholics are not allowed to marry unless they intend to have children?, and more on today's Open Line Monday with Fr. John Trigilio

Transgender Movement: An Open Line Special

11/7/2022

Mary Rice Hasson looks at the cultural changes and controversies surrounding the transgender movement with Ryan Anderson, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and author of the book, When Harry Became Sally. Fr. John Trigilio takes your calls.

Mailbag Monday

10/31/2022

What is the role of men and women in the family?, How is the Church not making the Eucharist a false idol?, What degree of specificity in form and kind is necessary for a valid confession?, and more on a special mailbag edition of Open Line Monday with Fr. John Trigilio.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

10/24/2022

How do we become unattached to sins?, Why do we get baptized?, Where does free will end?, What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?, and more on today's Open Line.