Catholic practices, explained
Why do Catholics do this?
Gestures and beliefs many people follow without anyone ever explaining them — in plain words, with the Bible, the history and the sources.
Prayer and gestures
- Why do Catholics make the Sign of the Cross?A prayer in three seconds, made with the whole body5 min
- Why pray the Rosary — and where did it come from?Walking through the Gospel, one bead at a time7 min
- What is Eucharistic Adoration?Time spent simply being with Jesus4 min
- Why do Catholics kneel?Prayer with the body4 min
Sacraments
Mary and the saints
- Why do Catholics ask saints to pray for them?Like asking a friend to pray — a friend who is already with God5 min
- Why Mary?Everything Catholics believe about her is really about Jesus6 min
- Why do Catholics keep relics?Holiness happened in real bodies5 min
- What is the difference between worship and veneration?Adoration is for God alone4 min
The Church
Coming next
- What are sacraments?
- Why baptism?
- Why Confirmation?
- Why fasting?
- Why holy water?
- Why candles?
- Why statues and sacred images?
- Why pilgrimages?
- What is a novena?
- What is a blessing?
- Why do priests wear different colours?
- What is Lent?
- What is Advent?
- What is Pentecost?