Ask a Franciscan
Is There an Official Catholic Bible?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 10, 2026
Years ago in parochial school, I recall that we were told that the Douay-Rheims version was the only one that we were allowed to read. The teacher even said that reading any “Protestant” Bible, especially the King James Version, was sinful.
Tell Me about Indulgences
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 9, 2026
What is the basis of the Church’s authority to grant indulgences? Our Lord did not mention indulgences specifically to my knowledge.
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Monks, Friars, Brothers
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 8, 2026
What difference is there between a monk, a friar, and a brother? Also, members of religious communities place initials after their family name to indicate the community to which they belong. Where can I find a list of those initials?
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How Much Do We Know About Angels?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 7, 2026
I am very interested in angels but haven’t been able to find information about how many categories there are.
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Can We Ever Take the Bible Literally?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 6, 2026
When are we to take Scripture literally and when should we not?
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Assuring a Person’s Salvation
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 3, 2026
Two readers asked the same basic question about final repentance and salvation.
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Should I Forget My Husband’s Abuse?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 2, 2026
I have a bully for a husband. He is always putting me down and yelling.
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