Franciscan Media

Ask a Franciscan

Can Second Cousins Marry?

October 3, 2025

A niece of my husband has become very close to one of her second cousins. They and some family members are questioning if they are too closely related to marry one another. Are they?

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Is Christopher Still A Saint?

October 2, 2025
I have believed in St. Christopher and carried a medal of him for over 40 years. Now I have heard that the Catholic Church no longer considers him a saint. Is that true?
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Golden statue of Saint Joan of Arc on a horse

Were Any Soldiers Saints?

October 1, 2025
Are there any saints who were soldiers? What was their faith journey like?
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‘Catholics Seem Obsessed with Mary’

September 30, 2025
I am an evangelical Christian who is seriously considering conversion to Catholicism. Why do Catholics seem obsessed with Mary?
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The Cowl Doesn’t Make the Monk

September 29, 2025
Who decreed that all clergy and the majority of the many orders of brothers and sisters must wear black?
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What Is Americanism?

September 28, 2025
Is Americanism a heresy? If so, what does it mean? The person who introduced me to this term was not very clear about its meaning.
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People connecting and talking with each other.

God’s Will, Human Freedom

September 27, 2025
I believe that from all eternity God has planned our world and knew exactly what would occur. When I was created, God knew what I would do, when, where and how.
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Ask a Franciscan

Do you have a question for Father Pat McCloskey, OFM? The author of St. Anthony Messenger's popular "Ask a Franciscan" column in ready to answer your toughest questions!

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