Ask a Franciscan

Individual Successors for Apostles?

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 25, 2025

According to Acts 1:26, Matthias was selected to replace Judas, bringing the number of apostles back to 12. I know that the pope, the bishop of Rome, is considered the successor of Peter. Were the other apostles replaced upon their deaths?

Monks, Friars, Brothers

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 24, 2025

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?

Peace Prayer | Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Origin of Saint Francis’ Peace Prayer

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 23, 2025

I keep seeing Saint Francis of Assisi credited as saying, “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” I have looked in several places but cannot find where Saint Francis said this.