Ask a Franciscan

Illustration of Pope Francis

Does Pope Francis Believe in Hell?

During a recent interview, Pope Francis raised the possibility that no one is in hell. Really? If so, doesn’t that mean, “Anything goes”?  In his January 20 “Letter from Rome” for La Croix International’s e-newsletter, Robert Mickens wrote that the ...
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Grandson kissing his grandmother

Does God Change?

God can appear harsh in the Old Testament, compared to the just and merciful God of today. How is this possible?
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man tying a kid's shoe

What Does the Common Good Mean?

We are living in confusing times, especially with abortion, political lies, gun violence, attacks against the Church, and so on. What is the Catholic Church’s teaching on the common good?
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Bible opened up

A Lector’s Challenge

I have been a lector for many years. Although I had some training as an actor, I have tried not to be too emotive when I proclaim the readings. Until recently, pastors and people in the parish have given very ...
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Marian shrine and statue in the United States

The Oldest Marian Shrine

What is the oldest Marian shrine in the United States?   The Shrine of Our Lady de la Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios in St. Augustine, Florida, was built in 1615. The devotion to Mary as the nursing mother of ...
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Orthodox priest in Ukraine

Catholic and Orthodox Groups in Ukraine

What is the difference between the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church? Are both of those Churches present in the United States?
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Woman applying makeup

Inner and Outer Beauty

Should a laywoman use artificial beauty aids such as hair coloring, nails, eyelashes, or makeup? 
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Do you have a question for Father Pat McCloskey, OFM? The author of St. Anthony Messenger’s popular “Ask a Franciscan” column is ready to answer your toughest questions!

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