Ask a Franciscan
Individual Successors for Apostles?
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
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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Origin of Saint Francis’ Peace Prayer
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.
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The Bible and Homosexuality
I am very confused about homosexuality. I know it’s a sin, but I don’t understand why society condemns this so much as compared to other sins.
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Should I Forget My Husband’s Abuse?
I have a bully for a husband. He is always putting me down and yelling.
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John, Matthew, and Jesus’ Mission
We were discussing the Gospel (Matthew 9:36—10:8) read on the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time last year. Matthew writes about Jesus' missionary discourse.
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Is It a Sin Not to Be ‘Green’?
Is someone committing a sin by denying the moral implications of ecological choices?
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