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Is There a ‘Hierarchy of Love’? 

April 24, 2025
In January, Vice President JD Vance was in the news regarding his interpretation of St. Augustine of Hippo’s expression ordo amoris (order of love or hierarchy of love).
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The Pilgrim Statue of Fatima

May 9, 2020
Can you tell me anything about the pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima? I’ve been to Fatima and am very interested in the statue which I see mentioned in our Catholic paper as being at various churches. What is ...
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Eucharist: Symbol or Reality?

May 9, 2020
In our missalette for the Solemnity of the Epiphany the prayer over the gifts, the bread and wine, speaks of them as symbolizing Christ. But don’t most priests say they are really the body and blood of Jesus Christ?
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What Really Happened to Judas?

May 9, 2020
What happened to Judas? Is Judas in hell? He despaired. What happens when other people fall into despair and kill themselves?
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Why Mortify Myself?

May 9, 2020
I have trouble placing mortification in perspective. I have heard that St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer advised, "Choose mortifications that don't mortify others." What does that mean?
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Why 40? How Is Ash Wednesday’s Date Set?

May 9, 2020
Why is Ash Wednesday 40 days before Easter? What is the significance of the number 40? I know that it is used many times in the Bible (for example, Jesus was in the desert 40 days and 40 nights).
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Did Mary Have Real Freedom?

May 9, 2020
A friend of mine believes that Mary did not have free will as other humans have. Therefore, she had no choice but to say yes to the angel at the Annunciation.
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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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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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