Ask a Franciscan

Hearts on a wall

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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A pair of wedding bands symbolizing the sacrament of marriage is depicted in a stained-glass window at St. Isabel Church in Sanibel, Fla. (OSV News photo/CNS filer, Gregory A. Shemitz)

Is Marriage Really a Sacrament?

May 9, 2020
How can marriage possibly be a sacrament? Yes, Jesus attended a wedding feast, spoke of the Kingdom of God in terms of a wedding banquet, and used the Genesis creation story to support the idea of union.
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Isn’t There Something More?

May 9, 2020
How can I learn more about the Church and where I could be useful, other than taking up pew space?
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Person wrapping their hands with red boxing wrap

Is Boxing a Sin?

May 9, 2020
Is competing in a boxing or karate competition wrong? Am I sinning by training my body and mind to defeat my opponents? By risking injury to myself?
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Spiritual Role of Fathers

May 9, 2020
What does the Catholic Church teach about the role of fathers in the family? This seems to be a neglected area.
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The Sorrowful Mother

May 9, 2020
I recently came across the title "Our Lady of Sorrows" for Mary. I've never heard of this before and wonder about its origin and meaning.
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Origins of the Celibacy Rule

May 9, 2020
When did the Roman Catholic Church begin to require celibacy before a man could be ordained a priest? Why? Doesn’t this suggest that marriage is inferior to celibacy?
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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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