Ask a Franciscan

Hearts on a wall

Is There a ‘Hierarchy of Love’? 

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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What Is the Curse of Ham?

What can you tell me about the curse that Noah placed on his son Ham? What about Ham’s brothers, Shem and Japheth? Where is this story in the Bible?
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Stone angel in a cemetery

Is Suicide a Sin?

I once read in a Catholic newspaper that suicide may not be a sin if a person is depressed or mentally ill or does not appreciate that what he or she is doing is wrong. What does the Catholic Church ...
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How Many People Have Received the Stigmata?

Who besides St. Francis of Assisi and St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina have received the stigmata, the marks of Christ’s five wounds? Have any women received the stigmata?
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What Color Vestments Can Be Worn at a Funeral Mass?

I have seen celebrants at funerals wear white, purple or black vestments. Are all of these colors permitted? Isn’t this a Mass of Resurrection?
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Are Catholic Schools the Answer?

Why do so many graduates of Catholic schools become agnostics or atheists or join other churches? Doesn’t the Bible say that there will be great punishment for those who lead others astray?
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Anglican Bishops Who Become Roman Catholics

If a bishop from the Anglican Church or the Episcopal Church becomes a Latin-rite Catholic, is he still considered a bishop? Does he then become a recipient of apostolic succession?
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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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Ask a Franciscan

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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