Ask a Franciscan

Four people reading sheet music and singing

Can We Sing the Our Father?

Why can’t we sing the Our Father at Mass? When I asked our parish organist, the response was that our parish was told not to do this.

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What Was That ‘Good News’?

In Luke 9:6, we read that the 12 apostles "went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. " What was that "good news "? The Gospels were not yet written. Similarly, what did St. Paul ...
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How Can I Forgive Him?

My neighbor of many years was recently arrested for viewing child pornography. I've known him and his beautiful family since they moved into our neighborhood; I had considered him a pillar of the community.
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Purgatory Seems Unnecessary

As Catholics, we believe that faith and works are needed to get to heaven. If Jesus died for our sins, why is purgatory needed? Didn't he already repair what was needed? Catholics don't regard faith and works as though they ...
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graves

Will My Husband Know Me in Heaven?

I believe and hope to be with my loved ones someday in heaven. Will my husband, who died almost two years ago, know me and still love me? How will he look? If I have hurt anyone in my lifetime, ...
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sky and clouds

Questions about Heaven

Where is heaven? Will my husband who died two years ago know me and still love me? If we have hurt people, will they have forgiven us by the time we get to heaven? What if there's nothing beyond a ...
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Blessed Virgin Mary statue

Why Pray to Mary and the Saints?

Why do Catholics pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to various saints? Is there anything in the Bible to back this up? Can't this be considered idol worship? Why not pray directly to God? The mother of Jesus Christ ...
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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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