Ask a Franciscan

The Cowl Doesn’t Make the Monk

Who decreed that all clergy and the majority of the many orders of brothers and sisters must wear black?

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What Is Americanism?

Is Americanism a heresy? If so, what does it mean? The person who introduced me to this term was not very clear about its meaning.
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People connecting and talking with each other.

God’s Will, Human Freedom

I believe that from all eternity God has planned our world and knew exactly what would occur. When I was created, God knew what I would do, when, where and how.
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What Is the Kingdom of God?

Please explain in simple language the concept of the kingdom of God. What Jesus means by the expression the kingdom of God is accepting God’s values as trustworthy and enough, not needing any “improvements,” as we often describe them.
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Angel in a cemetery. Via Unsplash

Coping With a Mother’s Death

Does God have a specific minute for us to die—known to God before each of us is born?
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Fearing God the Father

I find the infant Jesus and the adult Jesus very approachable. When I think of God the Father, however, I am very afraid.
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Avoiding Public Prayer

My 49-year-old daughter left the Catholic Church several years ago. She loves praying by herself to God the Father but avoids public prayer. How can she not recognize Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament?
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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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