Ask a Franciscan

Purgatory on Earth?

I read somewhere a theory that after death we live our lives over again to see the sins we committed, the people we hurt, and that impact on others. At my advanced age, I am constantly recalling various times in my life where I hurt others (in no criminal or unlawful way).

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Grieving Family Members

Q. For six years, I was the sole caregiver of my mom and my aunt. They died eight weeks apart. I miss them so much; they were my best friends, and we did everything together. I still grieve their deaths, especially ...
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Cross for secular franciscans

What Is the Secular Franciscan Order? 

Even though I have long known that there are Franciscan sisters, brothers, and priests, a friend recently told me about a group that is completely new to me: the Secular Franciscan Order.
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Why Roman Catholic?

Why does the Roman Catholic Church call itself that? Jesus stood against everything that the Roman Empire represented—the power, the might and the violence. Rome figured mightily in his death on the cross.
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How Did Evil Begin?

What is the absolute root cause of evil? How can an absolute evil (the devil) come from an absolute good (God)?
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A teacher and students at a Catholic school

Are Catholic Schools the Answer?

Why do so many graduates of Catholic schools become agnostics or atheists or join other churches?
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St. Francis and Mary

Why Was St. Francis So Devoted to Mary? 

I have heard that St. Francis of Assisi was very devoted to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Why? Did Francis write about her? 
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Ask a Franciscan

Do you have a question for Father Pat McCloskey, OFM? The author of our popular "Ask a Franciscan" feature is ready to answer your toughest questions!

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