Ask a Franciscan

I was surprised to read in an earlier “Ask” column that John the Apostle did not write the Gospel of John. Who did? We are not entirely sure. First, I should point out that only around the year AD 125 ...

I know that words often have a root meaning. For example, our word sacrament comes from the Latin word sacramentum, which I know St. Augustine described as “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.” In preparing for a ...

I know that this term is strongly supported by some Christians and vigorously challenged by others. When did it originate and what does it mean? 

Father Pat McCloskey, OFM, answers questions about marriage, the rosary, and whether it's a sin to get a tattoo.

What is the absolute root cause of evil? How can an absolute evil (the devil) come from an absolute good (God)?

I keep seeing Saint Francis of Assisi credited as saying, “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” I have looked in several places but cannot find where Saint Francis said this.