Ask a Franciscan

Painting of hell

Is Purgatory in the Bible? 

Why do Catholics teach that purgatory exists? I can’t find it in my Bible. 
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Artwork of Jesus Christ surrounded by people

Jesus and Slavery

I have been a Catholic from birth but often have questions about some of the issues we are facing today, such as the evils associated with slavery. The Romans had slaves, but is there any evidence that Jesus condemned that ...
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Change on the Death Penalty

How did Pope Francis recently change the Catholic Church's teaching on the death penalty?
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Why Gluten-Free Hosts?

I understand the Church's teaching on Eucharist. Transubstantiation means it changes completely from bread and wine to the flesh and blood of Jesus. I believe in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. I also understand that our ...
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Man walking on a road

‘I Am Consumed with Guilt and Sorrow’

Q. I am feeling very guilty. I was driving my car and accidentally hit a man with my side mirror. I never saw him, and I don’t know if he stepped in front of me or not. The only reason ...
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Rosary on a bible

My Problem with the Rosary

I was raised Catholic but drifted away in my early 20s. I came back in my late 20s, very much influenced by a man who prayed the rosary with great devotion. Unfortunately, he eventually betrayed me, lied to me, and ...
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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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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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