Is There a ‘Hierarchy of Love’?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 24, 2025
In January, Vice President JD Vance was in the news regarding his interpretation of St. Augustine of Hippo’s expression ordo amoris (order of love or hierarchy of love).
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Handling Post-Abortion Guilt
Pat McCloskey, OFM
August 24, 2017
I have had two abortions. My friend at work told me that the Catholic faith can help me with the massive guilt that I feel. Please tell me how. Thanks for writing. You are not alone in realizing that an ...
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How Can Mary Be the ‘Mother of God’?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
August 24, 2017
In the second part of the Hail Mary, we say, "Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. " My fundamentalist brother wants to know how Mary can be the ...
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Purgatory Seems Unnecessary
Pat McCloskey, OFM
July 24, 2017
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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Will My Husband Know Me in Heaven?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 22, 2017
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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Questions about Heaven
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 23, 2017
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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Why Pray to Mary and the Saints?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 24, 2017
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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