Ask a Franciscan

Was Jesus Born in December?

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 21, 2024

Do we celebrate Christmas in December because we know he was born in that month? If not, why is his birth celebrated then?

Why We Should Pray the Rosary

Pat McCloskey, OFM November 30, 2020

Both my children, graduates of Catholic schools, are studying the Bible and want to know where it says that we should to pray the rosary to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Who Assigns Patron Saints?

Pat McCloskey, OFM November 30, 2020

How is the patron saint of an occupation, a country, or a group of people decided? Specifically, how did St. Nicholas come to be the patron saint of brides, grooms, children, bakers, and pawnbrokers?

I remember hearing priests talk about “saying” Mass at a particular time and place. Now I hear people talk about “praying” the Mass. I’ve been to many Masses in various settings over the years. Why the difference?

Woman with hands folded | Photo by Jaee Kim on Unsplash

Confession Helps in Many Ways

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 13, 2020

Confession has been a really sore spot for me but, having been raised a Catholic, I do love the Church and all the other sacraments. I am sure there are priests I could go to for confession, but I feel ...

St. Francis and His Time with the Sultan

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 7, 2020

How did St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil become friends?

Who Informed the Biblical Writers?

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 28, 2020

How did the gentlemen who gathered together to write the Bible do so? Where did their information come from? The holy Bible is beautifully written. When was it written? How did they know all the details? Ultimately, God inspired them ...

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