Ask a Franciscan

a painting of a Mary and Jesus

Was Jesus Born in December? 

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

In Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9, we read that Jesus was eating at the home of “Simon the leper” when Jesus was anointed with costly perfumed oil. Did Jesus heal Simon of his leprosy?
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The Holy Family’s Arrival in Nazareth

According to Luke, the Holy Family went to Nazareth a little more than 40 days after Jesus was born. Matthew’s Gospel suggests it may have been several years later. Which was it?
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‘Is Every Encyclical Infallible?’

I know that the pope’s infallibility is not a personal trait but is part of his office as the successor of St. Peter. Even so, is every encyclical infallible?
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Widowed Deacons

A Catholic neighbor recently told me her parish priest said that if a deacon’s wife dies, the Church forbids him from marrying again. What is the reasoning behind this Church ruling?
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Mary as ‘Mirror of Justice’

I pray the rosary and the Litany of Loreto daily for world peace and the end of abortion. What does the litany’s invocation ‘mirror of justice’ mean?
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Are the Knights of Columbus Anti-gay?

Q. I recently heard that the Knights of Columbus spent over $500,000 on anti-gay literature. Where is this hatred of gays coming from? Also, can my local pastor refuse me Communion at Mass if I tell him that I am ...
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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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