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?

A Priest’s Prayer

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 25, 2020

I am not doing what I should in order to enter the gates of heaven. Could you send me a daily prayer? I need to change my life, but do not know where to begin.

One of my close friends believes in reincarnation. My Catholic education and faith leave me with no reason to believe in multiple lives. Among other things, my friend claims that all mention of reincarnation was removed from the Bible in ...

Can Ashes Be Scattered?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 24, 2020

I understand the Church’s regulations on cremation. In view of the events of last summer, what are the Church’s regulations on the final disposition of the deceased person’s ashes? May they be cast to the winds at sea?

The Symbolism of Incense

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 24, 2020

Would you explain why the priest uses incense at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and other ceremonies?

Monks, Friars, Brothers

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 24, 2020

What difference is there between a monk, a friar, and a brother? Also, members of religious communities place initials after their family name to indicate the community to which they belong. Where can I find a list of those initials?

‘I Believe’ or ‘We Believe’ in the Nicene Creed?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 24, 2020

On Sundays and holy days of obligation, we recite the Nicene Creed. We begin by saying, “We believe in one God….” Although this is the first person plural, this prayer’s Latin text reads “Credo” (“I believe,” first person singular).

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