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?

Admitting Gross Historical Injustices

Pat McCloskey, OFM February 23, 2024

Call it tribalism, but I’ve always cast a skeptical eye on the Dominicans ever since I learned about their role in the Inquisition. Do you have any advice for thinking about historical misdeeds?

Is Egg Donation Morally Acceptable?

Pat McCloskey, OFM January 25, 2024

A family member is giving her frozen eggs to women who can’t conceive. If we are to preserve human life in all its forms, shouldn’t these eggs be given a chance to live?

Bishops pray at the start of a session of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment at the Vatican Oct. 9, 2018. (OSV News file photo/Paul Haring, CNS)

What Follows the October 2023 Synod?

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 25, 2023

What happens after this four-week meeting during which many diverse viewpoints have been expressed? How will the process work? Will the results wind up in a binder gathering dust?

IVs in a hospital | Photo by insung yoon on Unsplash

What If a Pope Becomes Comatose?

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 24, 2023

When I heard that Pope Francis was undergoing surgery requiring general anesthesia, I wondered who would be in charge of the Church while he was incapacitated.

Can This Child be Baptized?

Pat McCloskey, OFM July 6, 2023

My daughter and her boyfriend are not married but would like their newborn to be baptized in the Catholic Church.

What Will the October 2023 Synod Discuss?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 23, 2023

Pope Francis has called for a synod to be held in Rome, starting in October 2023 with another session in October 2024.

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