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?

Is Christopher Still A Saint?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

I have believed in St. Christopher and carried a medal of him for over 40 years. Now I have heard that the Catholic Church no longer considers him a saint. Is that true?

Is a Private Marriage OK?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

We decided to get married before God but privately. We knelt down before a crucifix and made our wedding vows before God. Have we committed a sin and, if so, what should we do?

When Catholics Marry Protestants

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

Can a practicing Catholic marry a Protestant in that person’s church, before his or her minister? Regarding the Baptism and education of children from that marriage, may the Catholic party accept either Catholic or Protestant Baptism?

Celebrate or Mourn a Person’s Life?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

I recently saw a death notice that read, “A Funeral Mass celebrating Ray’s life will begin....” That sounds to me like a non-Catholic notice. Aren’t we supposed to mourn when a family member, friend or acquaintance dies?

Who Was John Calvin?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

What caused other Christian groups to become separate? For example, who was John Calvin and what did he teach that a denomination is sometimes called “Calvinist”?

Does Mary Fall Short of God’s Glory?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

In Romans 3:23, St. Paul writes, “For... all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.” The New Revised Standard Version reads, “have fallen short of the glory of God.” Does this include Mary, the Mother of Jesus?

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