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 Doesn’t the Church Rule on Stigmatics?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

In one of your columns, you mentioned in passing that the church does not rule on stigmatics. Why is that?

Was Samuel Really Conjured Up?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

In 1 Samuel 28:8-18, Saul asks the witch of Endor to conjure up the prophet Samuel. When she does, Samuel appears and tells Saul that he will lose a battle against the Philistines the following day. Did Samuel really appear?

Tribulation Statements in the Bible

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke have several tribulation statements. So, too, do the Second Letter of Peter and other parts of Scripture. What do skilled exegetes say about these statements?

Christ’s Real Presence

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

Why is it that some Catholics do not believe in Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist?

Taking God’s Name in Vain

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

I cannot begin to express my outrage regarding the abuse of God’s name and Jesus’ name on television and in the theater. The media seem indifferent toward blasphemy.

Benefits of the Mass

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

In your column, you wrote, “The person for whom the Mass is offered does not receive all its benefits.” Except for not receiving the Eucharist, what benefit is not received by that person? Is there some percentage at work here? ...

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