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 Mortify Myself?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

I have trouble placing mortification in perspective. I have heard that St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer advised, "Choose mortifications that don't mortify others." What does that mean?

Why 40? How Is Ash Wednesday’s Date Set?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

Why is Ash Wednesday 40 days before Easter? What is the significance of the number 40? I know that it is used many times in the Bible (for example, Jesus was in the desert 40 days and 40 nights).

Did Mary Have Real Freedom?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

A friend of mine believes that Mary did not have free will as other humans have. Therefore, she had no choice but to say yes to the angel at the Annunciation.

A pair of wedding bands symbolizing the sacrament of marriage is depicted in a stained-glass window at St. Isabel Church in Sanibel, Fla. (OSV News photo/CNS filer, Gregory A. Shemitz)

Is Marriage Really a Sacrament?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

How can marriage possibly be a sacrament? Yes, Jesus attended a wedding feast, spoke of the Kingdom of God in terms of a wedding banquet, and used the Genesis creation story to support the idea of union.

Isn’t There Something More?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

How can I learn more about the Church and where I could be useful, other than taking up pew space?

Person wrapping their hands with red boxing wrap

Is Boxing a Sin?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

Is competing in a boxing or karate competition wrong? Am I sinning by training my body and mind to defeat my opponents? By risking injury to myself?

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