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?

Can Second Cousins Marry?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

A niece of my husband has become very close to one of her second cousins. They and some family members are questioning if they are too closely related to marry one another. Are they?

Must I Take All Medications Prescribed?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

My wife and I are in our early 70s and each of us has quite a few medical problems. If we stopped taking all our medications and stopped going to our many doctors, we would shorten our lives. Would the ...

Give Up Something Else for Lent?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

The Church decided that Catholics could eat meat on Fridays outside Lent. As I remember, there was a slight catch: We were to give up something else.

Can People Who Choose Cremation Go to Heaven?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

My aunt says that her parish priest told her that God will not raise at the Last Judgment anyone who has chosen to be cremated. Is that true? If so, why?

Which Eucharistic Prayer?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

How do presiders decide which eucharistic prayer to use?

Finding a Saint's Feast Day

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

Last February, I realized that our parish did not celebrate the feast of St. Valentine. Does this mean that he may have been a true saint but, due to poor record-keeping, has been forgotten? Was he ever officially recognized as ...

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