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 a Catholic Marry a Lutheran?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

Will this marriage be recognized by the Catholic Church? Can a Catholic priest give a blessing?

Were All the Apostles Single?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

Were all the apostles single men when they began to follow Jesus? Is there anything in the Bible on this? Is that why the Catholic Church ordains only single men?

Why Go Barefoot?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

I know that some Carmelites are referred to as “discalced,” meaning that they don’t wear shoes. Is this some form of mortification?

Why Two Judgments?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

In parochial school, I learned that there is a particular judgment when a person dies and that there will also be a general judgment at the end of the world. Why?

Did John the Baptist Doubt Jesus?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

After John described Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (Jn 1:36), Andrew and another disciple left John to follow Jesus. Was John the Baptist having doubts about who Jesus was?

Why Does the Celtic Cross Have a Ring?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

A friend recently gave me a Celtic cross. I have always liked that design, but I have never known why it includes a ring. Please explain.

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