Ask A Franciscan

Facing Up to Systemic Racism 

Apr 24, 2021 Ask a Franciscan
What do I tell the students in my CCD class when they ask me what the Catholic Church says about systemic racism?
Facing Up to Systemic Racism 

Seeking the Purpose of My Life 

Apr 24, 2021 Ask a Franciscan
What has been the purpose of my life? Why was I ever born? What is the purpose of life for an average person such as myself? 
Seeking the Purpose of My Life 

Are We Unconsciously Always Sinning?

Apr 24, 2021 Ask a Franciscan
The US bishops say racism can be either conscious or unconscious. My older teenage son argues that we can never be forgiven because of our unconscious mind’s nature. How can I answer him?
Are We Unconsciously Always Sinning? | Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

Are Catholics Allowed to Own Guns? 

Mar 26, 2021 Ask a Franciscan
In light of the chaos in the United States and around the world, are Catholics allowed to own guns or support the National Rifle Association? 
Are Catholics Allowed to Own Guns? 

Pilate’s Role in Jesus’ Death 

Mar 26, 2021 Ask a Franciscan
How are Christians to accept two completely different versions of Christ’s trial before Pilate?
Pilate’s Role in Jesus’ Death 

Quick Questions and Answers

Mar 26, 2021 Ask a Franciscan
Why is there no Gospel account of Jesus’ meeting with his mother right after his resurrection or in the 40 days before his ascension?
Quick Questions and Answers

Quick Questions and Answers

Feb 26, 2021 Ask a Franciscan
I would like a priest or layperson to recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy beside me as I am dying. Is this a vital preparation for one’s soul to enter heaven?
Quick Questions and Answers

What Is the Meaning of the Tau Cross?

Feb 26, 2021 Ask a Franciscan
Why do Franciscans so often wear a Tau cross or use it in their artwork? Also, compared to the crosses we usually see, why doesn’t it have a top part?
What Is the Meaning of the Tau Cross?

Was St. Joseph a Virgin?

Feb 26, 2021 Ask a Franciscan
Eucharistic Prayer I refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as “ever virgin” but does not use the same expression for St. Joseph. Why?
Was St. Joseph a Virgin?
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Do you have a question for our own Father Pat McCloskey? The author of St. Anthony Messenger’s popular “Ask a Franciscan” column is ready to answer your toughest questions!

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