Ask a Franciscan
Martyrs and Canonization
Pat McCloskey, OFM
July 3, 2026
Q: The feast of Saint Charles Lwanga and companion martyrs (June 3) recently raised a question for me. On July 17, 1794, 16 Carmelite nuns were guillotined in Compiègne, France, for their faith. As a secular Carmelite, I have always considered them a beacon of love and uncompromising faith. Doesn’t the fact that they were martyred for their faith automatically make them saints? Why would any miracles be needed?
Why Is St. Joseph Overlooked?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
July 2, 2026
When will St. Joseph receive from Catholics the respect that he clearly deserves?
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One Intention or Many Intentions?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
July 1, 2026
All the Catholic parishes in our area conclude the general intercessions during Mass by adding, “And for all the personal intentions that we hold in our hearts.” I consider this a questionable practice because the priest is supposed to be ...
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Pollution as a Moral Issue
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 30, 2026
It seems that the weather is becoming more extreme and that air pollution is a factor in this. Has pollution become a moral issue? I think people should stop driving so much.
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Do Declarations of Nullity Create Illegitimacy?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 29, 2026
My son and my daughter-in-law are divorced and remarried. They are considering seeking declarations of nullity for their first marriages. A priest they consulted said that annulments do not make children from that marriage illegitimate. Is that what the Catholic ...
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Is Gambling a Sin?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 26, 2026
Is it a sin to place a bet on a horse race? What about lotteries or betting on sports contests? What does the Catholic Church think about playing slot machines? At times it seems that the Church opposes gambling, but ...
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The Holocaust and Human Evil
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 25, 2026
If God is all-powerful and all-good, why does evil exist?
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