Ask a Franciscan

What About Sins of Omission?

Pat McCloskey, OFM June 24, 2025

I cannot find an examination of conscience for sins of omission. Does such a list exist?

How do I understand and find peace in the death of a parent? Please accept my condolences on the death of your father or mother. Allow yourself to grieve properly but without being absolutely consumed or paralyzed by this death. ...

Praying for a ‘Happy Death’

Pat McCloskey, OFM June 12, 2020

Is it all right to ask God to give someone a happy death?

Still a Leper?

Pat McCloskey, OFM June 12, 2020

In Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9, we read that Jesus was eating at the home of “Simon the leper” when Jesus was anointed with costly perfumed oil. Did Jesus heal Simon of his leprosy?

The Holy Family’s Arrival in Nazareth

Pat McCloskey, OFM June 11, 2020

According to Luke, the Holy Family went to Nazareth a little more than 40 days after Jesus was born. Matthew’s Gospel suggests it may have been several years later. Which was it?

‘Is Every Encyclical Infallible?’

Pat McCloskey, OFM June 11, 2020

I know that the pope’s infallibility is not a personal trait but is part of his office as the successor of St. Peter. Even so, is every encyclical infallible?

Widowed Deacons

Pat McCloskey, OFM June 11, 2020

A Catholic neighbor recently told me her parish priest said that if a deacon’s wife dies, the Church forbids him from marrying again. What is the reasoning behind this Church ruling?

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