Ask a Franciscan
Why Was Pope John XXIII's Feast Moved
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 11, 2020
When Pope John XXIII was beatified in 2000, the date assigned for his feast was October 11, the day that Vatican II began in 1962. The feast has since been moved to June 3, the day he died in 1963. Why the change?
How Could Jesus ‘Be Sin’?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 11, 2020
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that God made “him [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (602). What does this mean? How can the Son of ...
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What Do All Those Initials Mean?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 11, 2020
Your November 2010 issue included the following abbreviations after the names of priests, brothers or sisters: O.F.M., F.S.P., T.O.R., O.S.B. and O.S.F. Where can I find out what these represent?
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Too Many Clergy Among Canonized Saints?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 11, 2020
Who was the last saint canonized who was not a member of the clergy? Are only Catholics recognized as saints? Can a non-Christian become a saint?
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Why Is Abraham So Important?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 11, 2020
In a prayer to the Archangel Michael, we ask him at the hour of our death to carry us to the bosom of Abraham. Is Abraham more important than all the saints?
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Why Is Jerusalem Called a Woman?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 11, 2020
In Isaiah 40:2, God tells the prophet: “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated. Indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her ...
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Why Is St. Joseph Overlooked?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 11, 2020
When will St. Joseph receive from Catholics the respect that he clearly deserves?
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