Ask a Franciscan

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What About Sins of Omission? 

June 24, 2025
I cannot find an examination of conscience for sins of omission. Does such a list exist?
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What Do All Those Initials Mean?

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?

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?

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?

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?

May 11, 2020
When will St. Joseph receive from Catholics the respect that he clearly deserves?
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Evening Mass on Christmas for Sunday?

May 11, 2020
This year Christmas falls on Saturday and the next day is the Feast of the Holy Family. Is it permitted to have a vigil Mass for that feast in the late afternoon or evening of Christmas Day?
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Do you have a question for Father Pat McCloskey, OFM? The author of St. Anthony Messenger’s popular “Ask a Franciscan” column is ready to answer your toughest questions!

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