Ask a Franciscan
Two Feasts for Saint Joseph?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 9, 2025
On March 19, we celebrate Saint Joseph, husband of Mary. On May 1, we celebrate Saint Joseph the Worker. Why are there two feasts for the same saint?
The worldwide Church has long honored St. Joseph, and his feast entered the worldwide calendar in 1324. The feast of St. Joseph the Worker was added in 1955.
Handling Post-Abortion Guilt
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 8, 2025
I have had two abortions. My friend at work told me that the Catholic faith can help me with the massive guilt that I feel. Please tell me how. Thanks for writing. You are not alone in realizing that an ...
Read More →
Nurturing a Franciscan Spirituality
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 8, 2025
I need some practical advice for how to live and grow in Franciscan spirituality as a layperson. Because I am not close to a Secular Franciscan group, I need to do this on my own.
Read More →
Is Agnosticism a Sin?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 7, 2025
I know that being an atheist is looked down upon, but I want to know if being an agnostic is a sin.
Read More →
Why Does God Make the Devil So Powerful?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 6, 2025
If God created the angel Lucifer, who failed God through pride, why didn't God simply dump him in hell instead of allowing him to torment and wreck so many human lives? Isn't God more powerful than Satan? I have heard ...
Read More →
Understanding the Term ‘Born Again’
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 5, 2025
Q. The term born again has become very popular among many Christians now, but I am not sure of its meaning. I suspect that it is misused or misunderstood by many people who proudly use it. Also, we read in ...
Read More →
How Can Mary Be the ‘Mother of God’?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 4, 2025
In the second part of the Hail Mary, we say, "Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen." My fundamentalist brother wants to know how Mary can be the mother ...
Read More →






