Ask a Franciscan
‘I Am Consumed with Guilt and Sorrow’
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 4, 2018
Q. I am feeling very guilty. I was driving my car and accidentally hit a man with my side mirror. I never saw him, and I don’t know if he stepped in front of me or not. The only reason I know he was hit was my side mirror flipped in, and I heard the snap. I immediately pulled over and asked the man if he was OK.
My Problem with the Rosary
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 24, 2018
I was raised Catholic but drifted away in my early 20s. I came back in my late 20s, very much influenced by a man who prayed the rosary with great devotion. Unfortunately, he eventually betrayed me, lied to me, and ...
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Can We Sing the Our Father?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
February 5, 2018
Why can’t we sing the Our Father at Mass? When I asked our parish organist, the response was that our parish was told not to do this.
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What Was That ‘Good News’?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 24, 2017
In Luke 9:6, we read that the 12 apostles "went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. " What was that "good news "? The Gospels were not yet written. Similarly, what did St. Paul ...
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How Can I Forgive Him?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
October 25, 2017
My neighbor of many years was recently arrested for viewing child pornography. I've known him and his beautiful family since they moved into our neighborhood; I had considered him a pillar of the community.
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Two Feasts for Saint Joseph?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
October 25, 2017
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 ...
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Handling Post-Abortion Guilt
Pat McCloskey, OFM
August 24, 2017
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 ...
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