Ask a Franciscan

Was Jesus Born in December?

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 21, 2024

Do we celebrate Christmas in December because we know he was born in that month? If not, why is his birth celebrated then?

John, Matthew, and Jesus’ Mission

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

We were discussing the Gospel (Matthew 9:36—10:8) read on the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time last year. Matthew writes about Jesus' missionary discourse.

Suffering from Natural Disasters

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

Why do you think God inflicts such natural disasters on many innocent, God-loving people?

Was Saint Peter the Bishop of Rome?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

In his book The Future of the Catholic Church with Pope Francis, Garry Wills states that there is no evidence before AD 100 that there was any bishop in Rome. Is that true?

What Is the Process for Canonizing Someone?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

What steps does the Church follow in recognizing saints? How do Servants of God and Venerables differ?

What is the meaning of eucharistic adoration in the Church? I have been attending such adoration in the past year and would like to know about it. It makes me feel good to attend. Does it carry a special blessing?

Why So Few Lay Saints?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 9, 2020

Few lay men or women have been formally canonized. Most saints belonged to religious communities, but people in that state of life make up a tiny percentage of the Church.

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