Ask a Franciscan
The Cowl Doesn’t Make the Monk
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 29, 2025
Who decreed that all clergy and the majority of the many orders of brothers and sisters must wear black?
What Is Americanism?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 28, 2025
Is Americanism a heresy? If so, what does it mean? The person who introduced me to this term was not very clear about its meaning.
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God’s Will, Human Freedom
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 27, 2025
I believe that from all eternity God has planned our world and knew exactly what would occur. When I was created, God knew what I would do, when, where and how.
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What Is the Kingdom of God?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 26, 2025
Please explain in simple language the concept of the kingdom of God. What Jesus means by the expression the kingdom of God is accepting God’s values as trustworthy and enough, not needing any “improvements,” as we often describe them.
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Coping With a Mother’s Death
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 25, 2025
Does God have a specific minute for us to die—known to God before each of us is born?
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Fearing God the Father
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 23, 2025
I find the infant Jesus and the adult Jesus very approachable. When I think of God the Father, however, I am very afraid.
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Avoiding Public Prayer
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 22, 2025
My 49-year-old daughter left the Catholic Church several years ago. She loves praying by herself to God the Father but avoids public prayer. How can she not recognize Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament?
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