Ask a Franciscan
Suffering for Animals
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 3, 2026
If someone actually suffers from caring about animals and their plight in the world, does this do any good?
Grieving Family Members
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 2, 2026
Q. For six years, I was the sole caregiver of my mom and my aunt. They died eight weeks apart. I miss them so much; they were my best friends, and we did everything together. I still grieve their deaths, especially ...
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God’s Will, Human Freedom
Pat McCloskey, OFM
February 27, 2026
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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Purgatory and Life
Pat McCloskey, OFM
February 26, 2026
I read somewhere a theory that after death we live our lives over again to see the sins we committed, the people we hurt, and that impact on others. At my advanced age, I am constantly recalling various times in ...
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‘Where There Is Darkness, Light’
Pat McCloskey, OFM
February 25, 2026
What is your take on situations where Catholics drop their faith and die without receiving the sacraments? Can you say anything to ease my mind?
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Is It a Sin Not to Be ‘Green’?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
February 24, 2026
Is someone committing a sin by denying the moral implications of ecological choices?
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John, Matthew, and Jesus’ Mission
Pat McCloskey, OFM
February 23, 2026
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.
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