God Knows Our Heart Completely
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 4, 2026
Did I confess certain sins? If I didn’t, have I sinned by going to Holy Communion all these years? I have gone to Confession faithfully.
Posts from:
Pat McCloskey, OFM
Pat McCloskey, OFM, is the Franciscan advisor for St. Anthony Messenger and the writer of its "Ask a Franciscan" column.
Why Are These Symbols Connected With Saints?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 3, 2026
I have noticed that many paintings of Saint Jerome include a lion lying at his feet. In other paintings there is a skull. I have noticed similar images in paintings of other saints. I am intrigued by these symbols. What do they mean?
Who Assigns Patron Saints?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 2, 2026
How is the patron saint of an occupation, a country, or a group of people decided? Specifically, how did St. Nicholas come to be the patron saint of brides, grooms, children, bakers, and pawnbrokers?
Eucharist: Symbol or Reality?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 1, 2026
In our missalette for the Solemnity of the Epiphany the prayer over the gifts, the bread and wine, speaks of them as symbolizing Christ. But don’t most priests say they are really the body and blood of Jesus Christ?
Is Marriage Really a Sacrament?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
August 31, 2026
How can marriage possibly be a sacrament? Yes, Jesus attended a wedding feast, spoke of the Kingdom of God in terms of a wedding banquet, and used the Genesis creation story to support the idea of union.
When Couples Divorce
Pat McCloskey, OFM
August 28, 2026
What happens when a couple divorces? One person may not want a divorce but is unable to stop it in a state where there is a nofault divorce law.
Can People Who Choose Cremation Go to Heaven?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
August 27, 2026
My aunt says that her parish priest told her that God will not raise at the Last Judgment anyone who has chosen to be cremated. Is that true? If so, why?