Examining My Conscience
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 24, 2026
Why aren’t the corporal works of mercy the focus of an examination of conscience before receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
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.
Who Wrote the Gospel of John?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 23, 2026
I was surprised to read in an earlier “Ask” column that John the Apostle did not write the Gospel of John. Who did?
We are not entirely sure. First, I should point out that only around the year AD 125 were Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John first identified by Papias as the authors of the Gospels. Some Gospels presumed to be written by other prominent Christians were not accepted into the Bible—the Gospel of Thomas, for example.
Meaning of the Word ‘Paschal’
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 22, 2026
I know that words often have a root meaning. For example, our word sacrament comes from the Latin word sacramentum, which I know St. Augustine described as “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.” In preparing for a seventh-grade religious education class about the paschal mystery, I would like to know where we get the word paschal.
‘Scripture Alone’
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 19, 2026
I know that this term is strongly supported by some Christians and vigorously challenged by others. When did it originate and what does it mean?
Marriage, Miracles, and Tattoos
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 18, 2026
Father Pat McCloskey, OFM, answers questions about marriage, the rosary, and whether it’s a sin to get a tattoo.
How Did Evil Begin?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 17, 2026
What is the absolute root cause of evil? How can an absolute evil (the devil) come from an absolute good (God)?
Origin of Saint Francis’ Peace Prayer
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 16, 2026
I keep seeing Saint Francis of Assisi credited as saying, “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” I have looked in several places but cannot find where Saint Francis said this.