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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)?

Peace Prayer | Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

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.

Visiting Prisoners: A Work of Mercy

Pat McCloskey, OFM June 15, 2026

Do Catholics take seriously the corporal work of mercy to visit those in prison? Do Catholic parishes and colleges or universities have this on their radar?

First, students at law schools in some Catholic universities have participated in “innocence projects ” that have led courts to release certain prisoners who did not commit the crime for which they have been found guilty and imprisoned. Some parishes have prison ministry groups.