Did Jesus Have a Soul?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 25, 2026
I’ve been a Catholic for 70 years and have tried to understand the mystery of the Trinity. The other day I wondered, Did Jesus have a soul? Nothing is ever easy.
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.
The Litany of the Blessed Virgin
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 22, 2026
Q. In our parish a group of us gather before Mass to pray the rosary and the Litany of the Blessed Mother. From where did the Litany of the Blessed Virgin come? And what do the titles “Mirror of Justice,” “Seat of Wisdom,” “Mystical Rose,” “Tower of David,” “Tower of Ivory,” “House of Gold,” “Morning Star” and “Ark of the Covenant” mean?
What Would Becoming Catholic Add?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 21, 2026
My husband believes all that Catholics teach. He believes in his heart that Jesus is present in the Eucharist. There is one problem: My husband resists the idea of becoming Catholic, of converting to this faith.
Are the Knights of Columbus Anti-Gay?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 20, 2026
I recently heard that the Knights of Columbus spent over $500,000 on anti-gay literature. Where is this hatred of gays coming from? Also, can my local pastor refuse me Communion at Mass if I tell him that I am a member of Call to Action?
Mary as ‘Mirror of Justice’
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 19, 2026
I pray the rosary and the Litany of Loreto daily for world peace and the end of abortion. What does the litany’s invocation ‘mirror of justice’ mean?
Widowed Deacons
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 18, 2026
A Catholic neighbor recently told me her parish priest said that if a deacon’s wife dies, the Church forbids him from marrying again. What is the reasoning behind this Church ruling?
‘Is Every Encyclical Infallible?’
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 15, 2026
I know that the pope’s infallibility is not a personal trait but is part of his office as the successor of St. Peter. Even so, is every encyclical infallible?