Assuring a Person’s Salvation
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 3, 2026
Two readers asked the same basic question about final repentance and salvation.
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.
Should I Forget My Husband’s Abuse?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 2, 2026
I have a bully for a husband. He is always putting me down and yelling.
The Bible and Homosexuality
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 1, 2026
I am very confused about homosexuality. I know it’s a sin, but I don’t understand why society condemns this so much as compared to other sins.
Confession Helps in Many Ways
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 31, 2026
Confession has been a really sore spot for me but, having been raised a Catholic, I do love the Church and all the other sacraments. I am sure there are priests I could go to for confession, but I feel so uncomfortable and always feel that God already knows my sins and what I am sorry for.
What Did Jesus Mean by ‘Poor in Spirit’?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 27, 2026
In Matthew 5:3, Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In Luke 6:20b, he says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.” Is he talking about two different groups of people? If not, what does “poor in spirit” mean? How can being “poor in spirit” make you blessed?
Was St. Joseph a Virgin?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 26, 2026
Eucharistic Prayer I refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as “ever virgin” but does not use the same expression for St. Joseph. Why?
Pilate’s Role in Jesus’ Death
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 25, 2026
How are Christians to accept two completely different versions of Christ’s trial before Pilate?