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 Informed the Biblical Writers?

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 14, 2026

How did the gentlemen who gathered together to write the Bible do so? Where did their information come from? The holy Bible is beautifully written. When was it written? How did they know all the details?

Ultimately, God inspired them to convey the unique divine self-revelation that we find in the Bible. We need to accept the Bible on its own terms. We may mistakenly think of it as entirely eyewitness accounts in which the biblical writers act like court reporters, giving us a verbatim account.

One of Life's Great Losses

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 13, 2026

How do I understand and find peace in the death of a parent?

Please accept my condolences on the death of your father or mother. Allow yourself to grieve properly but without being absolutely consumed or paralyzed by this death. Joining a support group for people who have recently lost a loved one may be helpful. If not, consider seeking individual grief counseling.

Admitting Gross Historical Injustices

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 12, 2026

Call it tribalism, but I’ve always cast a skeptical eye on the Dominicans ever since I learned about their role in the Inquisition. Do you have any advice for thinking about historical misdeeds?

When Did Jesus become a Catholic?

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 10, 2026

Q: A few years ago, I overheard a Catholic woman ask her friend, “When did Jesus become a Catholic?” A few of us laughed but did try to explain that Jesus was the Christ. He was born Jewish and died Jewish.

One of my Jewish friends asked me, “When did Jesus become a Christian?” Soon after that, a relative asked me, “Well, when did he become a Catholic?” Please address these questions in your column.

Attending Mass on Holy Days of Obligation

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 7, 2026

Can the obligation to attend Mass on holy days be fulfilled before or after the actual day?

Marks of Respect Vary by Culture

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 6, 2026

Why do people kiss the pope’s ring? This strikes me as a very odd custom and is certainly not based on the Bible. I have never found anyone who could give me a good explanation for this practice.