Grace Is a Bridge
Pat McCloskey, OFM
July 1, 2026
Pope Francis summarized the importance of Sacred Heart devotion to several saints and the Jesuits, in general.
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.
One Intention or Many Intentions?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
July 1, 2026
All the Catholic parishes in our area conclude the general intercessions during Mass by adding, “And for all the personal intentions that we hold in our hearts.” I consider this a questionable practice because the priest is supposed to be aware of all intentions during a Mass.
Pollution as a Moral Issue
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 30, 2026
It seems that the weather is becoming more extreme and that air pollution is a factor in this. Has pollution become a moral issue? I think people should stop driving so much.
Do Declarations of Nullity Create Illegitimacy?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 29, 2026
My son and my daughter-in-law are divorced and remarried. They are considering seeking declarations of nullity for their first marriages. A priest they consulted said that annulments do not make children from that marriage illegitimate. Is that what the Catholic Church teaches?
Is Gambling a Sin?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 26, 2026
Is it a sin to place a bet on a horse race? What about lotteries or betting on sports contests? What does the Catholic Church think about playing slot machines? At times it seems that the Church opposes gambling, but isn’t bingo a form of gambling?
The Holocaust and Human Evil
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 25, 2026
If God is all-powerful and all-good, why does evil exist?
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?