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.

Is Agnosticism a Sin?

Pat McCloskey, OFM November 7, 2025

I know that being an atheist is looked down upon, but I want to know if being an agnostic is a sin.

Why Does God Make the Devil So Powerful?

Pat McCloskey, OFM November 6, 2025

If God created the angel Lucifer, who failed God through pride, why didn’t God simply dump him in hell instead of allowing him to torment and wreck so many human lives? Isn’t God more powerful than Satan?

I have heard this explained in terms of free will. When did that theory begin? It seems that our all-knowing and all-powerful God has been shoved aside. What am I missing here?

Understanding the Term ‘Born Again’

Pat McCloskey, OFM November 5, 2025

Q. The term born again has become very popular among many Christians now, but I am not sure of its meaning. I suspect that it is misused or misunderstood by many people who proudly use it. Also, we read in John 3:5, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. ” Is “water ” here the same as Baptism?

How Can Mary Be the ‘Mother of God’?

Pat McCloskey, OFM November 4, 2025

In the second part of the Hail Mary, we say, “Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” My fundamentalist brother wants to know how Mary can be the mother of God if God made Mary. How can I explain this?

When Does Jesus Become Present?

Pat McCloskey, OFM November 3, 2025

The Western Church asserted the body and blood are present at the completion of the words of consecration. The Eastern Church supported the view that the real presence takes place through the epiclesis (the prayer for the sending or coming of the Spirit to sanctify the gifts of bread and wine).

Is Shopping on Sunday Immoral?

Pat McCloskey, OFM November 2, 2025

Is it all right to shop on Sunday if you really need something? Not long ago, my daughter asked me on a Sunday to check at a nearby store to get some special dishes for a party she was having. I did so and bought the dishes.