Animals Point Us to God
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 24, 2025
Francis treated animals kindly because they pointed toward God. Do you allow the animal stories about Francis to point you toward God?
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.
Fearing God the Father
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 23, 2025
I find the infant Jesus and the adult Jesus very approachable. When I think of God the Father, however, I am very afraid.
Avoiding Public Prayer
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 22, 2025
My 49-year-old daughter left the Catholic Church several years ago. She loves praying by herself to God the Father but avoids public prayer. How can she not recognize Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament?
Finding the Kingdom of God
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 21, 2025
Our temptation is to admire saints from such a distance that we forget they were still human beings who cooperated with God’s grace.
Why Is God’s Name So Important?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 21, 2025
I don’t understand why the name of God was so important to the Israelites. I thought God’s name was simply “God.”
Forgiveness from One’s Spouse
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 20, 2025
If a person commits adultery and then goes to confession, does that person have to ask forgiveness from his or her spouse?
Are Some Prayers More Powerful Than Others?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 19, 2025
Some people speak as though particular prayers or a series of prayers (such as a novena) are more powerful than simpler prayers. Is this true? Also, if I believe that God’s will is always done, why should I pray for a particular outcome?