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.

Did Jesus Have a Soul?

Pat McCloskey, OFM February 16, 2026

As fully divine and fully human, Jesus must have had a human soul, right?

Baptizing Grandchildren Secretly

Pat McCloskey, OFM February 13, 2026

At a recent meeting, the topic of unbaptized grandchildren came up. I have been told by many priests and deacons that I could not baptize my grandchildren because it can only be administered once. What happens when grandparents baptize their grandchildren, and no one is ever told?

Still a Leper?

Pat McCloskey, OFM February 6, 2026

In Matthew 26:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9, we read that Jesus was eating at the home of “Simon the leper” when Jesus was anointed with costly perfumed oil. Did Jesus heal Simon of his leprosy?

St. Francis and His Time with the Sultan

Pat McCloskey, OFM February 3, 2026

How did St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil become friends?

people on a bench Photo by Mojor Zhu on Unsplash

Forgive an Adulterous Husband?

Pat McCloskey, OFM February 2, 2026

Is it wrong to divorce a husband who commits adultery? My husband and I were married in the Catholic Church almost 30 years ago. Several years ago he committed adultery, and the pain still remains with me. I have tried to forgive him but long for something much more important: healing.

No, a civil divorce is an option. Depending on evidence provided, a canonical “declaration of nullity ” may also be possible.

When Is It Too Late to Arrive for Mass?

Pat McCloskey, OFM January 30, 2026

At what point during Mass is it too late for someone to arrive and have it “count”? Some people come a few minutes late and others very late. I think this is wrong.

Must I Take All Medications Prescribed?

Pat McCloskey, OFM January 29, 2026

My wife and I are in our early 70s and each of us has quite a few medical problems. If we stopped taking all our medications and stopped going to our many doctors, we would shorten our lives. Would the Catholic Church consider this suicide?