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.

Missing Mass on Sunday

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 14, 2025

As an 80-year-old Catholic, I was taught that missing Mass through your own fault is a mortal sin that, if unconfessed and unabsolved, could send you to hell forever. I know friends and other Catholics who are good people but no longer go to Mass. How could a merciful God condemn them to hell forever?

The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation is serious but must be understood in relation to other serious obligations. Caring for a terminally ill spouse or child is a greater obligation than attending Sunday Mass.

open hands receiving a white dove, symbol of peace

Build Peace in the Spirit of Francis

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 11, 2025

Peace is a gift from God. Human actions that cooperate with God’s grace activate peace in the world.

What about Limbo?

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 10, 2025

Question about limbo: Are souls in a state of eternal happiness outside heaven or do they go to hell forever? I pray for my granddaughter’s soul.

Franciscan or Roman Catholic?

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 8, 2025

I like what I read in St. Anthony Messenger and enjoy other products from Franciscan Media. One question keeps coming back to me: Are you Franciscan or Roman Catholic?

I ask this because these days I feel much closer to the Franciscans than to the Roman Catholic Church in which I was baptized and yet is plagued by many terrible scandals.