A Priest’s Prayer
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 25, 2020
I am not doing what I should in order to enter the gates of heaven. Could you send me a daily prayer? I need to change my life, but do not know where to begin.
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.
‘I Believe’ or ‘We Believe’ in the Nicene Creed?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 24, 2020
On Sundays and holy days of obligation, we recite the Nicene Creed. We begin by saying, “We believe in one God….” Although this is the first person plural, this prayer’s Latin text reads “Credo” (“I believe,” first person singular).
Why Fish on Friday?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 24, 2020
Why do Catholics eat fish on Friday? How did this tradition start? I have been told that at one time the Italian fishing industry was in a depression, so the pope made a law mandating eating fish once a week. Also, that it was a practical concern as meat that had been preserved was beginning to spoil and animals should not be slaughtered during the spring birthing season.
Red, White, and Green Martyrs?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 23, 2020
In the book How the Irish Saved Civilization (Doubleday), Thomas Cahill talks about both green and white martyrdom. According to Cahill, Ireland was unique in that Christianity was introduced there without bloodshed (red martyrdom).
Three Lenten Questions
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 22, 2020
Lent is based on Christ’s 40-day fast in the desert, which recalls the 40 years that the Hebrew people wandered between leaving Egypt and entering the Promised Land.
A Forgiving Thankfulness
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 21, 2020
Thanksgiving Day dinners can be challenging occasions for growth. Here are four reminders that may be useful during this holiday season, as well as year-round.
‘Dresser of Sycamores’
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 16, 2020
Q. In Amos 7:14, at the king’s sanctuary in Bethel, the prophet verbally defends himself against the priest Amaziah by denying that he ever said he belonged to a company of prophets. Amos adds, “I am a herdsman and a dresser of sycamores.” What does that expression mean?