Did An All-good God Create Evil?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 9, 2020
Evil: How did it begin? What is its root cause? Is the devil absolute? If so, how could absolute evil come from God, who is absolute good?
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.
Where Is It in the Bible?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 9, 2020
I have heard people say that the quote “The Lord only helps those who help themselves” appears in the Bible, but they can never give a reference. Is this quote in the Bible? If so, where?
Books Not in Protestant Bible
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 9, 2020
I have heard that there are seven Old Testament books that are not found in Protestant Bibles. The Second Book of Maccabees is the only one that I can name. What are the other six?
Did Mary Vow Virginity Before the Annunciation?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 9, 2020
I have been under the impression that Mary, the mother of Jesus, made a vow of virginity even before the Annunciation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says nothing about this.
Were Any Catholic Nazis Excommunicated?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 9, 2020
How many high-ranking Catholic Nazis were excommunicated for their crimes against the innocent?
Saint Joseph and Selling Property
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 9, 2020
What is the origin of the tradition of burying a statue of Saint Joseph on property that someone wants to sell? I had never heard of this until a few years ago.
Obtaining the Bread and Wine
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 9, 2020
Over the centuries, how have priests managed to obtain the bread and wine needed to celebrate Mass in remote areas? I have always wondered about that.