The Cowl Doesn’t Make the Monk
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 29, 2025
Who decreed that all clergy and the majority of the many orders of brothers and sisters must wear black?
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.
What Is Americanism?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 28, 2025
Is Americanism a heresy? If so, what does it mean? The person who introduced me to this term was not very clear about its meaning.
God’s Will, Human Freedom
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 27, 2025
I believe that from all eternity God has planned our world and knew exactly what would occur. When I was created, God knew what I would do, when, where and how.
What Is the Kingdom of God?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 26, 2025
Please explain in simple language the concept of the kingdom of God.
What Jesus means by the expression the kingdom of God is accepting God’s values as trustworthy and enough, not needing any “improvements,” as we often describe them.
The Larks of Assisi
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 25, 2025
Francis had a special affection for larks; he considered their brown feathers a sign of their closeness to God, of their humility.
Coping With a Mother’s Death
Pat McCloskey, OFM
September 25, 2025
Does God have a specific minute for us to die—known to God before each of us is born?
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?
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