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.

Quick Questions and Answers

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 24, 2018

How can I fully convince myself and others that “Jesus is the only way to God “?

The integrity of your life is the best way. Cardinal Emmanuel Suhard of Paris (d. 1949) once wrote: “To be a witness does not consist in engaging in propaganda nor even in stirring people up, but in being a living mystery. It means to live in such a way that one’s life would not make sense if God did not exist. ” Unfortunately, the lives of some Christians might make perfect sense if God did not exist because God is more an ornament in their lives rather than the central focus.

Artwork of Jesus Christ surrounded by people

Jesus and Slavery

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 23, 2018

I have been a Catholic from birth but often have questions about some of the issues we are facing today, such as the evils associated with slavery. The Romans had slaves, but is there any evidence that Jesus condemned that institution?

Change on the Death Penalty

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 23, 2018

How did Pope Francis recently change the Catholic Church’s teaching on the death penalty?

Why Gluten-Free Hosts?

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 23, 2018

I understand the Church’s teaching on Eucharist. Transubstantiation means it changes completely from bread and wine to the flesh and blood of Jesus. I believe in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. I also understand that our senses cannot tell the difference. Therefore, why are gluten-free hosts needed?

‘I Am Consumed with Guilt and Sorrow’

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 4, 2018

Q. I am feeling very guilty. I was driving my car and accidentally hit a man with my side mirror. I never saw him, and I don’t know if he stepped in front of me or not. The only reason I know he was hit was my side mirror flipped in, and I heard the snap. I immediately pulled over and asked the man if he was OK.

Pope Francis leaves at the conclusion of an evening prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 31, 2021. The traditional service on New Year's Eve is to give thanks for the past year. (CNS photo/Remo Casilli, Reuters)

Pope Francis: Fix the Clergy Sex-Abuse Crisis Now

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 23, 2018

Dear Pope Francis: I write about how the Catholic Church responds to clerical sexual abuse and the bishops or superiors who have enabled it.

Francis and Clare Go to College

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 23, 2018

Students, staff, and faculty at 24 Franciscan colleges and universities in the United States are growing through pilgrimages, classes, and community service.