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Pat McCloskey, OFM

Pat McCloskey, OFM, is the Franciscan advisor for St. Anthony Messenger and the writer of its "Ask a Franciscan" column.

Why Pray for Others?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 23, 2017

I understand that my prayers for someone will not cause God to move that person to the head of the line or guarantee a desired outcome. Then why do we pray for other people?

We cannot pray honestly for someone else without at the same time growing in compassion toward that person in particular and indeed toward all suffering people. Through honest prayer, we become more like the God to whom we address those prayers.

Pope Francis blesses a young fan | Photo: Paul Haring

Pope Francis and the ‘Joy of Love’

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 23, 2017

His words about marriage have been welcomed by many but not by everyone. Conscience is the key.

Why Pray to Mary and the Saints?

Pat McCloskey, OFM April 24, 2017

Why do Catholics pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to various saints? Is there anything in the Bible to back this up? Can’t this be considered idol worship? Why not pray directly to God?

The mother of Jesus Christ and the other saints have no meaning or power independent of God. Catholics and many other Christians venerate the saints as ongoing examples of what a life generously open to God’s grace can look like in a great variety of circumstances.

Who Wrote the Memorare?

Pat McCloskey, OFM April 24, 2017

I have read that St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1091–1153) wrote the Memorare, but I have also read that it came later. Which is it?

The text ( “Remember, O most gracious virgin Mary, . . . “) is the shortened form of a longer prayer (Ad sanctitatis tuae pedes, dulcissima Virgo Maria) that comes from the 15th century. St. Francis de Sales (1567−1622) writes that he prayed it as a student in Paris.

Homily? Eulogy?

Pat McCloskey, OFM March 29, 2017

Some dioceses allow eulogies at funerals, and others do not. Why is this?

This question arises frequently. According to the 1989 Order of Christian Funerals (the ritual book used by Catholics in the United States), “A brief homily is given after the Gospel reading ” (#166).

Use a Cross or a Crucifix?

Pat McCloskey, OFM March 29, 2017

During the Good Friday liturgy at our parish, we venerate a plain cross and not a crucifix with a representation of Jesus’ body on it. The crucifix is kept out of sight in the sacristy.

Because this doesn’t seem right to me, I wrote a note in the parish’s suggestion box, recommending that we use a crucifix rather than a cross. A member of the parish staff responded that we are venerating the wood of the cross on which Jesus died, not a replica of Jesus’ body.