St. Francis and His Time with the Sultan
Pat McCloskey, OFM
February 3, 2026
How did St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil become friends?
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.
Forgive an Adulterous Husband?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
February 2, 2026
Is it wrong to divorce a husband who commits adultery? My husband and I were married in the Catholic Church almost 30 years ago. Several years ago he committed adultery, and the pain still remains with me. I have tried to forgive him but long for something much more important: healing.
No, a civil divorce is an option. Depending on evidence provided, a canonical “declaration of nullity ” may also be possible.
When Is It Too Late to Arrive for Mass?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
January 30, 2026
At what point during Mass is it too late for someone to arrive and have it “count”? Some people come a few minutes late and others very late. I think this is wrong.
Must I Take All Medications Prescribed?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
January 29, 2026
My wife and I are in our early 70s and each of us has quite a few medical problems. If we stopped taking all our medications and stopped going to our many doctors, we would shorten our lives. Would the Catholic Church consider this suicide?
Origins of the Celibacy Rule
Pat McCloskey, OFM
January 28, 2026
When did the Roman Catholic Church begin to require celibacy before a man could be ordained a priest? Why? Doesn’t this suggest that marriage is inferior to celibacy?
Did Mary Have Real Freedom?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
January 27, 2026
A friend of mine believes that Mary did not have free will as other humans have. Therefore, she had no choice but to say yes to the angel at the Annunciation.
What Really Happened to Judas?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
January 26, 2026
What happened to Judas? Is Judas in hell? He despaired. What happens when other people fall into despair and kill themselves?