Was St. Joseph a Virgin?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 26, 2026
Eucharistic Prayer I refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus, as “ever virgin” but does not use the same expression for St. Joseph. Why?
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.
Pilate’s Role in Jesus’ Death
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 25, 2026
How are Christians to accept two completely different versions of Christ’s trial before Pilate?
Are Catholics Allowed to Own Guns?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 24, 2026
In light of the chaos in the United States and around the world, are Catholics allowed to own guns or support the National Rifle Association?
Seeking the Purpose of My Life
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 23, 2026
What has been the purpose of my life? Why was I ever born? What is the purpose of life for an average person such as myself?
Are We Unconsciously Always Sinning?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 20, 2026
The US bishops say racism can be either conscious or unconscious. My older teenage son argues that we can never be forgiven because of our unconscious mind’s nature. How can I answer him?
Facing Up to Systemic Racism
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 19, 2026
What do I tell the students in my CCD class when they ask me what the Catholic Church says about systemic racism?
Where to Start in Reading the Bible?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 18, 2026
What book in the Bible should I read first so as not to get lost or give up?