The Rev. Declan Cunniff, his mentor, said the new priest did ``fine.`` Young priests sometimes showboat a little their first time, Father Declan said, but Father Paul played it straight. He kept the homily short and formal, suggesting people call on the Holy Spirit as often as the Father and the Son.
There were pastries, sandwiches, wine and two kinds of punch at the church reception. Hundreds attended. Mickey Alger, who worked as a nurse with him, flew in specially from Cape Cod. She said he was always a gentleman as a physician, and it was a privilege to attend his first Mass.
His sons -- Paul and James, both lawyers -- remembered the day five years ago, watching the late news with him. ``He said `Boys, I have something to tell you,` `` James recalled. While they were not exactly expecting their father to say he was going to a monastery, they were not shocked.
In 1929, he graduated from the prep school affiliated with the abbey. Most of his life, he attended church daily. When he stayed overnight at the hospital, the nurses gave him a 6 a.m. wake-up call for Mass. He was the gynecologist for many of the diocese`s nuns.
He was known for never missing a meal and loving a joke, particularly one of his own. This appears to be true still. Talking with a reporter, the abbot tried to stress the shortage of monks and the need for more to make the commitment. ``I don`t think you should call it a second career,`` Abbot Melvin said. ``It`s a relationship where you`ve fallen in love with God. But don`t call it a second career.``
``Call me anything,`` Father Paul put in, ``just don`t call me late for supper.``
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