"Father" Paul was not a priest, but merely a Catholic layman. His friend, Father Paschal Robinson, OFM, acted as unofficial chaplain at Graymoor, saying Mass everyday for the community and attending to their spiritual needs. But, it was difficult convincing priests to live in the freezing wilderness; many came and went, giving varying excuses why they could not live at Graymoor. Fortunately, Archbishop Farley of New York was caring and compassionate. He guided them along step by step, knowing that they needed lots of paternal care as newcomers to the Church. Father Paul was permitted to attend the archdiocesan seminary in Yonkers, New York, where he would make his priestly studies. He entered in November, 1909. The seminarians there were overjoyed, for they had been following with interest the path of Graymoor to Rome and had assumed that Father Paul would eventually be ordained a priest of the Church. He was allowed to attend the seminary from Sunday evening through Wednesday and spend Thursdays through Sunday afternoon managing things at Graymoor. His workload was exhausting, but he persevered, knowing the importance of the outcome. The intention was to expedite his priestly training and ordain him as soon as possible. He was forty-six years old when he entered St. Joseph's Seminary as "Brother" Paul. He was again "Father" Paul with his ordination on June 16, 1910. The archbishop had actually wanted him to complete another year of theology before receiving holy orders, but the Sisters of the Atonement had made a Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help that he might receive a dispensation. Sure enough, the archbishop changed his mind and set the date for Brother Paul's ordination for June 16, 1910, a mere seven months after entering the seminary. Only a few friends were invited for the ceremony, among them was Venerable Solanus Casey, the Capuchin mystic, who was stationed in Yonkers at that time.

Prophet of Reunion: The Life of Paul of Graymoor

Angell, Charles & Charles LaFontaine

The Seabury Press

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Books by Angell, Charles & Charles LaFontaine

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Angell, Charles & Charles LaFontaine. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Prophet of Reunion: The Life of Paul of Graymoor