Chapter 6- Chaplain Francis Mulcahy-A Humble Father

"Father, I'm not catholic"

"Would you like to be?"

At first glance at our unit, the first person you'd guess to be the most content would be our Chaplain, Father Mulcahy. A catholic priest who tended to all and every faith that came his way. The love of God poured out of this man, and he offered a balance to all the hate and death that infested Korea. Somehow having him there made me feel safe. I know that may sound weird, but it was true. There was something about him, well; he was a man of God. But he had a special gift, the gift of befriending anyone and everyone who crossed his path. I think the devil would have converted if he'd met our Father. He was the best. I look forward to seeing him again someday.

There were a lot of people I looked up to, being the youngest, and he was definitely one of them.

A lot of people asked him questions of why God would allow such death? And his reply wasn't in words. It was simple. All the questions about faith that God left unexplained are exactly where the word faith comes in. He believed with all this soul that even if he didn't know why, it was okay, because he trusted his Lord. He tried so hard to love and give. His works with the Sister Theresa orphanage by our unit was just phenomenal. He gave everything he could finagle out of people.

He may have administered the last rights to one more casualty than he would have liked to, but the look of hope in his eye each time stayed firm until I left and I know it never faded.

It was beautiful to see such life in the midst of so much death. It was comforting to know he was there to lend an ear or anything else he could give to us. His life was about giving and he gave all he had and more. I know he is doing great works now as I write this, because I can't imagine him doing anything less. Preach on Father, we loved you, each and every atheist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Orthodox, Buddhists, you name it, and we all loved you. Know that.

You are a prime example of what the church was meant to be, giving of your heart to help the lost. For I once was blind and now I see. Thank you Father Mulcahy for being above and beyond what anyone could have ever asked for.

Thanks for your gift with people, love for children and giving soul. Thanks for the piano playing, little songs and all of your Saturday and Sunday services. You are among the best I will ever know, and look forward to seeing ya in that big waiting room in the sky. Bless you Father, we once were lost, but now we see, thanks to you.