The Legacy of Father Paul Wattson, SA

Father Paul Wattson, SA in his
Franciscan Habit (1901)
Father Paul Wattson, SA in his
Franciscan Habit (1901)

We must be grateful to God for the witness of faith lived by Rev. Paul Wattson, SA, as an ecumenical pioneer. He viewed the separation of Christians in a new way, as a painful break within a family. He helped those who suffered from homelessness, lack of medical care, hunger or addiction through the ministries and missions he started and supported. The Atonement scriptures guided his desire to reconcile people with each other and with God, and he did so with determination, hope and prayer.

Fr. Paul of Graymoor was a true apostle of Christian Unity, an ardent Franciscan, missionary of At-One-Ment and leader. His life purpose and legacy was work for the realization of Christ’s prayer at the Last Supper: “That all may be one: as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.” (John 17:21) This legacy of At-One-Ment, and the example of his life and work have drawn others into the world to be bridge builders, peace makers and reconcilers.