Father Paschal N. Kneip O.S.B.

Oh what a gentle man he was, so full of love
If I could be like him, I would be a better man
I knew him as a boy, a student and a man
But never as an equal
I have never known a kindlier, gentler soul
Our Catholic community now has a void
Only to be filled by this Saint

I met Father Paschal when I was a teenager in the CYO at Saint
Gregory the Great Parish in Virginia Beach Virginia. Father Paschal gave me confidence. He gave us little jobs and expected us to suceed. Then he gave us bigger jobs and
expected the same. He was a lovely, kind, patient man who sometimes dreamed big and taught us to dream the same way.

I had the privilege of knowing Fr. Paschal while he was pastor at Virginia Beach. I was a member of St. Benedict's Chapel of which he was very supportive and which after its regularization by Bishop Sullivan became a part of his parish. May he rest in peace.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Father Paschal. He was an endearing man who welcomed our family as guests and showered his Benedictine hospitality on us for several years when he was pastor of St. Gregory the Great. He was kind, generous and gracious, living the vision of Saint Benedict and truly receiving all guests as Christ. We admired him, loved him and cherished his friendship. I know that my husband greeted him in heaven and that they are extending there the friendship...

Father Paschal was one of the most amazing priests I've met. His dedication to the people of his parishes, the seminarians,absolute submission to the will of God and devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe (and Benedictine Oblates). I praise God for Fr. Paschal's spiritual direction in our lives.