Brother Paul Gosselin

Brother Paul Gosselin, O.C.S.O.,entered this life October 8, 1932, at Chicopee, Massachusetts. Entered Mepkin March 5, 2002, transfer from the Assumptionists. Professed Solemn Vows July 11, 2006. Entered eternal life May 28, 2025.

We ask you to pray with us in gratitude for Brother Paul Gosselin, OCSO, who died as the community began to sing Vespers on May 28, 2025. Born into a large family of French Canadian ancestry, Brother Paul’s parents came to Massachusetts as Brother Paul’s father was seeking employment to provide for his wife and their many children. As Paul completed high school, he sensed God calling him to religious life and entered the Assumptionsts as a brother, receiving his education to become a teacher.

For a time he was sent to Rome to work at the Assumptionist generalate. Eventually he came to work at their college in Massachusetts and chose to study nursing to be of assistance to the sports teams as there was need. For years he felt drawn to contemplative monastic life and for one reason or another had to attend to other responsibilities. After approaching other houses of the Order he came to Mepkin and Abbot Francis Kline agreed that he could come for an extended observership. It was Abbot Francis who received Brother Paul’s solemn vows on July 11th of 2006. Abbot Francis died in August of 2006.

Brother Paul served the community in many ways, initially on the farm with the egg business. When he was appointed guestmaster, he booked retreats for the large numbers of people requesting to come to the monastery and pray with us. These past few years brought the diminishment of aging, but he faithfully came to prayer and generously offered to help in any ways he could.