A Conversion of Conviction: The Spiritual Journey of Fr. Lewis (Paul James Francis) Wattson, SA

ABSTRACT: The spiritual journey of Father Paul James Francis was marked by faith, courage, and determination. Born Lewis Thomas Wattson, he became an Episcopal priest. He served as rector of a parish in Kingston, New York and Superior of the Associate Mission in Omaha, Nebraska, before returning to New York to found the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement in 1898. Father Paul, as he was and is known historically, always held a "high church" theological perspective. Gradually, over an approximate ten-year period he made the transition and in October 1909 was, along with his community, corporately received into the Roman Catholic Church. His decision came about because of three events: (1) The realization that papal primacy was indeed true, (2) The rejection of a sermon he gave to an archdeaconry meeting in New York, and (3) A change in Episcopal canon law that allowed any person approved by a local rector or bishop to preach in an Episcopal church. Harassed by both the Episcopal communion and the Catholic community for "living in both camps," Father Paul nevertheless achieved his lifetime goal to become a Catholic and to found a religious society based on church unity and mission.