Father Paul Rubadue OSB

A monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey
Born: July 29, 1934
Professed: July 11, 1983
Ordained: May 31, 1986
Died: July 21, 2022

Father Paul Rubadue, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, died Thursday, July 21, 2022 after a brief illness. He was born July 29, 1934 in Columbus, Ohio, a son of the late Charles and Mildred (Downin) Rubadue. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph Rubadue in 2020. Surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He attended Holy Family High School, graduating in 1952. He received a bachelor’s degree from Spalding College in history, Spanish and music in 1964. He received a master of music degree in voice from the Catholic University of America in 1969. He also studied at the University of Louisville and the University of Madrid. He earned a master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary.

In 1952, Father Paul entered religious life as a member of the Xaverian Brothers, making his simple profession of vows on March 19, 1955. As a brother he taught in Brooklyn, New York; Louisville, Kentucky, and Leonardtown, Maryland. In 1981, he transferred his vows to the Benedictine monastery at Saint Vincent.

Father Paul and I, along with Brother David Carlson, professed solemn vows together on July 11, 1983. At the time he was healthy, vibrant and eagerly anticipating priestly ministry. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1986, by the late Bishop William G. Connare of Greensburg at the Archabbey Basilica. At Saint Vincent, he conducted choir workshops on the pastoral level and was a soloist at many functions, including weddings, funerals, ecumenical prayer services and graduations. He also served as camerata director. His service as a deacon was at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, North Side, Pittsburgh. As a priest, he also did parish work at Saint Benedict’s Parish in Baltimore, Maryland, and at Holy Family Parish, Latrobe.

Eventually, Father Paul was beset by health issues. He continued to walk with God, as Enoch did [Genesis 5:24], and he always remained a teacher at heart, his first vocation. Even through his health issues, he taught us how to listen to God, to walk with God, and to rely on God, even when the trip becomes difficult. His passing can be an occasion to recall that we do not wander this earth aimlessly and without a specified destination. From the moment we are born we begin a return journey back to the Father, through the Way and the truth and the life, Jesus Christ [John 14: 1-6]. Heaven is our goal and all we do can be judged by whether it enhances or detracts from reaching that destination. If we keep that in mind, then when our earthly pilgrimage is ended, we too will be invited to one of the dwelling places prepared for us by Jesus Christ. This is our belief. This was Paul’s belief. This is the belief of all who hold the faith.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, July 25, and he was laid to rest at Saint Vincent Cemetery. We ask for your charity and customary suffrages. It is consoling to know that every monk of our monastery offers three Masses for the repose of Father Paul’s soul, and that he will be included among those confreres for whom all professed monks of our Congregation offer Mass monthly.

MAY FLIGHTS OF ANGELS SING THEE TO THY REST

Saint Vincent Archabbey
+Martin R. Bartel, O.S.B.
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Archabbot