A Symbol of Christianity: Father Francis John Patrick Mulcahy

In class Professor Harris asked us to think about Christians on TV, and which characters were good examples of this. One of my favourite Christians on TV is Father Mulcahy (played by William Christopher) in the television series of M*A*S*H.

He is perfectly imperfect. Mulcahy remains the constant moral compass of the show, but is so kind and gentle to those who frequently test the boundaries of decency (particularly in the first three seasons where drunkenness and woman-chasing was the recurrent activity of most of the both married and unmarried gentlemen on camp). But beyond his role as the interfaith Chaplain on camp (he himself is a Catholic, but proudly offers services to all denominations), his character is full of imperfections that make him real and accessible to the viewers – he struggles with wanting to be promoted to Captain and expresses frustration about being passed over by the promotion board, he has moments where he feels dissatisfaction that his contribution to the wounded is praying and that he does not feel more “useful” next to the doctors and nurses, he plays cash games of poker to raise money to support an orphanage, and is known for having the best left hook on camp!

Father Mulcahy seems to, at moments, struggle with his faith in the world of turmoil where he lives, but also expresses quiet resolve to the men and women around him. He is the trusted listener, his patience is beyond measure, and you feel both his deep love and gratitude to those who work at the M*A*S*H. He seems to understand the “Hell” the men and women of the M*A*S*H live, and therefore is not judgemental of their actions, but helps them to regain their footing when the doctors and nurses have lost their way.

It is for these reasons I find him a very compelling and honest portal of a Christian on TV – he is not perfect, but the way he is a work in progress can make us all strive to be a little more patient and a little more honest in our own lives.

Father Mulcahy: What an ordeal. 72 hours straight. I'm prayed out — absolutely prayed out.
Hawkeye: Don't forget, Father, God was on six days straight.
Father Mulcahy: He was a lot younger then.
- The Smell of Music (Season 6, Episode 15)