Brother Paul J. Feeney, C.F.X. (Brother Antoninus)

You were created by God to be a unique expression of His love. (FP)

Brother Paul Feeney grew to cherish the grace of God’s love that he received throughout his seventy-five years as a Xaverian Brother. Brother Paul was indeed unique. On Saturday, June 21st, one could see this special grace in his eyes. Peace, joy, quiet strength, humility and gratitude radiated from his smile. Saturday was a special time of grace for Paul as it was for those of us fortunate enough to call him our Brother. Unable to attend the Jubilee celebration, I was able to have a most meaningful telephone conversation with Paul that morning. Like all my other conversations with Brother, it was most engaging. His gift of being completely present to you, his enthusiasm and positive energy allow a personal connection that is unique. Paul was simply life-giving to others. To me these gifts of Paul truly are an expression of God’s love.

In our conversation on Saturday, Brother shared a book by Gerhard Lohfink that he had just begun. Why I believe in God. He was so excited to share that his own faith story mirrored Lohfink’s belief that we receive faith from key sources, such as, the family, schools, organizations etc. Paul talked with affection about how he received his faith from his parents, the influence of his sister Marion, his schooling and his life as a Brother. I was so moved by what he shared that I ordered the book. I just started reading it when Michael McCarthy called me Monday morning to tell me Paul had passed away during the night. My last moments with Paul will always be moments of grace. I did nothing to deserve them. In Paul’s gifts I experienced God’s love.

Brother Paul Feeney was born in Dorchester, MA to John Francis and Gertrude Mary Feeney on February 9, 1933. Brother Paul is predeceased by his sister Marion, to whom he was truly devoted. Paul attended Boston College High School. The first Xaverian he met was Brother Ramon (Peter Kelly) who was stationed at Mission High School at the time. They both shared our Founder’s love for the poor and commitment to gospel justice. Peter in his ministry to immigrants. Paul through his commitment to Pax Christi USA and other such ministries.

Paul entered Sacred Heart Novitiate in 1950 receiving his cherished Xaverian habit and the religious name ‘Antoninus.’ Brother earned his undergraduate degree from Catholic University of America in History in 1956. He earned his Masters’ Degree in Biblical Studies from Catholic University of America in 1970. He did post graduate studies in theology and spirituality at Fairfield University, Graduate Theological Union in Berkley, CA, and King’s College, London, England.

From 1961 to 1989, Brother Paul’s attention and energy were directed to teaching in our New England high schools. Brother was stationed at Saint John’s, Shrewsbury, Keith Academy, Lowell, Xaverian Brothers High School, Westwood where he was also Assistant Principal. Brother also taught at Xaverian College in Manchester, England. He was an enthusiastic teacher. And he was a masterful teacher. Brother Paul also served in the formation programs for our young brothers. He was Assistant Novice Master at Saint Joseph’s Novitiate in Newton, MA and at our college in Maryland. In 1989 Brother Paul was also elected to serve the Brothers of the former Saint Joseph’s Province as Vicar-provincial and then Provincial. In 1998 Brother served as Director of Religious Education for Secondary Schools in the Archdiocese of Boston. He taught Old Testament to those in the permanent diaconate program also in Boston. Brother also taught at Emmanuel College in Boston. He spent fifteen years directing the Cursillo Program in Boston. Most recently Brother Paul served on the formation team for our Congolese and Kenyan Brothers.

There is a story that I feel captures Brother Paul’s spirit and gift to us. At Brother Daniel Skala’s recommendation, I invited Brother Paul to Louisville to give a retreat day to the faculties of St. Xavier High School and Nativity Academy (which we co-sponsored with the Ursuline Sisters) on our Founder’s spirit or charism and how it speaks to today’s world. Paul, a complete stranger, spoke to one hundred and sixty teachers and staff all morning. He connected. He had their full attention. His enthusiasm was contagious. It kept them engaged, they listened. When Paul was sharing about Ryken’s love of God, his love of the poor and oppressed and what he did to establish our work as educators, Paul came alive. His joy was tangible. He expressed an inner peace. It was convincing. One could feel the silence as the assembly listened. At the end nearly all went up to the podium to express their gratitude to him. His effect on them was life-giving. Paul did not just know about Ryken’s charism. He knew the charism because he consciously lived and prayed it.

Joy, I believe, was Paul’s attitude and approach to life. The essence of his spirituality. Paul’s joy touched our spirit and will continue to touch it. For that we thank him. His love of Christ, I believe, is the source of his joy. Prayer led Paul to ‘the communion with the living God.’ He knew this communion is at ‘the heart of our life’ (FP.) For that lesson about our charism, we thank Paul. Let us pray that Paul, who was in life a unique expression of God’s love, now enjoys the full communion with the God of love. May Paul enjoy the eternal peace and love of God.

Prepared by Brother Edward Driscoll CFX

Viewing and Funeral Services

MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
SAINT RICHARD CHURCH
90 FOREST ST.
DANVERS, MA

Viewing: 9:00am – 10:45am
Funeral Mass: 11:00am
Interment to follow at Xaverian Brothers Cemetery at
St. John’s Preparatory School
Spring Street Danvers

A reception will be held following the burial at
Studzinski Library on the Campus of St. John’s Preparatory School
Summer Street, Danvers, MA