Roman Catholic Archbishop. The first apostolic nuncio in Ireland since seventeenth century Archbishop Giovanni Battista Rinuccini, Monsignor Paschal Charles Robinson OFM., was born David Robinson in Dublin, the son of a journalist. Raised in the United States, as a teenager he initiated his career in the same field as his father. Briefly considering a career in law, he served as both London correspondent for "The New York Sun" and associate editor of the "North American Review" before deciding to become a Franciscan. Frequenting the College of the Holy Cross and the St. Bonaventure's University, he was ordained to the priesthood at St. Anthony's International College in Rome on December 21, 1901. Named lector general of his Order, he spent months researching in the Franciscan archives at Quarrachi and lecturing theology at St. Bonaventure's Friary in Paterson, New Jersey, as well as medieval history at the Catholic University. Appointed apostolic visitor to Palestine, he served as consultor on two Roman congregations and undertook special missions of the Holy See to Malta and other areas, including the Eastern Catholic Churches in Palestine, Transjordan and Cyprus. Elected archbishop of the titular see of Tyana by Pope Pius XI, receiving his episcopal consecration on June 24, 1927 from Cardinal Willem van Rossum C.Ss.R., he was named nuncio in Ireland on November 27, 1929. Regarded as an "encyclopedia of knowledge" and revered as one of the greatest Franciscan apologists of the twentieth century, Robinson continued to present Saint Francis of Assisi to the world through his writings. Exerting tremendous influence in Ireland during his tenure in the nunciature he established secure good relations between Ireland and the Holy See. Passing away on Friday, August 27, 1948, at the apostolic nunciature in Phoenix Park, following the celebration of a simple ceremony devoid of pomp and colour, he was laid to rest in the Franciscan plot at the Glasnevin Cemetery of Dublin. In accordance with his wishes, he was clothed in the simple habit of a monk of Saint Francis: instead of scarlet shoes he asked to be buried with bare feet. Having asked for a simple requiem, such request for simplicity created a complication for the government, having decided to give the prelate a state funeral. Thus in order to respect his wishes, it was deemed appropriate that Franciscan friars would act as pallbearers instead of the usual escort of military officers, while a hearse would take the place of the gun carriage.