Fr. Mulcahy's Technical Advisor

Those who know me well may recall that I am a big fan of the television show M*A*S*H. It would be an exaggeration to say that Capt. Fr. Francis John Patrick Mulcahy was an inspiration to my becoming a priest - but not a gross exaggeration. It's fair to say that I always found that character to be deeply compelling, a kind model for priesthood, and thus an icon of the good work that priests can do especially in circumstances that most cry out for healing.

Unlike the vast majority of television shows since, the writers of M*A*S*H always did an excellent job of making Fr. Mulcahy human, without making him lose his vocation, his faith, or his morals. They also seemed to get a great deal right when it came to the 'jargon' and the 'trappings' of the priesthood and the Church. 

Well, it turns out that the writers of M*A*S*H likely had a Holy Cross priest to thank for helping shape Fr. Mulcahy's character. I learned today that Fr. Frank Toste, C.S.C. passed away, and although I never met the man, and don't know much else about him except what I read in his obituary, I learned there that he served as the technical advisor to William Christopher on the set of M*A*S*H. He is seen here on the set with the cast:

The obituary also states that Fr. Toste taught in Holy Cross high schools for many years, but was also an avid stage and screen participant, holding certificates in Cinema from the School of Cinema/Television at the University of Southern California and the Feagin School of Drama and Radio in New York City. Apparently, he had a speaking role in "Love Story," appeared in "Oliver’s Story," and was also therefore a long-term member of the Screen Actors Guild.

It's nice to know that even in this most obscure fashion, Holy Cross priests were helping shape my vocation from an early stage. May he rest in peace.

UPDATE:  Others are also remembering and thanking Fr. Toste in articles, comments, and blog posts.