Rev. Msgr. Paul J. Langsfeld
Deceased: 2021-07-09
Diocese: WASHINGTON
Seminary Graduation Year: 1977
Reverend Monsignor Paul J. Langsfeld of Washington, D.C. passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021 following a long and courageous battle against Multiple System Atrophy. He was 71 years old. Msgr. Langsfeld was born on October 4, 1949 in Denver, CO to Catharine Magaldo Langsfeld and John Joseph Langsfeld. Paul was the second of six children, with three brothers and two sisters. His father’s work in the FBI took the family to Georgia where Paul spent his early years in Albany before moving to Atlanta. Paul graduated from St. Pius X Catholic High School in 1967.
Paul was an avid scholar throughout his life. At an early age he was inspired by the spiritual example of the priests at his parish and schools. In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at St. Louis University, the Basselin Scholars Program Theological College, Washington, D.C., the North American College, Rome, Italy and the American College of Louvain, Belgium. He was ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington on May 14, 1977 at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle, Washington, D.C. His first assignment as Parochial Vicar was to Saint Mary of the Mills Parish, Laurel, Maryland, during which time he completed his studies for a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Catholic University of America.
In 1984, he was assigned as Parochial Vicar to Our Lady of Victory Parish, Washington, D.C. and served as a teacher in the Diaconate Formation Program of the Archdiocese of Washington. In 1985 Paul became a member of the Congregation for the Clergy, Vatican Curia, Rome, Italy where he earned a Doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. In 1991, he joined Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD as Associate Professor, Dean of Formation and Vice Rector. In 2003, he became the Rector and President of the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, OH. In 2009, Paul returned to pastoral work serving as Pastor of Saint Stephen Martyr Parish, Washington, D.C. (2009-2012), Pastor of Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Gaithersburg, Maryland (2012-2014), and Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Washington D.C. (2014-2016).
In 2016, Monsignor retired due to his illness and was admitted into the Jeanne Jugan Residence for health care by the Little Sisters of the Poor. As a priest, Paul aspired to be a true shepherd, modeling his life after Christ. Paul was obedient to God’s will and trusted in His Providence. While he endured great suffering with his illness, he always had faith that God was in control and that good would come from it. His sense of humor brought happiness to those around him. He loved being with his family and friends, and always enjoyed good food and good conversation. His love of languages, reading and traveling brought him joy. Paul had a brilliant mind, a gentle spirit, and a quiet humility.
He will always be remembered as a devoted son, a loving brother and uncle, and a faithful friend. Paul was predeceased by his father John Joseph Langsfeld and his niece Anne Maria Langsfeld of Atlanta. He is survived by his mother Catharine Magaldo Langsfeld, his sisters Barbara Langsfeld Otwell (Philip) and Beth Langsfeld Abram (Al); his brothers John Langsfeld (Ruth), Mark Langsfeld (Carol), Joel Langsfeld (Andrea); his eight nieces Catherine Langsfeld Obringer, Elizabeth Otwell, Mary Langsfeld Ballschmiede (Ron), Hannah Langsfeld Kelly (Shaun), Sarah Langsfeld, Grace Langsfeld, Candace Langsfeld, Elizabeth Abram; his six nephews Ryan Otwell (Rachel), Joshua Langsfeld (Ramya), Joel Langsfeld, John Paul Langsfeld, John Abram, Jeremy Langsfeld; 5 great nieces and 8 great nephews, Tripp, Jack, Charlotte, William, and Elizabeth Obringer; Annie and Laney Ballschmiede; Olivia and Wyatt Otwell; Nicholas Langsfeld; Augustine and Leo Kelly; Joseph Langsfeld.
The Vigil with Monsignor Langsfeld’s cremains will be held on Friday, August 20, 2021 at Saint Joseph Parish on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. from 3:00pm-7:00pm, with the Vigil Mass at 7:30pm celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Broglio. The Archbishop of Washington, Wilton Cardinal Gregory, will celebrate the Funeral Mass at Saint Joseph Parish on Capitol Hill at 10:30am on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Msgr. Langsfeld to the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, OH or Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD or the Jeanne Jugan Residence of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Washington,
