On the one hand, he’s quite pragmatic. Taking seriously his role as spiritual advisor for a wide range of beliefs, Mulcahy is ecumenical in the best sense of the word: he presides over Protestant weddings and even officiates a Jewish bris. Though a devout Catholic, he’s fascinated rather than offended by the religious traditions of his Korean neighbors: he knows enough about Korean marriage ceremonies to narrate one for the others (“Ping Pong”) and when a Korean priest performs a decidedly non-Catholic exorcism in the camp, he watches with curiosity rather than outright condemnation (“Exorcism”).
On the other hand, Mulcahy’s slight demeanor hides a spiritual focus and resolve that other characters can’t help but admire, appreciate, and draw strength from. He rushes to the front lines against orders so he can better relate to wounded soldiers (“Mulcahy’s War”) and stays up all night comforting a grief-stricken man (“Blood Brothers”). When a nurse expresses affection toward him in “Nurse Doctor,” he does his best to treat her honorably and gently rather than take advantage. (Of course, this being M*A*S*H, some humorous confusion is bound to occur at first.) And when an AWOL soldier requests sanctuary, Mulcahy defies even his commanding chaplain to grant refuge to the troubled man (“A Holy Mess”).