REGINA: And inside?
MIKE: The interior was even more inspiring knowing that many priests who work and sermons I’ve admired from a distance were trained there! The library was most incredible, when my guide opened the door to that cavernous room I instantly thought “books!
REGINA: As opposed to ‘smartphones’?
MIKE: Yes, I’m not quite sure what a room full of smartphones would smell like. Smartphones, like the rest of the internet they promote, have their use in the proper context, now, so I’m not a Luddite about them or technology; but they can never replace a well bound, book about The Faith, like Humility of Heart or The Incredible Catholic Mass.
REGINA: How many people were there?
MIKE: I believe the Ordination Mass was attended by 1500+ and it was standing, er, kneeling room only in the Narthex! It was on its way to a high of 101 ̊ outside and it felt like it was 95 ̊ in the Cathedral.
Regina: And the Mass?
MIKE: The Mass was a Latin Mass Catholic’s dream, silent retreat. Archbishop Sample alternated between his Mass duties, under a zucchetto and his Bishopric duties, under a miter; the Grace that enabled these seamless alternations was beautiful and profound to behold.
REGINA: What were your feelings about all this?
MIKE: I got to see the Rite of Apostolic succession, LIVE! And in person! Like a kid on his first trip to the Snickers aisle at an inconvenience store, you’re overcome with a sense of abundant Grace, coming from every direction. To witness a reenactment of Saint Peter bringing Saint Paul into the priesthood is beyond description; I must have said the Centurion’s Creed 100 times, thumping my chest with each recitation. It’s a humbling experience.
REGINA: How long did these guys study to become priests?
MIKE: It depends but for most it is seven years though some take longer. I know a priest who was in seminary for 12 years and today is he is one of the holiest men I know.
REGINA | 34