Archbishop Sample imparted his heart-felt insights about spiritual fatherhood to the seminarians attending the Denver SEEK Conference on January 3, 2026. He told the men, “To be a good spiritual father is learned by being a beloved spiritual son. Be secure as a beloved son.”
As the Colorado sun set behind the sports-bar patio, the 60 men listened attentively while Archbishop Sample shared his personal experience of growing to understand what it meant to be a beloved son. He said, “A dad is meant to affirm his son from boyhood to manhood. I realized that God wasn’t evaluating me in the same way I evaluated myself, but He was loving me. With His acceptance, I can accept myself. It’s not about looks or achievement. It’s about heart.”
Archbishop Sample developed his greater trust in God’s love through prayer. He recommended using Lectio Divina, the Surrender Novena, and praying with a small group for support. With intentional effort to forgive others and to understand Christ’s perspective he said, “I have received great healing of my father wound and it continues. I have become more vulnerable. I am able to seek to love each of my spiritual sons and daughters as God loves them, just for being themselves.”
Several seminarians were surprised that they could relate to the Archbishop. One young man from California said that as he applied for seminary, his father was very disappointed that he would not continue the family business. The relationship was very difficult, but he was encouraged by the Archbishop’s testimony.
In closing, Archbishop Sample exhorted the men to use their seminarian formation well. “Jesus came to reveal the Father’s love. The world needs good fathers. If there is healing work that needs to happen, do it now. Whether you will be priests or husbands, be the men, be the fathers that you are called to be.”
His first time attending a SEEK Conference, Archbishop Sample celebrated Mass for the nearly 6,000 conference attendees, calling them to receive their identity from the Lord. He especially enjoyed having lunch with the students from Oregon State University and some parishioners from St. Edward Parish in Keizer. Vocations Director, Fr. Peter Julia, and two seminarians, Andrew Seeber and Vincent Vanzuylen, were able to attend the Denver conference, while more Portland seminarians enjoyed the other conference locations.
