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February 13, 2026
From February 8–13, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample visited four seminarians from the Archdiocese of Portland who are currently studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. While the Archbishop traditionally takes the seminarians on pilgrimage during his annual visit, the group remained in Rome this year due to his shorter trip, planned around the Centennial of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Instead, they spent their time visiting various churches, meeting one-on-one, and enjoying traditional Italian cuisine.
During the visit, Archbishop Sample took the opportunity to remind the seminarians of his fatherly care, encourage them in their formation, and update them on ongoing events and plans for the archdiocese back home. For the seminarians, the Archbishop’s visit is an opportunity to hear what is on his heart and to share their own desires, consolations, and struggles, allowing him to truly know the men he will, God willing, one day ordain.
Before his private audience with Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Sample celebrated Mass for the seminarians in the Clementine Chapel. Located beneath the heart of St. Peter’s Basilica, this sacred space marks the site where St. Peter was originally buried and venerated in the early Church. For seminarian Anthony Nguyen, this Mass, celebrated using the prayers for the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, carried special significance: Archbishop Sample, a successor of the Apostles, was preparing to meet Pope Leo XIV, the successor of St. Peter.
“It was very heartwarming for me to see two important spiritual fathers in my life, Pope Leo and Archbishop Sample, have the opportunity for this moment of fraternity and conversation, especially about the state of the Church in Western Oregon, where I am being called to serve,” Nguyen said.
In addition to celebrating Mass in the Clementine Chapel, Archbishop Sample and the seminarians also celebrated Mass at the tomb of St. Philip Neri at Chiesa Nuova, as well as at the tomb of St. Cecilia in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Cecilia in Trastevere. For the seminarians, living in Rome presents a unique opportunity to walk among the saints and encounter them in prayer and intercession.
While at Chiesa Nuova, Archbishop Sample and the seminarians toured the bedroom and living spaces of St. Philip Neri, known as the Second Apostle of Rome, emphasizing that the saints were real people in history whom we can imitate in our daily lives. Similarly, while at the Basilica of St. Cecilia, Archbishop Sample encouraged the seminarians to pray for the intercession of St. Cecilia, who sang while facing her martyrdom, for the revival of sacred music and liturgy in the Archdiocese of Portland.
The Archbishop’s visit to Rome concluded with a meaningful visit to the Catacombs of Priscilla, currently home to the priests and religious sisters of The Work of Jesus the High Priest and the Association of the Faithful Family of Mary. This community shares a close bond with the Archdiocese of Portland, with members currently serving three parishes in East Portland.
After touring the ancient burial site, Archbishop Sample and the seminarians celebrated Mass and shared a meal with the community. Among the group was Fr. Gabriele White, OJSS, pastor of St. Therese Parish in Northeast Portland, who was also visiting his community in Rome. In closing, Archbishop Sample expressed deep gratitude for the community’s hospitality and their continued, faithful service to mission renewal in the Church in Western Oregon.
Throughout his visit, Archbishop Sample encouraged the seminarians to prioritize prayer in their daily lives and remain steadfast in their response to the will of God. He also asks the faithful of the Archdiocese of Portland to pray for the seminarians, that they may serve the people of Western Oregon with hearts after the Heart of Jesus Christ the High Priest.
