During this Year for Priests, the Diocese of Raleigh is presenting a “Did You Know” feature of Priests serving in the Diocese. As new profiles are added, such as the one below, the previous ones will be available from the Year for Priests page.

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge will mark his 25^th year of Priesthood with celebration of an anniversary Mass at Saint Michael the Archangel Church in Cary on Thursday, September 10 at 6:00 PM.

In a video interview, Bishop Burbidge discusses his vocation to the Priesthood, including his discernment, his assignments in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and his appointment and installation as the fifth Bishop of Raleigh.

• Watch Bishop Burbidge’s interview - Part 1 (Windows Media)
• Watch Bishop Burbidge’s interview - Part 2 (Windows Media)

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Raleigh

Who is your favorite saint?

Saint Michael the Archangel and Saint John Vianney.

What is your favorite place to visit?

To the Holy Land with 30 other priests.

Who was the greatest influence on your vocation as a priest and why?

The faithful and loving example of my parents and the diocesan priests who taught me in high school. In those priests, I saw holy and joyful men who had a tremendous influence on the spiritual lives of so many people.

Do you have a hobby or hobbies or leisure activity?

I enjoy watching sports. I exercise daily and find time for reading and a movie once in awhile.

What is your favorite food? Do you cook it yourself?

I enjoy a good steak and all Italian food! I usually cook for myself but would never dare cook for others.

Favorite sport? Favorite team – College and/or Professional?

My favorite sport to play was baseball. My favorite sports to watch are the NFL and college basketball. Favorite NFL team: one of the two that will be playing in Charlotte on opening day. Favorite college basketball team: not brave enough to answer that.

Favorite author and/or book?

Author – C.S. Lewis. Book – The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene.

Favorite movie?

“The Quiet Man”, “Brian’s Song” and I have to admit the first “Rocky.”

Music you enjoy/artist?

I enjoy classical, country and easy listening as well as “oldies.” I have to admit I have Sinatra set on my (XM) car radio.

Any interesting fact that parishioners would be interested in knowing?

I am not sure if others knew that a job I held until I was ordained a deacon was that of an umpire. In many ways, it helped to prepare me to be a bishop --- some close calls and not everyone always agrees!