Fr. Sam Florance, architect and priest.
Before following a call to the priesthood, Fr. Sam Florance worked as a professional architect in Dallas, Texas. His time working and studying in the field of architecture pushed him to contemplate the beauty found in the created world, ultimately leading him to the priesthood. During seminary, his architectural knowledge found fruition in the rich philosophy and theology of the Catholic faith. Once a builder of buildings, he is now a builder of souls.
Fr. Florance graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s of Environmental Design and earned the Department of Architecture Celebration of Excellence Award. After earning his Bachelor’s degree, Fr. Florance obtained a Master’s of Architecture from the University of Kansas, earning the AIA Certificate of Merit for excellence in his studies at KU. During his time at University, Fr. Florance focused on the Design-Build method of architectural practice, gaining much hands-on construction experience. He also specialized in digital fabrication, using robotic fabrication equipment for design and construction.
After graduating from KU, Fr. Florance went to work for an Architecture and Construction firm in Dallas, Texas. During this time, Father worked toward his architecture license while discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Two weeks after completing the requirements for architectural licensure, Fr. Florance put in his notice at work and left for the seminary.
Fr. Florance attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska. His seminary education heavily emphasized Thomistic theology and Aristotelian philosophy. Father is a member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, a society of apostolic life committed to traditional liturgy and community life of priests.
Father’s architecture background combined with his seminary education and priestly formation give him a unique perspective on many issues and he is willing to take on any speaking topic that might be of interest to an audience. Some of his previous sermons and conference topics are:
Spiritual Combat: military warfare vs. spiritual warfare
The Spiritual Exercises of St. John of the Cross: a method of prayer by recognizing God’s beauty in nature
Humility: the foundational virtue
Charity: the highest virtue
Architectural Proportion: The principles of beauty
The foundations of classical architecture
