The Griffin Center is dedicated to the memory of Fr. Bert Griffin, priest, pastor, theologian, mentor, and friend. He was born January 28, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. He attend Mount Angel Seminary High School from 1948-1949. He attended Mt. Angel Seminary College from 1949-1953, where received his BA degree. His theology studies leading to a M. Div. degree and priestly ordination were completed in 1957 at St. Thomas Seminary, Kenmore, Washington. He was ordained on May 17, 1957, by Archbishop Edward D. Howard. He attended the Lateran University, Rome, and was awarded the J.C.D. (Doctor of Canon Law) in 1964.
From 1957 until his death, Father Griffin had a number of important and interesting assignments in the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon: He was a parochial vicar (assistant pastor) at St. Cecilia, Beaverton; The Madeleine, Portland; and the Cathedral, Portland. He was the Director of the former House of Studies at Portland State University. He was the Vice-Official and the chancellor of the Archdiocese. He was the pastor of St. Andrew, Portland; St. Pius X, Portland; and finally, St. Michael parish in downtown Portland.
Among his brother priests of the Archdiocese, he was an inspiration. His wisdom and whit showed in his roles on the Clergy Personnel Board and the Presbyteral Council. He was known in the greater Portland area for his work in ecumenism and civil rights. He taught canon law at the Catholic University of America, Washington DC, as well as, at Mt. Angel Seminary. He was once the president of the Canon Law Society of America. He lectured and wrote on canon law showing his keen insight into the role of law in the pastoral mission of the Church.
Father Griffin was the recipient of a number of awards among them are the Russel Peyton Award from the Metropolitan Human Relations Committee, 1981; the Aubrey Watzek Award from the Lewis and Clark College, Portland; the Role of Law Award from the Canon Law Society of America, 1989; and the Lumen Gentium Award from Mt. Angel Seminary, 1999.
Fr. Griffin Died on July 28, 2000, in Portland. The vigil was at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on August 2 and his Funeral Mass was August 3, 2000. Archbishop John Vlazny presided and Fr. Jack Mosbrucker preached. After the Funeral Mass, his brother priests, family, and friends took him to his burial place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery where he was buried in the Priests' section. There he awaits the return of glory of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.