02/20/2026
It’s hard to put into words what I witnessed this week.
I had the profound honor of photographing the episcopal ordination of Bishop Peter Dai Bui for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, and I can honestly say — this was unlike anything I’ve ever captured.
This wasn’t just a ceremony.
This wasn’t just tradition.
This was apostolic succession.
The laying on of hands.
The silence of prostration.
The weight of the Book of the Gospels placed over him.
The solemn prayer of consecration echoing through the cathedral.
In that moment, what began with the Apostles did not simply get remembered — it continued. Not symbolically. Not metaphorically. But sacramentally.
Authority handed on.
Grace invoked.
A shepherd ordained.
A visible sign of the same Church Christ founded — still alive, still breathing, still being entrusted to the next generation.
As a photographer, I’m used to documenting milestones — grand openings, celebrations, defining moments in people’s lives.
But this felt different.
This felt eternal.
To witness the fullness of Holy Orders being conferred… to stand there and see bishops lay hands in an unbroken line that stretches back two thousand years… it reminded me why beauty matters. Why reverence matters. Why sacred tradition matters.
Some moments you photograph.
Others change you while you’re photographing them.
Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.
A sincere thank you to Father Carlos and Father Eduardo for the invitation and for trusting me to document such a historic and holy day. And thank you to the Diocese for the opportunity to serve in this way.
This is one I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
✝️
