Tape 1. In the first interview session, conducted on November 30, 1992, Griffin discusses his family background and early life in Portland, Oregon, including his education at Catholic schools, spending World War II in Northern California, and his decision to become a priest. He talks about his experience studying at Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Oregon; at St. Thomas Seminary, in Kenmore, Washington; and at Lateran University in Rome, Italy. He discusses the reforms of Vatican II, which were implemented after the Second Vatican Council concluded in 1965, and speaks about his study of canon law.