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Finally, Burbeck showed no sign of spiritual searching in his youth. His mother, Christina, said he slept through most of his classes at Apex High School, where he graduated in 2002, with an attitude she called "mildly belligerent."

Before he spent several months in Europe with his older brother, Danny, when Michael was 18, his chief passion was horseback riding.

"He's got a red-blooded American man in him," said Joshua Davis, a friend who lives in Henderson. "He likes rock climbing, cars, trucks, mudding."

But his parents, both of whom hold doctorates in experimental psychology, said that when he makes a decision -- such as his decision to go to Europe -- it's deliberate, reasoned and unwavering.

Faith was the last thing anyone expected him to find in Europe. But the beauty and majesty of the continent's great cathedrals drew him. He found himself stealing a few moments to sit in silence -- first quietly, then reverently and prayerfully. He visited Il Duomo, a cathedral in Florence, the churches of Assisi, and, of course, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

He said the experiences left him breathless. "At St. Peter's, I spent three hours walking around in a daze," he said. "My experience of the presence of God that met me there was remarkable. I lost sight of everything else."

Later, he would be able to explain what drew him to Catholicism: its rich body of teachings developed over thousands of years and its sacramental understanding that God works through physical signs, such as oil, water, bread and wine.

But when he met his parents in London at the conclusion of his trip, he explained his call to Catholicism and to the priesthood in simpler terms. He wanted to be a priest.

His parents suspected it was coming. They had noticed a change in him since his trip began. In brief telephone conversations and e-mail messages, he sounded less cocky and imperious, more open and attentive.

"There was a quietness and peacefulness of spirit about him," said Christina Burbeck.

Christina and Steve Burbeck always believed in letting their children pursue their heart's desire, but they were not quite prepared for Michael's pronouncement.

Knowing her son's academic prowess and keen mind, Christina Burbeck told Michael that he had a responsibility to use his gifts.

"I believe my faith is my greatest gift," he replied.

To that, the Burbecks had no rebuttal.

Friends were skeptical

However determined Burbeck was, his path was not entirely straight.

After taking a class at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Cary, he was accepted into the church at the Easter vigil in April 2003.

Acceptance from friends proved more difficult. When he told them he wanted to be a priest, which would entail a vow of celibacy, many of the guys he rode horses with were incredulous. Some asked whether he was gay, referencing a cultural phenomenon in which many Catholics chose the priesthood as a way of hiding their sexual orientation.

Burbeck explained that he found great beauty in the idea of giving himself entirely to God. But it was a hard sell and eventually, Burbeck began dating women, including one with whom he had a serious relationship.

Experts agree that of all the trials priests must endure, celibacy is by far the hardest. A 2007 study of 439 university students active in Catholic campus ministry found that not being allowed to marry was the leading obstacle men and women cited in not wanting to become priests and nuns.

Although celibacy hasn't always been required of Catholic priests -- it was only in the 11th century that Pope Benedict VIII forbade marriage -- it is no longer optional. Nor does it appear likely to end under the leadership of the current pope, Benedict XVI, a conservative, orthodox theologian who previously served as the enforcer of church doctrine.

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