These intervals seemed so slight in his memory that the reader has seen his statement that he had not studied at all.

When he had been a year at Clapham he was found, on examination, to be well enough prepared, as he had promised he would be.

Having been ordained sub-deacon and deacon at old Hall College, by Bishop Wiseman, he was ordained priest by the same prelate in his private chapel in London.

The event took place on the 23d of October, 1849, the feast of the Most Holy Redeemer.

Father Hecker said his first Mass the following day at Clapham, that being the feast of St.Raphael the Archangel: one year from the date of his account of conscience written out and given to his superiors.
The following is from a letter to his mother announcing his ordination: "DEAR MOTHER: You have been doubly blessed by Almighty God within the past few weeks.