Legatus Magazine November 2021

NOVEMBER 2021 THANKSGIVING/ STEWARDSHIP EDITION VTRS.UFEACLSHEARITY COMPASSION FR. ALTIER: AVOID FALSE NO MAN IS AN ISLAND GOSPEL OF RELATIVISM ANGELS – OUR GUARDIANS DR. FRENCH: DISCOVERING TRUTH CONQUERS FEAR OF DEATH AND BENEFACTORS J. BREHANY: PRENATAL LEGATES LAUNCH LIFE SCREENING CHALLENGES, HOPES CENTER FOR NEW MOMS D. SPAULDING: GRAPPLING WITH LOSS OF A SPOUSE

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11•21 INSIDE VOL 34 • NO 11 10 VIRTUOUS COMISPGAUSSIDIOEND BY LOVE AND MORAL PRUDENCE by Gerald Korson Popularized ‘kindnesses’ today often accept evil in return 16 20 24 ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/COATESY NO MAN IS HEAVEN’S CITY CREATING A AN ISLAND OF ANGELS – OUR SAFE PLACE FOR GUARDIANS AND by Judy Roberts UNEXPECTANT BENEFACTORS MOTHERS Florida Legate aids by Jim Graves earthquake victims in Haiti As God’s first creatures, they serve by Patti Armstrong 5NovemberH20im21 w| hile ministeri|ngletgoatmus.aorng North Jersey Legates offer critical help for babies and their moms

MORE COVER 08CHAIRMAN’S DESK 39 PHOTO ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/KATE_MALEVA Tom Monaghan: Forums – strength in numbers 39FEEDING THE FOODIE istockphoto.com/ J. Micatrotto: Bacon and barbecue burger DenisTangneyJr 09EDITOR’S DESK 48FIVE MINUTES Fr. Leary: 2022 Summit East speaker PAGE Christine V. Owsik: When October goes … 53 MEET THE CHAPLAIN PHOTO Fr. Oschwald: Raleigh Chapter 26ETHICS MATTERS Legate-chef- restaurateur Joe Dr. French: Truth overcomes fear of death Micatrotto, Sr. sinks into Kauai’s best 28CULTURE OF LIFE bacon burger, made Kansas City-style J. Brehany: Prenatal screening challenges, hopes from island beef — with a French twist 30GUEST VOICE D. Spaulding: Coping with loss of a spouse 32 FAITH MATTERS Fr. Altier: Avoid false gospel of relativism 34ENGAGING THE FAITH P. Kreeft: Life has but one meaning 37WHAT TO SEE Father Joseph : Lived as Christ among poor 38 HEALTH MATTERS Dr. Kaul: Chronic stomach pain in kids BOARD OF GOVERNORS Berni Neal Randall W. Hammond Diana Parent President Thomas S. Monaghan Orange County Denver Fort Wayne Stephen M. Henley Ann Arbor Secretary Advent Capital Parke Group International Chaplain Legatus Troy L. King S. Craig Henry James P. Sarni Bishop Frank Caggiano Founder, Chairman & CEO Orlando Lafayette-Acadiana Pasadena Bishop of Diocese of Bridgeport Dentistry for Children Bradford Food Group Payden & Rygel Ecclesiastical Advisor Christopher S. McMahon Treasurer Jerry R. Jones Mark R. Scalise Archbishop José H. Gomez Pittsburgh Sean J. Bellew Indianapolis Jupiter-Palm Beach Archbishop of Los Angeles MFA Wealth, LLC Philadelphia Cannon IV Scalise Industries Corporation President, United States Conference Vice Chairman Bellew, LLC of Catholic Bishops LEGATUS MISSION STATEMENT: Editor Christine Valentine-Owsik Comments, queries and address changes: Legatus magazine is published 12 times per To study, live, and spread the Design  Shawna Kunz, Lime Design Legatus Magazine year by Legatus, a membership organization Catholic faith in our business, Editorial Consultant  Gerald Korson PO Box 444 of Catholic presidents and CEOs. professional, and personal lives. Contributing Writer  Judy Roberts Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0444 © 2021 Legatus Contributing Writer  Jim Graves [email protected] All rights reserved Contributing Writer Patti Armstrong Phone: 866-534-2887 Contributing Writer Trent Beattie Copy Editor  Nancy Carabio Belanger To advertise, contact: [email protected] Advertising Sales Representative Joe Giacalone

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CHAIRMAN’S TOM MONAGHAN ST. JAMES OF DESK THE MARCHES Forums — (1391-1476) strength in numbers FEAST DAY: NOVEMBER 28 CANONIZED: 1726 PATRON OF MONTEPRANDONE, ITALY AND NAPLES, ITALY CREATED LOW-INTEREST LENDER TO POOR IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT importance of having a spiritual director, so I St. James of the Marches was born Domenico Gangala in we all want to grow in our faith, sought one out and we started meeting regularly. Monteprandone, on the central but how, practically, do we When we got together, he listened to what was eastern coast of Italy. He left do this? From the beginning, going on in my life and recommended different home at an early age to escape God’s plan was for us to live things to help me grow in my faith. After meeting his abusive father, and was our lives in community, with with him for about a year, he encouraged me to taken in by a priest-uncle who supportive relationship with get involved with a men’s group (i.e., a spiritual arranged for his education. He others. One of the key elements forum) as a means to go deeper in my spiritual earned degrees of Legatus is to provide life. He explained that this environment of in canon and members the opportunity to mutual trust and accountability with other civil law and develop supportive friendships Catholic men, who are peers, would be an joined the with peers who not only share impetus to my spiritual growth. So, I reached Franciscan common life experiences and out to several men in my chapter, five of us in Order, where challenges (i.e., in business), all, and we started a spiritual forum. That was he took the but who also share a deep seven years ago, and we have been meeting religious name commitment to their faith. monthly ever since. These relationships and James, after the Spiritual Forums take this monthly meetings have provided me a great Apostle James Legatus experience to a deeper deal of support. Because the group is not too big, the Greater. He level by providing members each of us typically has time to go around and COMMUNION OF was ordained a an opportunity for spiritual share what is going on in our lives each time we SAINTS priest in 1420. growth at a get together. He joined St. John of Capistrano personal level. Over time, our as a missionary preaching They are meant “this environment of mutual relationships throughout Europe, including in the marches or border regions to provide a trust and accountability with have developed, between political realms. Like trustworthy other Catholic men, who are and I know I John, he was an inquisitor, resource for can trust these battling the heresies of his day, peer discussion peers, would be an impetus men. We share and also urged Christians to from a Catholic to my spiritual growth freely and join the military efforts to repel perspective with openly with the invading Ottoman Turks. prayerful concern each other and for each other. genuinely enjoy each other’s Let me tell you company. Known for devotion to the about my path to forming a Holy Name of Jesus and his spiritual forum. In the past, I If you are not currently a part of a Legatus severe penances, James won have shared about the impact spiritual forum, I encourage you to prayerfully many converts. To combat high that spiritual reading has had consider joining or starting one. interest rates crushing the in helping me to grow in my poor, James established montes faith. I remember going on a And though a man might prevail against one who pietatis (mountains of charity), Legatus retreat in May of 2013, is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord a nonprofit that lent money on which took place at Mundelein is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12  L pawned objects at very low rates. Seminary. TOM MONAGHAN When James died, he was buried in the Franciscan During the retreat, I picked up is Legatus’ founder, chairman and CEO. church of Santa Maria la Nova in Naples. In 2001, his a book, Navigating the Interior remains were transferred to Life by Daniel Burke. In the Monteprandone, where his book, Burke talks about the body is still incorrupt. L — Jim Graves 8November 2021 | | legatus.org

MARK YOUR EDITOR’S CHRISTINE VALENTINE-OWSIK CALENDARS DESK NORTHEAST GALA And when October goes … DECEMBER 10, 2021 NEW YORK CITY 2022 SUMMIT EAST A FAVORITE BALLAD FROM pew, and watched the procession of priests and decades ago, sung by Barry servers onto the splendid white marble altar — JANUARY 27-29, 2022 Manilow, is “When October with its spectacular engraved-gold tabernacle, RITZ-CARLTON AMELIA ISLAND Goes,” which has a haunting six huge candles in crusted gold bases, and a melancholy about it, as he half-dozen gorgeous yellow, orange and red AMELIA ISLAND, FL recalls his blissful younger flower arrangements. Though my brother and I years. His scattered memories didn’t understand all the Latin, we knew when EL CAMINO PILGRIMAGE dance with the dimming of the priest was ready to speak in English for his autumn, which parallels the homily. APRIL 25-MAY 3, 2022 dusk of life. It reminisces of SPAIN youthful joy, mirroring the fiery We stiffened upright to hear. With no toys, blaze of October. snacks, books, or other distractions with us, we MEXICO FAMILY PILGRIMAGE “The children running home focused on him, and kept uncharacteristically beneath a twilight sky … the quiet. If not, Dad’s eye would spell out what was JUNE 10-13, 2022 same old dream appears … I waiting. MEXICO CITY, MEXICO should be over it now, I know … it doesn’t matter how old I Our pastor’s grandfatherly voice boomed in OBERAMMERGAU grow… how I hate to see October authority, with new stories and lessons even for PILGRIMAGE go.” us as kids, and his magnificent tone embraced Another long-ago memory us in paternal reassurance that God was always AUGUST 22-30, 2022 that’s as clear as if it were with us. Even invisible angels were there. BAVARIA & AUSTRIA yesterday are the crisp fall Monsignor had a holy mystique, and we loved days, when we briskly walked him as our shepherd. Though he never turned 2023 SUMMIT EAST into our Catholic church with the heat up to a cozy level, we always felt secure our parents, dressed like they in that cool gothic church, which reminded us FEBRUARY 9-11, 2023 were going to a wedding. My that under holy watch everything was in order. ORLANDO, FL mother wore a special perfume on Sunday, her auburn hair After what felt like an eternity of kneeling, FOR MORE INFORMATION: up in a French twist, a tailored Mom and Dad walked toward the altar for Holy [email protected] wool suit, patent high heels. Communion. As much as we wanted to see it all Dad was in his black gabardine up close, we remained in the pew still kneeling. OR CALL 866-534-2887 suit, squeaky leather wingtips, We watched as neighbors and nearby relatives thin tie, with his slicked wavy processed by, trying to catch their eye. hair shining with Dixie Peach. My brother wore a boy’s suit, Just recently, we joined a parish which has more bow tie, and dress oxfords, Latin Masses than English ones, and it all came I had tight braids and Mary flooding back. It’s like venturing back in time – Janes, white leotards, and navy- crowded but quiet, the old Catholic hymns bring velvet puff-sleeve dress with tears, and we lose ourselves in the Mass’ majesty. pull-back red bow. Faith of Our Fathers, holy faith, we will be true to L thee til death. A familiar entrance hymn CHRISTINE VALENTINE-OWSIK – I still love the “Holy, Holy, is Legatus magazine’s editor. Holy” – rolled on the immense pipe organ as we headed to a 9November 2021 | | legatus.org

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WHERE CHARITY AND LOVE PREVAIL COMPASSION, WHEN GUIDED BY LOVE AND MORAL PRUDENCE, IS A VIRTUE. WITHOUT THEM, HOWEVER, IT CAN BE JUST A FEELING THAT CAN LEAD US ASTRAY. BY GERALD KORSON “You keep using that word,” Inigo Montoya says to Vizzini in The Princess Bride. “I do not think it means what you think it means.” Today, inconceivable as it may seem, one such misunderstood word is “compassion.” Often, we use compassion interchangeably with related terms such as sympathy, empathy, and pity. When we consider compassion to be a mere feeling, such words can be seen as more or less synonymous. But compassion is also a virtue, and as a virtue it is poorly understood. In today’s culture, and even in Catholic circles, what passes for “compassion” sometimes undermines its very definition. 11November 2021 | | legatus.org

LOVE IN ACTION “Compassion gets involved,” COUNTERFEIT COMPASSION Pope Francis said in a homily last year. “It comes from the The word compassion comes from the Latin heart and gets involved, and it Compassion is “clearly com patire, meaning “to suffer with.” The leads you to do something.” the favorite” virtue in the compassionate person truly “feels the pain” of contemporary world — but it the other. But the virtue of compassion is more True compassion, then, results tends to get isolated from all than a feeling or emotion: empowered by love, in action. The key to virtuous the factors required to keep virtuous compassion seeks to alleviate that compassion is in what action it a true virtue, according to suffering by addressing its root causes in a way one takes. Donald DeMarco, adjunct that is oriented toward the individual’s ultimate professor at Holy Apostles good. To be virtuous, compassion College in Cromwell, CT. must be prompted by love. Donald DeMarco J. Budziszewski, philosophy professor at the Authentic love wills the true Often, a compassionate University of Texas, describes the difference good of the other, Aquinas said. response is claimed when one seeks to avoid or in this way: “The virtue of compassion is The ultimate good for every end pain in the most efficient way but without sympathizing in the right way, for the right soul is to lead virtuous lives regard for moral considerations, even for the things, and doing the right thing about it,” he on earth and to attain eternal dignity and sacredness of human life — for writes on his website (boundless.org). “The happiness in the next. The example, “compassion” can be invoked in feeling of compassion is sympathy period, and virtue of compassion, then, advocating for a patient to choose physician- it’s not always right. When it isn’t, it’s called ‘false impels one not simply to ease assisted suicide rather than experience the pain compassion.’” the pain or predicament of the associated with serious illness, disability, or the one who suffers, but to do so in dying process. For St. Thomas Aquinas, who used the Latin morally acceptable ways that misericordia to indicate “pity” or “mercy” as well are beneficial to that soul. As a result, compassion “becomes an argument as “compassion,” the true virtue of compassion unto itself, so to speak, to justify abortion, is exercised when an individual is so affected sterilization, euthanasia, and sundry other by the suffering of another actions that are aimed at reducing the amount that he is moved to alleviate of misery that currently afflicts mankind,” that suffering guided by the WORD COMPASSION COMES DeMarco writes in a Lay Witness magazine virtue of prudence and right essay. “Separated from love, light, generosity, reason. FROM THE LATIN COM PATIRE, hope, patience, courage, and determination, compassion becomes nothing more than a code MEANING “TO SUFFER WITH” word whose real name is expediency.” 12November 2021 | ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SKYNESHER | legatus.org

When compassion becomes a principle, he continued, “it ceases to be a virtue. As a principle, all it means is the easiest way out.” Pope Francis also spoke to this confusion over compassion in a 2016 address to members of the medical profession as he decried the practice of physician- assisted suicide. “Frailty, pain, and infirmity are a difficult trial for everyone, including medical staff. They call for patience, for ‘suffering-with,’” the pope said. “Therefore, we must not give in to the functionalist temptation to apply rapid and drastic solutions, moved by false compassion or by mere criteria of efficiency or cost- effectiveness. The dignity of human life is at stake.” ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PEOPLEIMAGES ‘COMPASSION’ AS ‘ACCEPTANCE’ OF EVIL Compassion also can lose its virtuous element respect to the personality of the individual and when one chooses to be tolerant or “supportive” of you to look at each situation someone regardless of their choice or perspective individually and conclude the gives tolerance and respect to moral diversity.” — and thereby refrains from speaking the truth, best moral decision in looking trying to reason with them, or objecting to a at the consequences of each Catholic philosopher Alice clearly unreasonable or immoral course of action. decision. This is much more von Hildebrand observed the compassionate as it allows you creep of modern relativism Thus, in the name of compassion, one might to have a subjective view and and came to a more reasoned simply but erroneously “accept” a friend’s allows each person to develop conclusion. The relativistic decision to abort a child instead of deal with an their own moral view. It gives “climate” of our day and unplanned pregnancy, or to pursue an the influence of illicit relationship when in an unhappy modern social marriage, or to commit fraud when in a TRUE … COMPASSION IS sciences has led Alice von Hildebrand difficult financial situation. EXERCISED WHEN [ONE] IS SO to acceptance of moral disorders Counterfeit compassion — compassion such as homosexual acts and same- where truth bites its tongue and moral AFFECTED BY THE SUFFERING OF sex “marriage” in the name of justice imperatives are ignored — is a cousin ANOTHER THAT HE IS MOVED and compassion. “All these grave of moral relativism. British cultural aberrations have become more and commentator Zoe Dukoff-Gordon more ‘acceptable;’ this is ‘requested admits as much. “When looking at TO ALLEVIATE THAT SUFFERING, by charity,’” she wrote in an essay a the issue of euthanasia, to me it is GUIDED BY THE VIRTUE OF few years ago. “In fact, the secular clear that relativism provides the world has discovered that its mission most compassionate response,” she is to teach Christians what Christian writes in an essay. “Relativism allows PRUDENCE AND RIGHT REASON charity is.” 13November 2021 | | legatus.org

IMITATION OF CHRIST The model for the virtue of compassion is found in Jesus Christ, who took on our humanity in order to identify with our brokenness. He willingly suffered and died for us in order to free us from the bondage of sin and provide us a way to eternal happiness. While the Revised Standard Version and New American Bible often use “pity” to describe Jesus’ response to human suffering, the older Douay-Rheims Bible prefers “compassion,” which more accurately suggests the virtuous compassion that Jesus exemplifies. “I have compassion on the multitude, for behold they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat,” Jesus said of the crowds who hear him preach, just prior to performing the miracle of the loaves and fishes (Mark 8:2). Likewise, in Jesus’ parables, the Samaritan was “moved with compassion” to interrupt his journey in order to assist the wounded traveler (Luke 10:33), and the father was “moved with compassion” to rush forth to forgive his repentant son who was returning home (Luke 15:20). Scripture also shows us something else about compassion: that our suffering, even our suffering with and on behalf of another person, can be redemptive if we unite it to the sacrifice of Christ — and that is a message of love that we can take to those who endure tribulations even as we accompany them, DeMarco states. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/CSTAR55 ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SEDMARK“For a Christian to share the suffering of another means that, by so doing, he brings a light into the pain and misery of that person’s life. He blesses the other person’s existence with a higher meaning,” he writes. “Christian compassion is thus bound up with the mystery of the Cross.” L GERALD KORSON, editorial consultant for Legatus magazine, is based in Indiana. Jesus at the healing in Duomo, by Lattanzio Gambara (1567 - 1573), Parma, Italy. 14November 2021 | | legatus.org

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/DEBBIEHELBING ADMONISHMENT WITH COMPASSION, AND THE POWER OF PRESENCE In an essay published by Catholic News Agency very rich man sees a starving physically or psychologically – who feel alone and titled “Compassion, Pity, Mercy,” prominent beggar on top of the stairs and abandoned? There is no one to hold their Catholic philosopher, author, and lecturer Alice leading to his palace and says hand, and make them feel that, even though the von Hildebrand notes that compassion and love to his servant, ‘Throw this compassionate person cannot relieve them, their toward sinners requires that one address the sin beggar down the steps; his suffering is spiritually shared. itself. At the same time, she criticized those who misery breaks my heart!’” [T]he very presence of the compassionate person condemn sin or heresy without demonstrating But what of the instances communicates a loving message: “not only am loving concern for the sinner. where there seems to be I suffering with you, but moreover, you should “That both condemnation of the sin and love nothing to be done? “In our know and feel that my incapacity to relieve your for the sinner are required by Christian love is society of ‘doers,’ many are pain is to me a keen source of grief.” Those of us luminous to anyone who has read the Gospel on those who assume that if one who have tasted the bitterness of suffering know his knees,” von Hildebrand writes. “The difficulty cannot offer efficient help, how consoling it is to have someone whose love is to live it.” presence is meaningless,” von is expressed by his or her compassion. The loving If a compassionate person can offer some Hildebrand writes. message is, “You should know that your suffering concrete help to the one in need, and neglects She explains: vibrates in my heart.” to do so, that attitude is a form of “affective How often do we meet people This precious gift – namely, presence – hypocrisy,” she states. She cites an example deeply afflicted – either compensates for one’s helplessness in offering from a work by Austrian playwright Nestroy: “A concrete relief. 15November 2021 | | legatus.org

No man is an island Legate helps earthquake-ravaged Haiti by judy roberts 16November 2021 | | legatus.org

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When a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti Aug. 14, followed a few days later by a tropical storm, Legate David Adams was ready to respond. As vice president of missions for Cross Catholic Outreach, Adams immediately activated a network that has been years in the making, working with partner organizations on the ground to distribute food, water, blankets, tarps, medicine, and medical supplies. Now, months after the AugustCROSS CATHOLIC OUTREACHDavid Adams round. This is crucial in a quake, his work and that of ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/1001NIGHTShelped erect after the 2010 quake weathered the latest temblorcountry that the World Bank the 22-member Cross Catholic well. “The feedback we’ve gotten is that none of the houses we built says is extremely vulnerable team is far from finished. over the past years were seriously damaged in this quake.” The to natural disasters and where With relief operations well homes were designed to survive both hurricanes and earthquakes. more than 90 percent of the under way and continuing, If there was another bright spot amid the latest devastation, Adams population is at risk from such the government of Haiti said it was that this quake, although twice as strong as the 2010 catastrophes. Besides the announced in September one, occurred in the so-called southern claw, a rural area where 2010 and most recent quakes, that the recovery phase the largest town has a population of about 100,000. Additionally, Hurricane Matthew devastated of rebuilding homes and it hit in the morning when farmers were outside tilling their fields the southern part of the island replanting crops could begin. instead of in their homes or other buildings where they might have in 2016. Many schools, churches, and been injured or killed in a collapse. By contrast, the 2010 quake When the August quake hit, houses were damaged in the struck a more densely populated area, which included the capital Cross Catholic had available latest quake, and Cross Catholic of Port-au-Prince, and claimed 200,000 lives. hundreds of thousands of meals has been contributing to the known as Vitafood, a fortified rebuilding and efforts to get Cardinal among the injured rice product with vitamins schools up and running in part and minerals that can meet by supplying galvanized steel Still, in the latest quake, at least 2,200 people the nutritional needs of adults roofing materials and shipping died and more than 12,000 were injured. Among and counter malnutrition them to the island. those hurt was Cardinal Chibly Langlois, bishop in children. Additionally, its On the plus side, Adams said, of Les Cayes and president of Haiti’s Bishops’ longstanding relationships Cross Catholic has learned that Conference, who reportedly was saying Mass with mission partners in Haiti the homes the organization when a house collapsed around him. The dead facilitated the distribution of aid. also included a priest. Dr. Bette Gebrian (right),a public health nurse and medical Then, several days after the quake, Tropical Storm Model of partnership anthropologist, has lived and worked in Grand’Anse, Haiti Grace swept over the island. “Fortunately, the since 1987; she is also executive director of Grand’Anse Health winds were not severe,” Adams said, “so the wind Cross Catholic’s basic model, & Development Association (GAHDA). She has been working damage was not that bad, but places like Les Adams said, is to identify alongside Rodney Merard (left), an international projects officer Cayes and lowland areas near the sea had some missionaries and ministries with Cross Catholic Outreach. pretty bad flooding.” doing good work in such All of this happened as the country was reeling areas as low-cost housing from the coronavirus, gang violence, and the July construction, potable water, 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. education, micro-enterprise In many ways, Cross Catholic was prepared for development, elderly care, and this latest disaster because, Adams said, thanks orphan relief and then work to to substantial warehousing capacity, the ministry bolster them and boost their tends to have food and medicines ready year- capacity on the ground. 18November 2021 | | legatus.org

The largest of these is the “On my first trip with Cross Kobonal Haiti Mission founded Catholic,” he told Legatus by Fr. Glenn Meaux, a priest of magazine, “I went to the the Diocese of Lafayette, LA. Dominican Republic and “He’s built up this amazing my wife will say to this Catholic ministry that’s built CROSS CATHOLIC OUTREACH day that she was struck hundreds of homes, two CROSS CATHOLIC OUTREACH when I came back by how primary schools, a home for uplifted I was by the faith the elderly and health clinics,” of the people.” Adams, who Adams said. The Kobonal serves as president of the mission also has provided Fort Lauderdale Chapter of agricultural assistance, Cross Catholic Outreach has airlifted thousands of pounds of medicine and medical supplies Legatus, added that he also clean water, educational to the Diocese of Jeremie, Haiti to support a network of health clinics there. CCO has likewise opportunities, and spiritual tapped into its extensive on-the-ground partnerships in Haiti, such as with this pharmacist (left, has appreciated being able formation. Cross Catholic’s shown with CCO’s Rodney Merard), who helped procure much-needed medicines and supplies. to talk openly about his faith other partners include Project as part of his job, something Hope, which is in the heart priests, nuns, and lay missionaries to determine their needs and he couldn’t do while an of the area where the latest what Cross Catholic can do to help. employee of the government. quake and tropical storm hit; the Grand’Anse Health and Adams’ own travel opportunities for Cross Catholic also have Even as Haiti has faded from Development Association, been limited by COVID. Since joining Cross Catholic in 2006, the news given everything else which operates a network of he normally would visit Haiti once or twice a year, but has not happening here and abroad, 59 medical clinics; and the been back since February 2020. He brought to Cross Catholic a the island nation remains a Haitian Resource Development familiarity with the country from having lived and worked there top priority for Adams and Foundation, led by American twice when he ran the U.S. government’s foreign-aid program Cross Catholic, which has been physician Aldy Castor. under the administration of former President George W. Bush. involved in the country since the Adams said Cross Catholic During the 25 years he spent as a federal foreign service officer, he ministry’s inception in 2001. Haiti works closely with the Church also worked in Guatemala, Africa, and Asia. represents one of the ministry’s and every partnership must be largest footprints among the 30- approved by the local bishop, Attitude of gratitude plus developing nations it serves archbishop, or cardinal. in Africa, Asia, Latin America, The ministry supplements Well-acquainted with the level of poverty experienced by most the Caribbean, and other parts the work of its partners with a Haitians – and worsened by events such as the recent quake – of the world, and Adams said it cadre of international project Adams nonetheless often has been struck by the deep faith of the maintains a presence in nearly officers who work out of its people he has encountered there. “In many, many cases, they don’t every “department,” or state of the U.S. offices in Pompano Beach have two nickels to rub together or whatever. Material welfare is country. and Boca Raton in Florida. not something they’re used to and they’re grateful for whatever “We’re in Haiti for the long term.” Before the COVID-19 outbreak, they do have, and they thank God for it frequently.” the officers would travel to mission sites several times In a recent interview on Relevant Radio’s “Morning Air” program, For continual updated a year, but since then, they Adams described how during the 2010 earthquake, people would information, see www. have had to rely primarily on be praising God amid the devastation. In one instance, he said, crosscatholic.org/earthquake- email and telephone contact, a partner of the ministry was out leading prayer services after relief. L communicating regularly with having lost his son in the quake. JUDY ROBERTS is a Legatus magazine staff writer. ‘‘All of this happened as the country was reeling from the coronavirus, gang violence, and the … assassination of [their president] ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/1001NIGHTS 19November 2021 | | legatus.org

ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PAOLO GAETANO “Triumph of the Name of Jesus” ceiling painting — a Baroque masterpiece — by Giovanni Battista Gaulli (1639-1709), in the Church of the Gesù (Rome, Italy). November 2021 | 20 | legatus.org

The city of angels – our guardians and benefactors by Jim Graves 21November 2021 | | legatus.org

“Choir of Angels and the Virgins” fresco (c. 1907), Duomo cattedrale di Maria Santissima Annunziata by Giuseppe Sciuti (Acireale, Italy). “Are [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SEDMARK for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?”  (Hebrews 1:14) Angels are created spirits, are pure spirits created by God at the very “And even more, they saw that without bodies, who serve as beginning, physical creation, and man, He would be born of a woman, servants and messengers of who falls between both because he has an that this woman would also God. They have intelligence immortal soul and a physical body. have a dignity over them. They and free will, and are “personal would be servants first of the and immortal creatures Quoting St. Thomas Aquinas, Father Incarnate Word, and therefore, surpassing in perfection notes that God wills to communicate two owe a special deference to the all visible creatures, as the things to creatures: the goodness of being mother of this Word. Lucifer splendor of their glory bears in which rational creatures know God, responds, ‘I will not serve’ and witness” (Catholic Catechism, praise Him and have union with Him, St. Michael counters, ‘But who 330). Catholic teaching not Fr. William Wagner and the goodness of causality, in which is like God? I will serve.’” only asserts their existence, Father said, “This is the but states that everyone born His creatures contribute to the goodness separation given in Revelation, into the world is assigned his of others. While those with greater talents, such as angels, are where John presents us with own guardian angel – for the higher in an order of authority, in an order of finality, they serve an archetypal battle between entirety of his life – to act as the rest, including man. Father added, “This leads to the question the good and bad angels, which his protector and guide to his of the angels’ trial.” he sees will be carried out heavenly home. Among those throughout the economy of who have devoted themselves God proposed some mystery of the Faith to the angels upon their salvation. The battle is for or to promoting greater creation, Father said, “and my personal conviction is that trial was against Christ, for or against awareness and devotion to the mystery of the Incarnation.” the Church.” angels is Fr. William Wagner Once the devils are cast out, he of the Order of Canons Regular When angels were created, he explained, they had an immediate noted, the good angels entered of the Holy Cross through the knowledge of themselves, creation, and God. In this first act, they into the Beatific Vision. “There is community’s apostolate Work see that it is all good. The angels delighted in their relationship no increase in the Beatific Vision of the Holy Angels. with God, and their call to minister to and build up creation; that for the angels from that point on, Angels, Fr. Wagner noted, they could form creation for the whole physical universe. and no redemption for the fallen are God’s first creatures. angels. All further battles are God created three orders of Fr. Wagner continued, “Yet considering the Incarnation, the angels over man and physical creation.” creaturehood: angels, which suddenly saw that they would be called not to be the chiefs, but to serve the Man, Jesus Christ.” November 2021 | 22 | legatus.org

Ministers of Christ we hear. We see a crucifix and we meditate on WIKIMEDIA it, or a picture of a relative which stirs up some affection or reverence. Father said, “That’s where Angels are important because the angel either directly implants an idea, moves they are ministers of Christ. our imagination, or touches our memory to recall They are not merely heavenly something.” beings associated with Him, but in their choice and in And they can also inspire us to do good when we their trial, “the angels are practice our Catholic faith, such as when we read also members of the Church. Sacred Scripture, allowing our angel to underline Their ministry is essentially certain points with his power of illumination. Christological. Whatever Father explained, “An angel has a vastly more grace, admonition, consolation powerful intellect than we do and he can direct or light they bring to us, is a the intensity of his intellect into ours and increase dimension of the Mediatorship temporarily our capacity to understand. The angel of Christ.” is like a step-up transformer. If we have six volts of understanding and he has 240, he can channel that The angels are the normal into our intellectual capacity.” ministers of God’s grace, actual graces and those Angels are persons, Father said, “yet possess a of contemplation, deeper greater order of being or personhood than we do.” prayer. “God has two options They have names, but St. Gregory noted that the “Archangel Michael for offering this life. He can names of the angels don’t designate their essence, Defeats Satan” oil- simply create it, or create an but rather their mission or ministry. on-canvas painting order of persons whom He (c. 1630), by Guido Reni would try at the beginning of Cultivate friendships with angels (1575-1642), Santa creation to take into the Beatific Maria della Concezione Vision and they would then We should cultivate friendships with angels, (Rome, Italy). be His personal ministers in Father said. They are fellow servants and spiritual mediating that life.” brothers with those who keep the witness of ‘‘An angel has a vastly Angels give us physical Jesus. They keep us from being alone. Fr. Wagner protection from harm. They said, “People who are lonely should especially more powerful intellect can appear at their will and remember that. Our Lord says that where two or than we do and he can discretion. They can inspire us three pray in His name He is with them. We should direct the intensity of his to do good through phenomena: not just pray to our guardian angel, but with him. an image, a word, something intellect into ours and Ask him to join with us. Remember increase temporarily our “The Guardian Angel” painting, by the angel is God’s servant, and he has capacity to understand. Marcantonio Franceschini (1648 - 1729), no other mission.” c. 1716, oil on canvas (Dulwich Picture Remembering our angel also Gallery, London, England). places us in the presence of God, he continued. Real spiritual growth, our great for nurturing a grudge or prayer, always pre-supposes our awareness of the fanning the passions, such as presence of God. “Realizing God has given you an hatred.” angel awakens you to God’s personal love. He has given you a gift of that love in the angel. We always Father compared devils to have an interior source of strength and counsel that communists, who “don’t start we can seek to know God’s will and carry it out.” problems, but exploit them … Some people get too excited While bad angels can manipulate our imagination about the devil. They think they and emotions and produce a false sense of peace, need to make multiple signs joy or gratification, they won’t illuminate us so we of the cross or have exorcisms, can judge the truth more correctly, “because they when the real answer is to have been liars from the beginning” (John 8:44). The practice virtue. Practice good angels, conversely, want to lead us upward, charity. Banish your own bad toward the spiritual life, so we can be more disposed thoughts. St. James says, ‘Resist to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. the devil and he will flee from you’ (James 4:7). How do you Father continued, “The devil wants to lead people resist him? Practice virtue.” L into the feelings—drugs, sensuality, slavery to sin— WIKIMEDIA COMMONS so that people are living according to their passions JIM GRAVES is a Legatus magazine and sensations rather than their intellect. A devil is contributing writer. November 2021 | 23 | legatus.org

A SAUFENEPXLAPECCETFAONRT MOMS ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ENZO NGUYEN@TERCER OJO PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATTI ARMSTRONG “LORD, LEAD US TO DO “We were kindred hearts, Checchio (Diocese of Metuchen, NJ) took place SOMETHING DIFFERENT, connected in the same on September 8—the Blessed Mother’s birthday, SOMETHING MORE,” LEGATES thought—what if we were to do “Our executive director and co-founder Rosanda CAROL SPINA AND BUNNY something on our own?” Carol began in that role on September 8 last year, so we BRINCK-LUND PRAYED ALONG recalled. She and Bunny had wanted to go full circle and make that our grand WITH ANOTHER PRO-LIFE FRIEND, originally met at the Northern opening date,” Carol explained. “We always ask ROSANDA GRAU. THE THREE New Jersey Legatus Chapter. for the Blessed Mother’s intercession in blessing WOMEN VOLUNTEERED AT THE our work.” SAME PRO-LIFE PREGNANCY PROTECTING It was a busy year of organizing, including CENTER. THROUGH A GROWING PREBORN AND forming a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, FRIENDSHIP, THEY DISCOVERED THEIR MOTHERS finding the perfect building, getting a licensed THAT ALL THREE FELT CALLED TO medical director, qualified volunteers, and doing GO DEEPER AND OFFER MORE That “something different and fundraising. The board of directors is made TO THE PREGNANT GIRLS AND something more” they had up of Northern New Jersey Chapter members, WOMEN COMING TO THEM prayed for became the Inspire including Carol’s husband, Dan, and Bunny’s FOR HELP. Family Life Center in Warren, husband, Bergim, and Gina Cordano. New Jersey. Its mission is to protect the unborn, and inspire GOING DEEPER FOR mothers and families with WOMEN IN NEED lifesaving services, guidance, educational programs, and “We wanted to go deeper than the typical resources to help them flourish. pregnancy center,” Bunny said. “We were It also gently models a spiritual beginning to see that women are not engaging life. in pregnancy centers as much. Every home on the block can be an abortion center because they The grand opening with have a pill they can take. On the front lines, we ribbon-cutting ceremony and see that the family is not there to hold a woman blessing by Bishop James F. November 2021 | 24 | legatus.org

… LOCATED IN A STATE WITH ONE OF THE NATION’S HIGHEST ABORTION RATES about the pregnancy. They are offered help beyond material needs, which includes a relationship even after the baby is born for help with parenting, education, and life skills to break negative cycles. ”We gently encourage them to have a deeper prayer life, and model that for them,” Carol explained. “We pray before, during, and after they leave. A lot of Ribbon-cutting ceremony on opening day, Sept. 8, 2021. Shown (l. to r.): Gina Cordano, Inspire board member; Dan Spina, them have never experienced that before. board treasurer; Carol Spina, board chair and co-founder; Rosanda Grau, executive director and co-founder; Bunny Brinck- Encouraging them in their relationship with Lund, board vice chair, co-founder, and Legatus member; Birger Brinck-Lund, board secretary and Legatus member. God is all part of the ministry.” up so that she is grounded in the faith or even They are three-quarters of the The Inspire Family Life Center is located in a given a faith. There are pitfalls everywhere.” way to their fundraising goal of $100,000. “The building state with one of the nation’s highest abortion Carol and Bunny expressed amazement at expenses have already been rates – 47,000 abortions in 2017 alone. “We are in how everything came together, crediting it all covered, so donations all go to such a destructive time,” Bunny shared, “but this to God. They have a client-based website at client services,” Carol said. “It’s is a straightforward vision we are embracing, InspireFamilyLifeCenter.com and are aligned been remarkable to witness living in the goodness and beauty of the truth. with other agencies to build a strong outreach. the generosity of people.” She There’s such clarity about what is important, and The Knights of Columbus will donate an noted that area churches and we want to spread it just like our Legatus vision ultrasound machine. The center is licensed Legatus members have been a –to know the faith and spread it.” through their medical director, Dr. Frank Sinatra, big part of helping. “When you also a Catholic deacon. There is a volunteer are open to doing God’s will, He Bunny explained that a future goal is to bring in nurse and client advocates to do intake and offer provides those pathways and male mentors to share their gifts as fathers and services. all the graces you need to trust businessmen, to help build families, and help and continue on that path,” young men move away from destructive patterns. Carol said. “Our faith is the foundation. We like to focus on “When the love of the Lord and of our faith is in Jeremiah 29:11: ‘For I know the you, it’s easy to be an encourager,” Bunny said. plans I have for you,’ declares For people reading this who want to help, Bunny the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you asks for prayers in advance for their clients, that and not to harm you, plans to they come with open hearts. “God is going to give you hope and a future.’” water our prayers,” she said. “I know we can’t do it ourselves. Prayer is our sustenance.” HELPING IN THAT For more information, see: L CRITICAL MOMENT www.inspirefamilylifecenter.com Celebrating new ultrasound equipment donated by the Knights of Clients walking through the PATTI ARMSTRONG Columbus. (l. to r.): Scott Williams, general programs director- NJ door are often undecided is a Legatus magazine contributing writer. State Council Knights of Columbus; Rosanda Grau, executive director and co-founder; Carol Spina, board chair and co-founder; Bunny Brinck-Lund, vice Chair and co-founder. WHEN YOU ARE OPEN TO Inspire Family Life Center baby boutique, offering donated material items for mothers, babies, and families in need. DOING GOD’S WILL, HE PROVIDES … PATHWAYS AND ALL THE GRACES YOU NEED TO TRUST AND CONTINUE ON THAT PATH November 2021 | 25 | legatus.org

ETHICS DR. SCOTT FRENCH MATTERS Discovering Truth overcomes fear of death WHAT IF WE ARE IN THE MIDST What if it is no coincidence of an epic spiritual battle, a that we are alive at this battle for truth. “What is truth?” time of trial for the Church (“Quid est veritas?”) (Jn 18:38). Militant? Our Catholic ancestors would Of course, the Holy Spirit have recognized that rampant doesn’t need us, and we fear of death, anxiety, division, also have free will, so we and anger are from Satan. can say “no thanks.” Among the most common But what if real truth is a phrases in the Bible are “be not person, Jesus Christ? afraid” and “peace be with you.” ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/MESHAPHOTO “For this I was born, and We see the devastating effects for this I came into the of today’s demonic attack on world; so that I may offer our families, our culture, and testimony to the truth. particularly our children. Youth Everyone who is of the suicides in 2020 were up a full truth hears my voice” (Jn 25 percent over 2019, and drug 18:37). overdoses were up 35 percent as well. On the other hand, Jesus says to those opposing this makes getting to the final truth sometimes him: “You are of your father, the devil. And you an exceptionally long and messy process. These are not statistics; these will carry out the desires of your father. He was Just witness the confusing and contradictory are our precious, unique, a murderer from the beginning. And he did not guidance early in the COVID-19 pandemic— unrepeatable children, our stand in the truth, because the truth is not in confusion that continues even now. future. As an him. When he speaks a emergency lie, he speaks it from his However, if God created a life-permitting physician on “What if it is no own self. For he is a liar, universe, then through understanding natural the front lines, I and the father of lies” laws, science will eventually point to the “how.” see the carnage coincidence that we are (Jn 8:44). “But if I speak on a daily basis. alive at this time of trial the truth, you do not So, what is Truth? Why are we afraid of death Through the for the Church Militant? believe me” (Jn 8:45). on planet earth? Didn’t Jesus defeat bodily and spiritual death? Wasn’t there a Resurrection? Holy Spirit, St. What if our Catholic Isn’t the Catholic Church where the body, blood, Paul gives us ancestors understood soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ is truly present guidance in the truth that God is in in the Eucharist? Ephesians: charge when we die? God loves us so much, that he continues to give • “For our struggle is not against “Are not two sparrows sold for one small coin? us evidence of Christ’s Real Presence — His Truth flesh and blood, but against And yet not one of them will fall to the ground — in the Eucharist at every Mass, and in the 21st- principalities and powers, without your Father’s will” (Mt 10:29). century Eucharistic miracles. L against the directors of this We now have evidence that the soul survives world of darkness, against the physical death with thousands of verified SCOTT FRENCH, M.D., is a practicing spirits of wickedness in high worldwide “near-death experiences.” Catholic emergency physician who witnesses places” (Eph 6:12). firsthand the tragic rise in despair, anxiety, • “Therefore, stand firm, having Science can only answer the “how” questions, not depression, and suicide among youth. He turned been girded about your waist the “why” questions. In addition, since science with truth” (Eph 6:14). is based on our fallible powers of observation, to the Holy Spirit for the solution, and in the process discovered the love, faith, hope, and truth of the Catholic faith. He is a member of the San Diego Chapter. November 2021 | 26 | legatus.org

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CULTURE OF JOHN F. BREHANY, PHD, STL LIFE Prenatal genetic screening has its challenges – and hopes PRENATAL GENETIC SCREENING was significantly shaped by the (PGS) has become routine goal of helping physicians to and is the source of many avoid liability from the newly concerning stories and recognized tort of “wrongful statistics. While PGS is fraught birth”— the harm to a woman with potential for ethical or couple resulting from loss of dilemmas, temptations, and opportunity to abort a less-than- immoral actions, there are perfect child. reasons for hope and resources to share that can be sources of These technologies and life for many. standards were abetted by an advancing culture of death. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/IVAN-BALVAN The practice of PGS has been In many Western nations, the shaped by technology, policy abortion rate following a Down standards, and cultural syndrome diagnosis is over 90 changes. PGS technology percent. In Iceland, it is almost developed soon after the 100 percent. structure of DNA was discovered in 1953 and Jerome Clearly there is much to condemn and to be selectively aborted. This is not as draconian a Lejeune discovered the cause concerned about. The first principle of the rate as in other countries, but still too high. of Down syndrome in 1958. moral life is to avoid morally evil actions. Eventually invasive methods Using PGS to target a developing baby for Skotko has created educational programs to (amniocentesis and chorionic destruction is morally evil. However, the moral teach people how to deliver PGS test results villi sampling) and noninvasive life also requires promoting moral goods. Some with sensitivity and supportive resources methods (high-resolution individuals and organizations have responded (brightertomorrows.org) and to provide better ultrasound) of obtaining to the challenges posed by PGS with sound medical care of children with Down syndrome genetic and development analysis, education, and therapies. (https://www.dsc2u.org). Moreover, PGS can be information about unborn used responsibly. Physicians and scientists are children were For example, Dr. developing a range of amazing interventions, deployed. In “Using PGS to target Brian Skotko, including drug and gene therapies and surgeries, 2011, an accurate a developing baby director of the Down that can be provided in utero to help to heal a non-invasive tool Syndrome Program at child before birth. for PGS based on for destruction is Massachusetts General genetic analysis morally evil Hospital, has been a We should be aware of the ethical challenges of a simple blood leader in challenging of PGS as well as ethical resources. Our sisters, sample became abuses of PGS and in wives, and children routinely will be presented available. improving the ability of with a choice to undergo PGS at some time. We physicians and parents should prepare them to resist the secular anti- Use of PGS technology was to care for children with Down syndrome. As life pressures they likely will encounter and to encouraged by the American a medical student in the early 2000s, Skotko find the support they need. Indeed, despite the College of Obstetricians published articles in major medical journals real challenges posed by PGS, there are sources and Gynecologists (ACOG). showing how poorly women were presented of healing, life, and hope. We should learn about In 1983, this notoriously with PGS test results. Many were told abruptly, them and support them to help build a culture of pro-abortion organization sometimes in voicemails. Too few were life. L advised OB-GYN physicians presented facts about the diagnosis, and fewer to offer PGS routinely to all still were offered resources to help them keep JOHN F. BREHANY, PH.D., S.T.L., pregnant women 35 and over. and care for their children. In 2015, Skotko is executive vice president of the National Catholic In 2007, ACOG advised that co-authored an important article showing that Bioethics Center and past executive director of the PGS should be offered to all approximately 30 percent of unborn children Catholic Medical Association. pregnant women. This advice with Down syndrome in the U.S. were being November 2021 | 28 | legatus.org

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GUEST DAVID SPAULDING VOICE A husband’s grief observed – with faith, help, and tears NOVEMBER BEGINS WITH ALL A priest friend told Saints’ Day and is immediately me it was okay followed by All Souls’ Day. My to get angry at wife and I would go to those God; He can take services annually. I went last it. In The Book of November, but without her, as Job, When Bad she had died the previous July. Things Happened Her name was called, and a to a Good Person, photo of her—along with photos Rabbi Harold S. of others—was placed near the Kushner wrote altar. that if we love someone, we We all deal with grief. The should be able extent of our relationship with to be angry with the deceased will have a direct him; this includes bearing on how strong that God. DAVID SPAULDING grief is. My mom, with whom I was extremely close, died But we cannot when I was 13. Over the years, remain angry; it’s In the grief group I met a Legatus member other family members, as well not healthy. Eventually we need to shift our focus whose husband died a few days before Betty. as friends and neighbors, have to how blessed we were to have that person in We have since become friends. Having someone died. But nothing prepared our lives. to FaceTime, chat, or text with who was dealing me for the impact of the death with the same kind of grief was helpful for us of my beloved Betty, whom I After my wife died, I stopped praying. I just both. had met 50 years before and to couldn’t confront God other than through my whom I was wed for nearly 48. anger and heartache. But eventually I realized We discover that our grief comes in waves. Over I needed to return to Him, give Him thanks for time, the magnitude of the grieving will likely Because Betty’s death wasn’t my blessings, and ask Him to watch over my diminish, and the time between grief episodes sudden—she had beautiful bride. will lengthen. Strangely, however, it can quickly been diagnosed return, often for unforeseen reasons: it can be with idiopathic “After my wife died, I Fred Colby’s triggered by a thought, something someone says, pulmonary fibrosis Widower to or a song you hear. (IPF) nine years stopped praying. … But Widower was earlier—I was able eventually I realized I particularly It’s important to realize that expressing your to prepare myself a needed to return to Him … helpful. Colby, sadness is fine. If someone objects, it’s not your bit. I began reading like I, had been problem. We are allowed to cry, expected to cry, books on grieving married to his and need to cry. a few weeks before sweetheart for she died. a few decades. We all grieve. If it’s someone especially close to I could relate to much of what he offered. Two you, don’t be afraid to get counseling, consider a The first was C.S. Lewis’ A Grief pieces of advice I heeded were to get counseling grief group, and read books on grieving. This has Observed, about the death of and to join a grief group. all been very helpful for me.  L his wife. He, like I, was angry at God. My wife, a non-smoker, Despite the presence of COVID, my grief DAVID D. SPAULDING joined Legatus died because of a lung disease. counselor came to my home, socially distanced, a year ago and moved from New Jersey to She was wonderful, kind, and listened to my anger, sadness, and Naples, FL in March. He is the founder and special; my lover, soul mate, heartache. She offered great counsel and advice. CEO of The Spaulding Group, a New Jersey- best friend; a great wife, I continue to chat with her, though now by phone, superb mother, phenomenal since I relocated to Naples, FL, from our New headquartered financial services firm that focuses on performance and risk measurement. grandmother. Why her? Jersey home. November 2021 | 30 | legatus.org

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FAITH FATHER ROBERT J. ALTIER MATTERS Guard against the false gospel of relativism THERE ARE SEVERAL PLACES have offended God gravely; in the Gospels where our Lord some say just a generic belief tells people that their faith in Jesus is all that is necessary has healed them—or, more to get to heaven. The list could importantly, their faith has go on, but this makes the saved them. While Martin point. It is possible to pick and Luther’s idea that we are saved choose what we want out of the by faith alone is condemned, Gospels. It is also easy to focus the truth remains that we on one point our Lord made, or cannot be saved without faith – even take a point out of context, even if not conscious of it, such and make that the primary as in those who have never focus of one’s belief. Even worse, heard the Gospel. Saint James it is possible to ignore what is very clear that our faith is Jesus said and claim just the demonstrated through our opposite (this is the gospel of works. health and wealth). There is nothing new in what There are many within the ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/AVALON_STUDIO has just been said, but what Catholic Church who profess we do need to ask about is their belief in Jesus, but it is little Jesus asked if, when He returns, He would the reality and the content of more than lip service. Money, find any faith on earth. Our faith cannot be our faith. The first aspect, the materialism, power, position, something we made up or faith in a false Jesus. reality of our faith, is critical. prestige, or any number of other Our faith must be in the real Person of Jesus Jesus told us that not everyone priorities may be placed higher Christ. Because of the society in which we live, who says “Lord, Lord” will enter than our Lord. If that is the case, the Kingdom of Heaven. We what do we really believe about live in a world of relativism, Jesus? If He is just a nice guy or which implies there is no a good man, then His teaching objective truth. Rather, each means little. If He is God, if He of us can have his or her own is the Savior and Redeemer not truth. Since Jesus told us He only of the whole world, but is the Truth, if my truth is of my soul, then His teaching different from the Truth Who is means everything. If no one can come to the God, then I do not have faith in Father except through Him, then it is necessary the real Jesus. to know Him, love Him, and serve Him. If each person can “Society is filled There are many who it is necessary to guard ourselves against the entertain his or her with false notions pick and choose which perils of relativism and conform ourselves to the own notion of truth, teachings of our Lord objective truth through a life of prayer which each person can and of His Church they seeks true conformity to Jesus Christ. This is the have his or her own of Our Lord want to accept. There are faith our Lord will be seeking. L version of Jesus. Our two problems with this. FATHER ROBERT J. ALTIER, society is filled with First, it says Jesus is not a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and these false notions God because He teaches of our Lord. Some things that are not correct. Minneapolis, was ordained in 1989. He is put the focus on health and Second, it means we each become the arbiter assigned to the Parishes of Holy Trinity and wealth; some say Jesus does not of our own truth. This leads us right back to St. Augustine in South St. Paul, MN. want us to suffer and therefore, relativism. if we are suffering, we must November 2021 | 32 | legatus.org

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ENGAGING THE PETER KREEFT, PH.D. FAITH Life has but one meaning A FRENCH CATHOLIC WRITER ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/INHAUS CREATIVE Evil is not an CATECHISM of a century ago, Léon Bloy, frequently wrote this sentence. It is one of the most profound sentences I have ever read: “There is only one tragedy, in the end: not to have been a saint.” That is the meaning of life. abstraction, 101 The meaning of life is to be a but refers saint. Nothing less. God is not to a person, satisfied with anything less. He Satan, the Evil One, the angel is “easy to please but hard to who opposes God. The devil satisfy.” Jesus tells us we must (dia-bolos) is the one who “be perfect, as your heavenly demands all. For it is not some good things or ‘throws himself across’ God’s Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). some good men but goodness itself. plan and his work of salvation That sounds to us outrageously accomplished in Christ. high. We don’t want to accept Not everyone is a career soldier. There are many that. But how dare we correct enlistments that are not for life. But not this Catechism of the the Creator and Designer of enlistment. For this enlistment is not only for life Catholic Church, #2851 human life concerning the but for eternity. purpose of human life? All right, then, so the end is There are many armies who lose not only battles SCRIPTURE We are not sanctity. What is the means to the but wars. But not this army. For this army is God’s 101 contending end? Sanctity comes only with army, and its front lines are composed of angels against flesh struggle, “inner struggle” … [The and chariots of fire. and blood, saints] all describe the Christian life as an agon, a Greek word that There are many commanding officers who but against the principalities, means “effort” or “work.” It is the sometimes make mistakes in battle plans. But against the powers, against root of the word “agony”. … not this commanding officer. For He alone is the world rulers of this present There are many wars that can be God, and He alone is infallible. Whenever there darkness, against the spiritual avoided by good diplomacy. But is a conflict between His marching orders and hosts of wickedness in the not this war. For this war is not the ones we invent, ours are always proved to be heavenly places. a part of life; this war is life itself. wrong and His right in the end. … There are many enemies that Ephesians 6:12 can be negotiated with. But not this enemy. For this enemy is not … There are many investments that demand less flesh and blood but principalities than all of our resources, for if they fail we will still and powers, evil spirits, fallen have something left for tomorrow and for others. angels… This enemy is not But not this investment. For if we lose this, we merely some evil men or some have nothing left at all for any tomorrow at all. L evil things but evil itself. There are many causes that Excerpt from How to Destroy Western Civilization – And Other Ideas from the Cultural are worth large investments of Abyss, by Peter Kreeft, Ph.D. (Ignatius Press, 2021), pp. 70-73. www.ignatius.com our devotion, time, and energy. But not this cause. This cause PETER KREEFT, PH.D., professor of philosophy at Boston College, is one of the most respected and prolific Christian authors of our time. His many bestselling books cover a vast array of topics in spirituality, theology, and philosophy. A few of his titles include Doors in the Walls of the World, Heaven: The Heart’s Deepest Longing, and Summa of the Summa, among others. November 2021 | 34 | legatus.org

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WHAT TO READ Virtues Work: Soar at Work. not easy to form good habits ideologically with insufficient is “virtue Soar at Life. Here’s How where poor habits presently impulse for dialogue and friendship” Alexander Cummings exist. But that is the pathway compromise that the danger — where Clovercroft Publishing, 144 pages to becoming the best version exists. So what’s to be done friends who of oneself as well as for about it? French suggests are good People, like reaching one’s life goals. taking a page from James people and fine wine Madison’s playbook on what similar and cheese, Divided We Fall: America’s pluralism and tolerance truly in virtue should Secession Threat and How to mean — and that requires love each improve Restore Our Nation re-commitment to good other for their own sake and with age. David French old-fashioned virtues such wish good for the other. That, Too often, St. Martin’s Press, 288 pages as decency, kindness, and a philosopher John Cuddeback that isn’t gracious regard for those with reminds in this book, means the case. Could Americans one day whom we disagree. This book man is made capable of But it can be witness a secession from the represents a national call to forming the best friendships done with effort. Inevitably, United States as was seen in conscience. when he leads a life of virtue. that means working on Coming from a Christian growth in the human and the run-up True Friendship: Where Virtue perspective, Cuddeback moral virtues. In this volume, to the Civil Becomes Happiness examines Scripture on author Alexander Cummings War? David John Cuddeback friendship and the Christian breaks down what precisely French Ignatius Press, 149 pages life, which has as its ultimate the virtues are, how they believes so: goal a friendship with God. are useful or helpful to the country In his Nicomachean Ethics, It’s a wonderful analysis and development, and how to is presently Aristotle identified three meditation on what it means practice and perfect them. so polarized forms of friendship, the to have, and to be, a friend.  L Virtues work because it is politically highest and truest of which and November 2021 | 36 | legatus.org

WHAT TO SEE Priest lives as Christ among the poor FATHER JOSEPH PHILIPPE, He also has built dozens of of the poor. Lifting rural Father Joseph a member of the Congregation homes for poor families. people out of poverty, Father Joseph Philippe, Anne Hastings, of the Holy Spirit, is something When much of this work it seems, finds little or of a Mother Teresa figure was destroyed by Haiti’s no support from either Leigh Carter • 72 minutes • Not Rated in his native Haiti. He has devastating 2010 earthquake, the Haitian government spent a lifetime in this poor he simply began to rebuild. or the country’s be a Christ-for-others in Haiti. Caribbean island nation trying Father Joseph, first released powerful citizens. Last (For more on his work, visit to help the impoverished in 2015 and now available July’s assassination of apfhaiti.org, fonkoze.org, and citizens of rural Fondwa make on Amazon Prime Video, has President Jovenele Moise ufondwa.org.)  L better lives for themselves. new immediacy in the wake provides evidence that He started an organization to of the more recent Haitian political corruption GERALD KORSON improve the local community earthquake and tropical storm continues to coincide is a Legatus magazine editorial consultant infrastructure, calling it the of August 2021 — not nearly with Haiti’s long history of Association of the Peasants as deadly, but a setback to economic repression. and staff writer. of Fondwa. He established human progress nevertheless. “The poor you will always Fonkoze, Haiti’s largest But as this heart-rending have with you,” Jesus told his micro-credit bank, which film reveals, this kindly apostles. Despite the scope offers financial opportunity priest has had to deal with and hopelessness of human and literacy training to poor much more than natural suffering, the work of being women and their families. He disasters. Father Joseph has Christ’s hands among the poor founded a large elementary seen friends and associates must continue. With constant and high school, a college, an murdered by those who good humor and a smile orphanage, a health clinic, a oppose their work on behalf on his face, Father Joseph radio station, a reforestation exemplifies what it means to plan, and a clean-water project. November 2021 | 37 | legatus.org

HEALTH AJAY KAUL, M.D. MATTERS New treatments help kids with chronic stomach pain IMAGINE THAT YOUR 11-YEAR- For kids suffering with old daughter or granddaughter, gastroparesis—a condition in once a bubbly, active little which the stomach takes too girl, is crippled with chronic long to empty, causing nausea, stomach pain. The family has vomiting and abdominal pain— tried everything—nothing is gastric electric stimulation can working. Where do you go? be life-changing. We collaborate with surgeons to implant Not long ago, you wouldn’t have electrodes in the stomach. The had many options. In 1998, I device delivers mild electrical was a junior faculty member impulses that help relieve the at Cincinnati Children’s child’s symptoms. Hospital Medical Center ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/T TUROVSKA (CCHMC) where I observed Another unique offering is that there was a significant esophageal manometry, a increase in new knowledge catheter-based procedure and technology in the field of that measures how well the neurogastroenterology—but esophagus is working. Doctors these were focused primarily in pass a small tube with sensors diagnosing and treating adults. into the child’s nose and down through the esophagus. The tube is connected Due to the heavy clinical load, there is no With the help of a nurse, to a portable manometry cart, and as the child protected time to apply for NIH [National I started a pediatric swallows, the changing pressure in the tube Institutes of Health] funding. At this point, neurogastroenterology center makes tracings on a computer for doctors to besides just one faculty member who is getting at CCHMC, one of the very few evaluate. small internal grants, any research that we’re of its kind. Today it’s among doing is on our own time, off hours, and on the top three in the In the early days, weekends. nation, with nine I had a doctoral nurses, five doctors, “It’s ultimately student in biomedical While dreaming of what could be, we also and patients from 30 about improving engineering reflect with pride and gratitude at what has been different states and put together the accomplished these two decades. The cards and around the world. the quality of life for first manometry letters, the grateful parents—that’s what makes all these medically equipment. He put it it all worthwhile. It’s ultimately about improving We use cutting-edge together piecemeal, the quality of life for all these medically complex technology to do complex children. and it was always children. That’s why I went into medicine, to several diagnostic falling apart. make a difference. L procedures unique to our field. These Now there are vendors AJAY KAUL, M.D., is a professor of clinical include high- who make and service pediatrics and director of the Neurogastroenterology resolution manometry, the machines, and the center has eight of them. neuromodulation therapies Each costs about $120,000—just one example of Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical (including IB stim, sacral the financial challenges we face in procuring the Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Healthnetwork Foundation nerve and gastric electric latest technology. stimulation), and others. has honored Dr. Kaul with one of its 2021 Service Excellence Awards, a $10,000 grant to support the life-changing research he is spearheading. HEALTHNETWORK is a Legatus membership benefit, a health care “concierge service” that provides members and their families access to some of the most respected hospitals in the world. One Call Starts It All: (866) 968-2467 or (440) 893-0830. Email: [email protected] HEALTHNETWORK FOUNDATION is a nonprofit whose mission is to improve medicine for all by connecting CEOs with leading hospitals and their doctors to provide the best access to world-class care and increase philanthropic funding for medical research. November 2021 | 38 | legatus.org

FEEDING THE JOE MICATROTTO FOODIE Kansas City meets Paris at Hawaii burger bastion THE ISLAND OF KAUAI CAN according to owner David Barnes, the COVID Back to my fascination be best referred to as the travel slowdown to Hawaii actually helped of how a scrumptious “Kingdom of Beauty.” God locals get to his burger house without having to Kansas City-style (Akua in Hawaiian), many compete with those “mainlanders” from every barbecue burger (3,860 Hawaiians will say, was continent. During the past 18 months, they have miles from K.C.) and showing off with His creation been buoyed by the 72,000 full-time residents of a “fabulous” French when He made Kauai. Our the eldest island of our gorgeous 50th state. Even burger (7,404 miles from family (Ohana) has been now, as things slowly progress back to “normal,” Paris) can be found in blessed to call the “Garden the locals fill this 100-seat indoor/outdoor vestige this gorgeous island in Island” our second home for of cozy and comfortable Hawaiian aloha. the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Let’s see: palm nearly two decades. trees, sandy beaches, Napali coast, breezes off Dining in or carrying out, this burger bastion of the Sleeping Giant Mountain… then suddenly When off island, we hunger for the finest beef on earth sets a new benchmark for we hear this family speaking with a Southern her beauty and serenity. Over quality. I suggest dining in so you can sample the charm that would be the envy of every Gone with the past five years, we also 26 craft/draft beers from Hawaii and the world. the Wind enthusiast. There they were, declaring have been hungry their Bacon BBQ Burger to be the “best ever”! And for the locally raised The menu features 17 as we smiled in agreement, we heard a young Kaiwe Reserve brand “There are no different six-ounce couple behind us bragging about their Frenchie beef burger crafted substitutes for monster-hand-sized Burger in French. Yes, this couple took the 7,500- at a local restaurant burger sandwiches, mile trek for their honeymoon to the place where named Streetburger. Kaiwe beef. No Ka Oi all with hand-cut Elvis made history in Blue Hawaii. This hunger is shared (“none is better”) homemade fries and by many of the 1.5 the most delicious Truly, this popular burger mecca is “taking it million annual homemade ketchup to the streets” of Paris, Athens, Rome, Kansas visitors to Kauai who you have ever tasted. City, and of course Kapa’a! It is so impressive to stop by this quaint see this faraway land of people immersed in dining spot on Route 56/Kuhio Recently while dining at Streetburger with my the aloha spirit serving God’s family from every Highway near Kapa’a. Most friend John, I ordered my favorite Bacon BBQ corner of His earth. Streetburger and Kauai may are on their way to the popular Burger, and John had his Parisian Frenchie, become the new crossroads of the world! North Shore spots of Kilauea dripping with brie, caramelized onions, arugula, and Princeville. and garlic aioli. Both recipes are included below Ke Akua Pu (God be with us) L as they are rather simple to prepare, except for In just five years, Streetburger your flight to get your fresh Kaiwe beef (give JOE MICATROTTO, SR., K.C.H.S., has been a founder and has done something few yourself 12 hours’ roundtrip time from LAX). CEO in the restaurant industry for more than 45 years, including among his vacation-based restaurants There are no substitutes for Kaiwe beef. No Ka Oi credits Buca di Beppo, Panda Express, and MRG Marketing & Management, can accomplish: it has won the (“none is better”). Inc. (Micatrotto Restaurant Group). He and his wife, Connie, are members of locals and tourists alike. In fact, the Las Vegas Chapter. BACON + BBQ BURGER • FRENCHIE BURGER Ingredients: Frenchie Burger Directions: 6 oz. fresh Kaiwe beef, ground Ingredients: Broil burger to taste. 1 tsp. salt and pepper, blended 6 oz. fresh Kaiwe beef, ground Place on your favorite 2 strips crisp hardwood bacon 1 tsp. salt and pepper, blended bun (brioche or Kaiser) 3 tbsp. BBQ sauce, your 2 oz. warm brie and layer these tasty favorite 2 oz. caramelized onions goodies. Open very wide! 2 oz. white cheddar, sliced 1/2 oz. arugula (streetburgerkauai.com) 2 oz. fried onion strips 2 tbsp. garlic aioli November 2021 | 39 | legatus.org

Best of West ‘21 Summit Legatus’ first Summit West in over a decade, held Sept. 16-19 in Scottsdale, drew members, clergy, and guests from all over the country for an invaluable three-day corral on remaining “Fearless” in the face of so many moral, business, and novel challenges. Elevation of the Holy Eucharist during the Consecration, at the Summit’s Closing Vigil Mass on Saturday evening, Sept. 18. San Francisco’s Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone gave a riveting talk on the imminent need for “A Eucharistic Revival,” as some 70 percent of Catholics today no longer believe in the Real Presence. Citing many reasons for the problem, he pinpointed the most elementary as a loss of the sense of the need for proper disposition toward sacraments, and awe for God. “But the world needs the Catholic Church!” he said, and so she needs to restore teachings and and a renewed awe for God. November 2021 | 40 | legatus.org

New York Post Op-Ed editor Sohrab Ahmari delivered a much-anticipated talk on “What Is Freedom For?” – zeroing in on the jarring similarities between what is happening in America today, and in the country from which he emigrated over 20 years ago, Iran. Nine-time Grammy award nominee and three-time GMA Dove Award winner Matt Maher was the featured songwriter/singer who provided music for Summit Masses, as well as a rousing after-dinner performance on opening night – along with his story of coming into the Catholic Church. A renowned guitarist and pianist as well, he has performed for Pope Francis and at World Youth Day. Phoenix Chapter members outside the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale on Saturday evening Sept. 18 at sunset, just before the formal Gala event (which was co-hosted with the Tuscon Chapter). Members enjoy Fr. John Bartunek’s inspirational keynote talk on “Fearlessly Choosing Happiness” during the final gala night dinner. 2020 Awards (presented at 2021 Summit West) Mario Costabile, Newark Chapter Bowie Kuhn Award for Evangelization Kimberly McGaw, DuPage County Membership Chair of the Year, Great Lakes Region Fr. Dave Heney, Ventura LA North Chaplain of the Year, Central Region Fr. James Misko, Austin Chapter Chaplain of the Year, West Region 41November 2021 | | legatus.org

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CHAPTER NEWS LINCOLN & OMAHA JOINT EVENT. The Lincoln and BISMARCK. BISMARCK Omaha Chapters held a combined event on September 21. The Bismarck Beginning at John XXIII Diocesan Center with rosary and Chapter’s October Confession, Mass then followed and was officiated by Lincoln 7 event was held chaplain, Fr. James Meysenburg and concelebrated by Fr. Ryan at Butterhorn in Lewis, Omaha chaplain. At the Country Club of Lincoln, 102 Bismarck. The members attended, and enjoyed the guest presentation by evening’s featured the Honorable Brian Buescher, judge on the US District Court speaker was a local for the District of Nebraska, speaking on“The Religious Test.” priest, Fr. Brandon During his nomination hearing, Sens. Kamala Harris and Mazie Wolf, who discussed St. Hirono questioned Buescher about his Knights of Columbus Joseph in this special membership. The senators were then criticized by Sen. Orrin year honoring him. Hatch and others for “imposing religious tests on federal LAKE CHARLES judicial nominees,” a potential violation of Article VI of the The Chapter’s U.S. Constitution. Judge Buescher is the son of Lincoln Legates September 23 event Craig and Marge Buescher. Shown are Judge Buesher and his featured the induction wife Elaine (center),with his parents, Craig and Marge. ceremony for new members, Jim and LAKE CHARLES. Julia Davidson. The ceremony was led by Chapter president Dennis Stine and Chapter chaplain Fr. Ruben Villareal. CHARLOTTE At its September 9 event at Firethorne Country Club in Marvin, NC, the Charlotte Chapter delighted in the investiture of its newest member- couple, Brian and Anna Driscoll; and applauded Sharon Kucia receiving the ACE Award Pin for the second time. CHARLOTTE. Brain Driscoll (wife Anna not present) CHARLOTTE. Also on September 9, Sharon Kucia received the CHARLOTTE. Fr. Gerald Murray was the invested as the Chapter’s newest member-couple on September ACE Award Pin for the second time. The Award was presented by Chapter’s keynote speaker on October 7 at 9. Pictured (l. to r.): Brian Driscoll, Chapter past-president Chapter chaplain Abbot Placid Solari and Chapter program chair, Providence Country Club in Charlotte, NC. Sharon Kucia, and Chapter chaplain Abbot Placid Solari, OSB. Mary Catherine Surface. November 2021 | 44 | legatus.org

CHAPTER NEWS PASADENA. At their October 13 gathering, after Monsignor Albert Bahhuth offered the VENTURA-LA NORTH. The Ventura-LA North Chapter met September 23 at Westlake Sacrifice of Mass, the Chapter featured guest speaker Noelle Mering, author of Awake, Not Yacht Club with chaplain Fr. Dave Heney, who celebrated Mass for 37 members and guests. Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology. Shown (l. to r.): Adam and During Mass, Fr. Dave and Chapter vice-president Tom Ellis invested new members Mike and Noelle Mering, and Nicole and Raymond Tittman. Jessie Van Hecke, both Catholic educators at St. Augustine Academy in Ventura and Santa Paula. Mike is a founder of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education and the Catholic Textbook Project. Following the lakeside dinner, Fr. Dave spoke about controversies in Biblical archeology focusing on Noah’s Ark, the 12,000-year-old Gobekli Tepe temple site in Turkey, the location of the Ark of the Covenant, and the finds confirming King David. Shown (l. to r.):  Fr. Dave Heney, Mike and Jessie Van Hecke, Christine and Tom Ellis. WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS. At a September 23 Western Massachusetts meeting, members attended Holy Mass at the Union Meeting House on the Eastern States Exposition grounds, followed by dinner and an evening enjoying the Exposition. Catholic Masses are celebrated regularly in the space, during which participants and priest offer a nod to the historic Christian vision, which originally didn’t anticipate Catholic Mass there. The Eastern State Exposition is run by Legatus member Gene Cassidy. November 2021 | 45 | legatus.org

CHAPTER NEWS WILMINGTON. At its October 12 event, Wilmington welcomed two new chaplains and two new members WILMINGTON. Wilmington Chapter president, Francis Pileggi, is shown — all inducted at the Greenville Country Club. Shown (l. to r.): Father Charles Dillingham, Thomas Fertal, here in mid-September receiving the ACE Award from Fr. Charles Dillingham, Patty Fertal, president Francis Pileggi, Father Michael Carrier. who was just appointed co-chaplain of the Chapter. FORT LAUDERDALE & MIAMI JOINT EVENT. On September 21, the Fort Lauderdale and Miami Chapters gathered for a joint event at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens. The Archbishop of Miami, Thomas Wenski, celebrated Mass and joined the group for dinner and a presentation by Jack Seiler, president of the Orange Bowl Committee. The first joint gathering of the two south Florida chapters, members had a wonderful evening getting acquainted. FORT LAUDERDALE & MIAMI JOINT EVENT. Also at the September 21 event, Kathy LAFAYETTE-ACADIANA. On September 15, the Chapter welcomed guest speaker Pete and David Nateman were invested after Mass as the newest members of the Miami Chapter. Burak, who spoke on “Engaging Millennials” – a very well-received presentation, which the Chapter highly recommends. Shown (l. to r.) are: Deacon Kyle Polozola, Missy Polozola, Frank Neuner, Tracy Neuner, Pete Burak, and Chapter chaplain, Fr. Broussard. November 2021 | 46 | legatus.org

CHAPTER NEWS OMAHA. At their October 13 meeting at Shadow Ridge Country Club, the Omaha Chapter NORTHERN NEW JERSEY. At the Northern NJ Chapter’s July 14 gathering at Trump presented pins to 2021 Summit West attendees/award winners. Shown (l. to r.): Tim and Francie National Golf Club (Bedminster, NJ), Bishop Edgar M. Da Cunha (of the Diocese of Fall Conrad; chaplain Fr. Ryan Lewis; Stacie (Omaha Chapter president) and Rob Reed. All five River, MA) celebrated the induction ceremony for new members to the Chapter. Pictured attended the 2021 Summit West in September. (l. to r.): Amy Williamson, new member; Sal Salvo, president of the Northern New Jersey Chapter; Bishop Edgar da Cunha; and Jim Williamson, new member. CINCINNATI. The “Call of the Catholic Leadership” begins with a conversion of heart – and this was the topic of Fr. Nathan Cromly’s NORTHERN NEW JERSEY. Also at the presentation to Cincinnati members at their September 15 meeting at The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculm. Recalling great Catholic Chapter’s July 14 event at Bedminster NJ’s leaders who converted hearts, St. Paul was among the very first examples. Members “journeyed” with St. Paul on their plates — with maps Trump National Golf Club, Chapter president of his travels on each table, and a culinary delight from each modern country (Greece, Italy, Syria, Turkey) that he reached in his missionary Sal Salvo presented the Chapter pro-life work. Shown here are (l. to r.): Lisa Odenbeck, Carol and Steve Pieper, Greg and Lisa Hardig, Fr, Nathan Cromly, Jody and Jim Akers. award to President Donald J. Trump. PORTLAND. At its October 5 meeting at Nicoletta’s Table & Marketplace in Lake Oswego, the Portland Chapter hosted guest speaker Mike Pacer, who spoke on “Mercy and Hope.” An award-winning author, international speaker, and retreat/mission leader, Mike was a successful Chicago trial lawyer for 14 years before hearing God’s call to “just leave.” Entrusting their futures and young sons to Him, Mike and his wife Lori left their comfortable lives and headed into the unknown. Shown (l. to r.): Angela Chargualaf, Mike Pacer, Patrick Duffy, Scott Nelson, Shelley Nelson, Elizabeth Thiede, Maria Gilmour, Grace Cargni, Dave Cargni, Bianca Nerenberg, Fr. David Shaw, Gabi Stegemoller, Darin Stegemoller. November 2021 | 47 | legatus.org

2022 SUMMIT EAST SPEAKER 5 MINUTES JIM GRAVES WITH Total healing only comes through Christ WASHINGTON, D.C. PRIEST, NOW A MISSIONARY IN MEXICO, DESCRIBES FULL RESTORATION THROUGH THE DIVINE PHYSICIAN FATHER DAN LEARY WILL BE A Tell us about your background and the years and met some of the Sisters of Mary. presenter at the 2022 Legatus They invited me to come to their missions to Summit East to be held Jan. what let to your vocation. offer retreats, which I did, and I became their 27-29 on Amelia Island, FL. Drawing on the Catechism I was the youngest of six in a social Irish Catholic chaplain. of the Catholic Church and family. I was not practicing the faith as a young Scripture, as well as his adult. I was out drinking one night with some What impresses you most about experiences working in the friends, and someone bet me $50 I wouldn’t be Fr. Schwartz? missions, Father will discuss able to go to Mass every day during Lent. I took different ways to the bet, and it changed my life. heal spiritually, He was a man who was united to Christ and Our physically, and I had been working at a Lady, and the fruit of that union was his service emotionally – with major accounting firm to the poor. It was in my heart to serve the poor in Jesus Christ as making good money at the same way. healer. the time, but I felt empty. I Father Leary was went to Confession with a What do you do for the Sisters? born and raised in the Maryland good priest, and it turned suburbs of into a two-hour boxing I offer retreats and provide the sacraments, Washington, D.C., match that led me to the especially Confession, in Chalco. I will visit the and was ordained seminary. I had always had sisters’ other locations as pandemic conditions a priest for the a heart to serve others—I, allow. At the Chalco site, we have a school Archdiocese of for example, was teaching serving 3,500 poor girls, ages 13-18, on 15 acres of Washington in 1997. Since someone to read in my free land; it is a boarding school where girls come for 2020, he has served as time, and I would make 11 months of the year. chaplain to the Sisters of sandwiches to Mary, a community of women give to the poor—so the priesthood Describe your religious founded by Fr. seemed a natural fit. “I had been working first missionary Aloysius Schwartz (1930-92). I was a parish priest in the Archdiocese at a major accounting year in Mexico. The sisters minister at seven of Washington for 23 years before I firm making good sites in multiple countries; came to Mexico. I loved serving my money at the time, It has been beautiful. Father is currently ministering people, helping them encounter the I love it. I am very in Chalco, one of their two sites living presence of Christ. but I felt empty busy with Masses, in Mexico. The sisters provide youth in poor communities a Confessions, and safe place to be educated in What led you to spiritual direction. the Catholic faith where they the Sisters of Mary? There is an immense receive career and vocational amount of suffering training to help raise endured by girls in poor countries, and those themselves out of poverty. While I was in the seminary, I spent a summer I serve have endured many trials, including working in a company owned by two Florida physical abuse and abandonment by their Legatus members, Tom and Glory Sullivan. They families. I’ve seen a lot of healing among the girls knew Fr. Al Schwartz and were big benefactors since I’ve arrived, and I very much look forward of his work. I read some of Fr. Al’s books over to seeing that continue.  L November 2021 | 48 | legatus.org

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