JULY 2023 PATRIOTISM AND FREEDOM ISSUE TO SERVE IN FAITH LIVING CATHOLIC VALUES IN ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICE SECULARISM TAKES TOLL ON QUEBEC’S CATHOLIC IDENTITY WHY AUTHENTIC FREEDOM MUST BE ROOTED IN TRUTH THE RELUCTANT PIONEER BISHOP OF BARDSTOWN, KY 5 MORAL OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYEES Matthew Plese LIFE LESSONS FROM EARLY CHRISTIANS Fr. Shenan Boquet TAKE A SHOT AT WEIGHT LOSS? Richard H. Cartabuke, M.D.
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07•23 INSIDE VOL 36 • NO 7 10GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS by Rachel Hoover Legatus members who enter the political arena don’t check their Catholic values at the door ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/WEBPHOTOGRAPHEER 16 20 24 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM’S THE RELUCTANT LIBERTY JUST ANOTHER PIONEER BISHOP AT RISK OF BARDSTOWN WORD? by Jim Graves by Gerald Korson by Elizabeth Westhoff Quebec’s trend to secularization Bishop Flaget labored to grow is eroding Church’s historic role It’s not doing what one wants, the Church on America’s frontier 5July 2023bu| t doing what|onleegaotuusg.ohrgt
Surf-and-turf sliders MORE COVER 08PRESIDENT’S DESK 37 PHOTO Stephen M. Henley: On patriotism and faith 40PUBLIC SQUARE istockphoto.com/ Photosomnia 09EDITOR’S DESK Christine V. Owsik: Exposing the faith, patiently PAGE Gerald Korson: An intelligent approach to AI 48FIVE MINUTES WITH PHOTO 26BUSINESS ETHICS Charles Paksi, Fairfield County Chapter For a hearty summer meal to Matthew Plese: Five obligations of employees 50 MEET THE CHAPLAIN be enjoyed indoors or outdoors, Msgr. 28CULTURE OF LIFE Fr. Tom Kunz, Pittsburgh Chapter Jaime Gigantiello offers recipe for three John A. DiCamillo: Consultation for consciences varieties of surf-and- 30FAITH MATTERS turf sliders. Fr. Shenan Boquet: Lessons from early Christians 32ENGAGING THE FAITH David G. Bonagura: Church’s role in politics 35WHAT TO SEE Sound of Freedom : Horror of human trafficking 36HEALTH MATTERS Richard H. Cartabuke, M.D.: Weight-loss injections 37 FEEDING THE FOODIE Monsignor Jaime Gigantiello: Heart attack alert BOARD OF GOVERNORS Thomas S. Monaghan Berni Neal Randall W. Hammond Lusant Ordoñez Mark R. Scalise President Ann Arbor Orange County Denver Orlando Jupiter-Palm Beach Stephen M. Henley Legatus Secretary Advent Capital Zenodro Homes Scalise Industries International Chaplain Founder, Chairman & CEO Troy L. King S. Craig Henry Diana Parent Corporation Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano Christopher S. McMahon Orlando Lafayette-Acadiana Fort Wayne Bishop of Bridgeport Pittsburgh Dentistry for Children Bradford Food Group Parke Group Ecclesiastical Advisor MFA Wealth, LLC Treasurer Jerry R. Jones James P. Sarni Most Reverend José H. Gomez Vice Chairman Sean J. Bellew Indianapolis Pasadena Archbishop of Los Angeles Philadelphia Cannon IV Payden & Rygel Bellew, LLC Communications Director Christine V. Owsik Comments, queries and address changes: LEGATUS MISSION STATEMENT: Editor Gerald Korson Legatus Magazine To study, live, and spread the Design Shawna Kunz, Lime Design PO Box 444 Legatus magazine is published 12 times per Catholic faith in our business, Contributing Writer Judy Roberts Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0444 year by Legatus, a membership organization Contributing Writer Jim Graves [email protected] of Catholic presidents and CEOs. professional, and personal lives. Phone: 866-534-2887 © 2023 Legatus Contributing Writer Rachel Hoover All rights reserved Contributing Writer Trent Beattie To advertise, contact: [email protected] Copy Editor Nancy Carabio Belanger Advertising Sales Representative Joe Giacalone
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PRESIDENT’S STEPHEN M. HENLEY ST. OLIVER PLUNKETT DESK (1625-1681) Patriotism, freedom intertwine with faith FEAST DAY: JULY 1 CANONIZED: OCTOBER 12, 1975 PATRON OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION IN IRELAND AS WE CONTEMPLATE THE As Catholics, we also have a specific Saint Oliver Plunkett was the Fourth of July, it is timely for us understanding of freedom. While some think archbishop of Armagh and to reflect on what patriotism freedom means acting as one likes, Catholic Primate of All Ireland. He was and freedom mean for teaching reminds us that we have obligations as a victim of the violent anti- Americans and Catholics. We free citizens to our fellow citizens. Catholicism that gripped the have obligations to our earthly As Pope St. John Paul II said at Camden Yards in United Kingdom during his homeland even as we aspire to Baltimore in October 1995, at a Mass I attended lifetime and was martyred our heavenly homeland. as a boy, “Every generation of Americans needs to for his faith by being hanged, Patriotism is a love of country, know that freedom consists not in doing what we drawn, and quartered. and freedom is a condition that like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” allows people to act as they see We exercise our freedom responsibly when we Oliver was fit, within certain legal limits. do so as recollected Catholics, illuminating our born into It is a healthy and necessary country by our love of God, and consequently a wealthy condition of full citizenship. enriching the lives of our fellow countrymen and Catholic Our affection for our country women. A Catholic sense of duty compels us to family in propels us to defend it, promote live out our freedom responsibly. County Meath its prosperity, and bequeath it to In his Farewell Address in 1796, George in eastern our posterity. That love we have Washington stated: Ireland. Due for our nation should be eclipsed to the political only by our love of heaven. and religious COMMUNION OF strife between SAINTS Catholics and Protestants in his homeland, he entered the seminary in Rome and was ordained a priest there in 1654. Pope Leo XIII’s [O]f all the dispositions and habits After Oliver Cromwell’s defeat 1890 encyclical, “Our pride as which lead to political prosperity, of the Irish uprising and the On Christians as Americans and religion and morality are indispensable subsequent bitter persecution Citizens, stated: supports. In vain would that man claim of Catholics, he stayed in Rome Wherefore, to love our yearning for the tribute of patriotism who should and taught theology. heaven exist in labor to subvert these great pillars of both countries, human happiness, these firmest props In 1669, he was ordained that of earth harmony of the duties of men and citizens. archbishop of Armagh and returned to Ireland during a below and that of brief period when anti-Catholic heaven above, yet Patriotism, freedom, and a Catholic laws were relaxed. He battled in such mode that understanding of citizenship are drunkenness among the Irish the love of our heavenly surpass intertwined. Religion and morality are essential clergy, established a Jesuit the love of our earthly home, to our spiritual health and to the health of the college, and confirmed many and that human laws be never United States. Living authentically Catholic Catholics. When persecutions set above the divine law, is the lives gives us the ability to exercise our freedom returned, Archbishop Plunkett essential duty of Christians, responsibly. This in turn helps us love and was forced into hiding. and the fountainhead, so to strengthen the country that protects our freedom say, from which all other duties to practice our faith. spring. He was arrested and convicted “In God we trust” is the motto of our country. for allegedly plotting against the Our pride as Americans and May it be the watchword of all patriots. It is a English Crown and propagating our yearning for heaven exist sure path to creating a healthy land and to our the Catholic faith. His head is in harmony. Being a dutiful heavenly reward. L venerated in St. Peter’s Church and affectionate citizen of the in Drogheda, and most of his United States should reflect STEPHEN M. HENLEY remains are in Downside Abbey Church in Somerset, England. L our interior disposition to is president of Legatus. — Jim Graves gain heaven for ourselves, our families, and our friends. 8July 2023 | | legatus.org
MARK YOUR EDITOR’S GERALD KORSON CALENDARS DESK FATHER & SON RETREAT Toward an intelligent approach to using AI JULY 24-26, 2023 CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESORT, WE ALL SAW THE IMAGE A FEW service, and decision making more efficient. It months ago of Pope Francis can take more mundane and repetitive tasks NOTHERN MICHIGAN sporting a stylish white puffer from human workers and allow them to move to jacket. It’s not impossible that higher-value tasks that technology alone cannot COOPER CLINIC a pope might wear such a coat, accomplish. A company can thereby minimize so if you thought the photo was costs, improve accuracy, and maximize the talent EXECUTIVE PHYSICAL authentic, don’t feel bad. As of its employees. AUGUST 2-4, 2023 NBC News reported at the time DALLAS, TX in its usual cutting-edge way, On the other hand, it also means the loss of “Even celebrity Chrissy Teigen many jobs, particularly in the blue-collar and MEDJUGORJE & was duped.” If even a Sports service sectors. Those who lack the necessary CROATIA CRUISE Illustrated swimsuit model skills to move into higher-value tasks may find can be fooled, we’re all in good themselves in a very difficult situation seeking SEPTEMBER 25–OCTOBER 7, 2023 company. new employment. Not everyone can make that PRIVATE YACHT ADRIATIC CRUISE leap. There’s a potential human cost to AI. The fact is that the image WAITLISTED in question was A larger issue, however, pertains computer-generated “AI technology to ethics. AI platforms can MEN’S ENCLAVE using an artificial can be misused only process data according intelligence tool. The to an algorithm, and so an OCTOBER 9-12, 2023 same goes for images AI model must be developed BISHOP’S LODGE RESORT circulating at the time through unsupervised learning, of Donald Trump reinforcement learning, or SANTA FE, NM running from police, being human training. Each method leaves open the taken down, and hauled off possibility for what is termed “machine learning WOMEN’S ENCLAVE in custody. Again, not that it bias.” AI will only be as good or accurate as the couldn’t conceivably happen. information it receives, and so the analysis OCTOBER 24-27, 2023 But it didn’t. And some were and decisions of its algorithm will reflect the AMERICAN CLUB fooled by it, at least initially. human biases of its sources and training. Here KOHLER, WI too we have seen frequent warnings in the news So-called “deepfake” photos and journals about the potential abuse of AI to SUMMIT 2024 have been accomplished advance troubling political or social agendas — without AI technology using deepfake news and information, as it were. JANUARY 25-27, 2024 software like Photoshop, MONARCH BEACH RESORT for purposes sometimes AI-powered chatbots, robots, and other AI mischievous and sometimes platforms are not ethical beings. They can never DANA POINT, CA malicious or even criminal. become human or sentient, regardless of how AI-generated images are just much they mimic human responses. Business SCAN HERE FOR one of many possible ways AI and industry professionals do well to make INFORMATION ON technology can be misused. prudent use of AI technology to harness all the good it can accomplish. But it is vital that some ALL EVENTS Daily the news and industry regulatory measures be taken to set ethical journals have reported both boundaries as well. L FOR MORE INFORMATION: breathless accounts of how [email protected] AI can serve businesses. For GERALD KORSON OR CALL 866-534-2887 example, because AI can handle is editor of Legatus magazine. tasks at a pace and scale that humans can’t match, it can help make manufacturing, customer 9July 2023 | | legatus.org
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Serving THE public in good faith Legatus has its share ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/MRDOOMITS OF members who have answered THE call to take THEIR Catholic principles into elective political OFfice. Here are just a few OF THEm by rachel hoover 11July 2023 | | legatus.org
Faith, business, and politics OFten seem like three different worlds, or even at odds with each oTHEr. But in reality, faith done well can help both business and politics run well by forming virtuous, well-intentioned leaders. A number OF Legatus members around THE country have run for and served in public OFfice. True to THEir mission, THEy have sought to advance reason-based, faith-informed principles in public policy. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/IMAGE_SOURCE_ 12July 2023 | | legatus.org
FISCAL difference” in government RESPONSIBILITY at the local level. “You’re talking anything from the Experience as business health and safety of your leaders has taught some community, to economic members who enter the development, to potholes political realm to promote in the roads,” said the good stewardship of Bismarck legate. taxpayer dollars. Eugene “Gino” Bulso, a state Bulso’s initiative to limit representative in Tennessee federal spending is also and member of Legatus’ aligned with subsidiarity, as developing Nashville it could bring decisions on Chapter, ran for office for a Eugene “Gino” Bulso education, health very specific reason: to rein government, streamlining care, and other in federal spending. regulations, reducing the tax ''It’s always going to areas not outlined Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. burden,” said Cox. be worth standing in the Constitution Constitution says, “Congress up for what’s right back to the state shall have Power … to pay level. the Debts and provide for the common Defence and SUBSIDIARITY IN Cox is currently general Welfare of the United PRACTICE working on an States.” According to Bulso, initiative that would the phrase “general welfare” One of the main principles of Catholic social teaching is encourage more input from has been used to justify subsidiarity: that decisions should be made at the lowest or citizens at a hyper-local federal spending on many most local level that is competent to manage them. level by having states elect things that the Constitution Kelby Woodard, former state representative in Minnesota, congressmen in a new way. framers never intended. says subsidiarity was one of the guiding factors in his “Today’s politics is too much “The federal government governing style, leading him to listen closely to his about money and media,” just continues to rack constituents all over the district. said Cox. “I want to bring up trillion-dollar-a-year “I went to the areas that weren’t the fun-and-easy areas to it back down to person-to- deficits. It’s not sustainable,” go to, areas of the district and state that didn’t agree with person and get people who said Bulso. To combat this, me,” said Woodward, a member of Legatus’ Twin Cities have character in public he introduced legislation Chapter. “But I wanted to hear them out, because they had a office.” intended to trigger the point of view. And quite frankly, they helped shape some of Supreme Court to examine my opinions.” PROTECTING FAMILY the constitutionality of LIFE federal spending. The bill has passed both chambers John Warford, who served 12 years as mayor of Bismarck, Of course, one of the most of the Tennessee legislature ND, and still works part time at his orthodontics practice obvious areas where the and has been signed by the and cattle ranch, agreed that someone can “really make a Catholic faith can influence governor. government for the better is the realm of life, sex, marriage, and the family. John Cox of the San Diego In 2022, Peggy Dunn, Chapter has run for several longtime mayor of Leawood, public offices over the KS, was asked to appear in a years, including governor commercial to help explain of California, to combat the a proposed amendment to cronyism and inefficiency the Kansas constitution, he experienced interacting known as the “Value Them with the government as a Both” Amendment. The lawyer and CPA. amendment would Cox grew up a Democrat John Cox have allowed Kansas but was drawn to President Ronald Reagan’s fiscal ''I WANT TO BRING IT BACK DOWN to regulate abortions. policy. “Reagan spoke to TO PERSON-TO-PERSON AND GET She participated me, because he talked as a layperson, about reducing the role of PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHARACTER but her position IN PUBLIC OFFICE as mayor made 13July 2023 | | legatus.org
her a particular target “Some members of the gay of criticism from those community did reach out who disagreed with the to me and say… [Schlegel] proposed amendment. “I probably wasn’t the guy received incredibly hateful they should be honoring as backlash from numerous a trailblazer,” he said. individuals,” said Dunn, a member of the Kansas City Similarly, in his first term, Chapter. Bulso sponsored and co-sponsored several But Dunn doesn’t regret John DiSanto controversial bills related to her decision. “It may have gender and sexual morality. been the ‘smart’ political ''THE COUNTRY HAS move to remain silent, but BEEN VERY GOOD TO ME One forbids the use of I felt called to speak up and AND MY FAMILY, AND I cross-sex hormones and would honestly do so again SHOULD GET INVOLVED sex-change surgeries on if requested,” said Dunn. minors; another prohibits She also noted that despite public drag shows in the the backlash, “there were presence of children. actually many positive and Bulso says the legislators supportive comments as have experienced death well.” threats for these bills, but he thinks it’s worthwhile Pennsylvania state senator to do the right thing. “It’s Giovanni “John” DiSanto, always going to be worth a member of Legatus’ standing up for what’s right, Harrisburg Chapter, ran even if somehow, someone for office primarily on were to follow through on a an economic platform. threat,” said Bulso. However, he quickly found himself taking a stand VIRTUOUS SERVICE against sex- and gender- related issues, such as Beyond specific issues and homosexual pornographic legislation, the Catholic faith materials being shown to can form leaders to children in schools. Peggy Dunn govern virtuously In 2022, DiSanto requested ''It may have been THE and selflessly. that the Pennsylvania ‘smart’ political move to As mayor of Historical and Museum commission remove a remain silent, but I felt Bismarck, Warford historical marker honoring said he used the Richard Schlegel, a LGBT called to speak up four cardinal activist. “This guy had a long, documented history virtues—prudence, of pedophilia, distributing justice, fortitude, child pornography, and and temperance—as his breaking the law,” said basis for governance. “You DiSanto, basing his remarks make a lot of decisions on a 1993 interview with that affect your elected Schlegel. taxpayers, [and] I’ve found that if you apply those four virtues, it really helps the But when DiSanto requested decision making,” he said. the removal of the statue, it became “a very ugly battle,” Warford now serves on he said. “I was characterized the state board of higher as being a hater and education for everything.” But in the John Warford North Dakota, end, the commission voted unanimously to remove ''I’VE FOUND THAT IF YOU APPLY where a primary the marker, and DiSanto THOSE FOUR VIRTUES, IT REALLY focus is promoting found common ground free speech in with unexpected people. universities so that HELPS THE DECISION MAKING virtuous perspectives 14July 2023 | | legatus.org
can be shared. “I think that time to step down? having both conservative and liberal, Christian Catholic business leaders must discern Perennial candidate John Cox of San and non-Christian views carefully whether to run for office — and Diego won’t run anymore either. brought on campus is when to stop running. “I’ve put my wife through enough good, but they have to all Former Minnesota legislator Kelby campaigns at this juncture,” he quipped. be heard,” he explained. Woodard has moved into Catholic But he will continue lobbying for his “And we have to make sure education. As of July 2023, he is the hyper-local government initiative as a that Christian and Catholic CEO of the Cristo Rey Network of layperson. views are allowed and are Catholic high schools. given their free space.” He realized that much of the change he wanted to As mayor of Leawood, Dunn make through government said she has been able to could be brought about build consensus and focus through education. on the common good. “I feel “That experience in the that I’ve become a better legislature was really just a listener and problem solver foundation,” said Woodard. and always strive to do what I believe is best for our community as a whole,” she said. Her decision to run for Peggy Dunn has made the office was prompted by a “difficult decision” not to friend’s encouragement and seek re-election in 2024 solidified by a desire to give after serving as mayor of back. “It sounded like a good Leawood, KS, for 26 years. Kelby Woodard opportunity to serve my community,” said Dunn. “Making this choice was Similarly, DiSanto’s a prayerful discernment, as I’ve truly ''THAT EXPERIENCE IN THE decision to run for office enjoyed serving in this role,” said Dunn. LEGISLATURE WAS REALLY was propelled by a desire She plans to serve her community in JUST A FOUNDATION to give back to the nation. other ways. “I’ve always regretted not really serving the country sometime,” he said. “The country has been very good to me and my family, and I should get involved.” Bulso says patriotism aligns with faith: “Having a love of country is something that’s very Catholic.” He encourages Legatus members who feel a calling to public service to consider it seriously. “It’s definitely worth discerning,” he asserted. “There’s a lot of good work to be done in public life. And Lord knows we need folks in government who actually understand natural law and ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/WEBPHOTOGRAPHEER the moral order.” L RACHEL HOOVER is a contributing writer for Legatus magazine. 15July 2023 | | legatus.org
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Catholic Quebec in decline Once a thriving center of faith, the Canadian province continues a trend of secularization that marginalizes the voice and role of religion in the public square by jim graves 17July 2023 | | legatus.org
Until the 1960s, the Catholic Church was a dominant force in Quebec, the French-speaking province of eastern Canada. Mass attendance was as high as 90 percent among Catholics, and the Church wielded powerful influence in education, health care, and charitable endeavors. Since that time, however, secularizing trends have spread throughout the province to the extent that the Church’s leadership, as well as that of other religions, has largely been pushed to the sidelines as policy issues are discussed in the public arena. Quebec’s secularization has also exacted a ripple effect on other Canadian provinces such that the right to practice one’s religion openly appears increasingly under threat. CHANGE OF IDENTITY French explorer Jacques Cartier first claimed Canada for France in 1534, and Samuel de Champlain founded the Quebec colony in 1608. Religious communities such as the Jesuits and Franciscans soon built churches and ministered to European immigrants and Indian tribes of the region. France ceded control of Quebec to Protestant Great Britain after the Seven Years’ War in 1763, but Catholicism remained strong well into the 20th century. This began to change about 60 years ago, believes Benjamin Boivin, a writer with the French Catholic publication LeVerbe. Benjamin Boivin “Our society went from being an entirely Catholic society to one of the most deeply secularized societies in the world during the 1960s,” Boivin said. Cathedral-Basilica of Notre Dame de Québec Francis Denis, a Quebec Catholic video DOWNWARD SPIRAL journalist and author, added that Quebec society has embraced “exclusive Simon Labrecque, adjunct to the secretary- humanism” explicitly “for about 40 general of the Assembly of Catholic years through cultural and institutional Bishops of Quebec, said the so-called “Quiet changes.” Revolution” of the 1960s was the first As of 2023, he continued, the Church wave of secularization that led to the state “has hit rock bottom in terms of religious taking control of health care and education, Francis Denis vocations, truly Catholic schools, and replacing the Church’s longstanding role. invalid marriages.” The 1980s brought a second secularizing wave in public schools and other areas. In public policy discussions, Church leaders “have become Statistics reflecting the health of the Simon Labrecque completely irrelevant in the sense that they have no voice,” Denis said. “Quebecers have found their new shepherd in Church in Quebec “have been on a government officials, and Church authorities don’t seem to descending trajectory for decades,” said Labrecque, “and the have a big problem with that.” process has been accelerating.” Covid-19 lockdowns were among the most restrictive in In 2003, for example, there were 8,400 Catholic weddings North America, he noted, and Church officials not only celebrated. In 2016, there were just 3,900. complied, but in some dioceses “Christmas was completely canceled even without the state requiring it.” Boivin observed that infant baptism in Quebec has become “uncommon,” and that “it is increasingly difficult to provide children with a formal Catholic education.” Decline in practice is seen also in other religious groups. 18July 2023 | | legatus.org
The new secular Quebec has adopted public policies that eradicate religion from public life. In May, for example, the Canadian government unveiled its new heraldic Canadian Crown, replacing the traditional St. Edward’s Crown used on Canada’s coat of arms and on police and military badges. The design replaces the religious symbols of crosses and fleur- de-lis with maple leaves and a snowflake. The redesign was based on a recommendation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. BILL 21: A ‘LAY STATE’ In 2019, the Quebec National Assembly passed Bill 21, Members of various faiths protest Bill 21. which declared Quebec to be a “lay state,” characterized the patient to a colleague who will not refuse.” by the “separation of state and religions” and “the religious neutrality of the state.” Controversially, Bill 21 forbade state Denis noted that due to the omnipresence of the state, employees from wearing religious clothing or symbols, which subsidizes most economic and social exchanges such as a Christian cross or a Muslim hijab. Although those in Quebec society, “any criticism or expression of opinion most affected are observant Muslims, Sikhs, and Jews who contrary to the government doxa [is] very dangerous…. It is wear visible religious garb, it marked another restriction on not safe to criticize the current regime.” religious expression. Quebec’s bishops are ambivalent about Bill 21, said Labrecque. Canada’s culture also exerts pressure to conform to the They agree that those with coercive forms of authority, such opinions of the political media elites, he added, and the as policemen or prison guards, should not wear religious Church tends to conform rather than fight “certain anti- clothing or symbols, but don’t believe such restrictions should Christian social trends.” be placed on other state workers, such as teachers. Denis noted that most Quebec citizens support Bill 21 Boivin noted that battles over abortion and same-sex “mainly due to the myth of the ‘Great Darkness’, the belief marriage are not as prevalent in Canada because “public embedded in Quebec culture that religion — in this case, opinion here is not as polarized” as in the U.S., and even pro- Catholicism — prevented the growth and development of life Canadians believe these laws aren’t likely to change. Quebec before 1960. This belief results in religion being Active euthanasia, introduced in Canada only recently, is perceived globally as a negative and obscurantist force.” an exception. “The Church has naturally opposed this,” he Boivin agreed. “Our contemporary society is marked said, “and many Quebecers, Catholic or not, have raised the by a generalized hostility” to religion, he noted, and a seriousness of this issue.” widespread belief that the state should “force [faith] to be expressed almost exclusively in the private sphere.” Denis opined that Catholic Quebecers must “fight the ideology and neopagan religion of the welfare state at FREEDOM: ‘MIXED BAG’ every level,” which “is in the process of suffocating civil society and destroying all ‘intermediate societies’ such as Religious liberty is a mixed bag in Canada, Denis believes, the family.… There will not be much left of Quebec in a few as Canadians are free to attend Mass but are forced to years if this interventionist spiral is not fought.” support abortion, contraception, and euthanasia through taxation. Additionally, Labrecque noted that while doctors And as goes Quebec, so will go the rest of Canada and the may refuse to participate in what the state calls “Medical U.S., he believes. L Assistance in Dying” (active euthanasia), they “must refer JIM GRAVES is a contributing writer for Legatus magazine. Pope Francis’ response to secularization [S]ecularization demands that we reflect on the changes in Let us not allow the spirit society that have influenced the way in which people think of secularism to enter about and organize their lives. If we consider this aspect of our midst, thinking that the question, we come to realize that what is in crisis is not we can create plans that the faith, but some of the forms and ways in which we present work automatically, and it.... In this way, a discerning view, while acknowledging the by human effort alone, difficulties we face in communicating the joy of the faith, apart from God. motivates us, at the same time, to develop a new passion for evangelization, to look for new languages and forms of — Pope Francis, Homily expression, to change certain pastoral priorities and to focus at Vesper Service, on the essentials.... Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, July 28, 2022 19JJuunley 2023 | | legatus.org
WHAT IT MEANS TO ‘THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE,’ SAID JESUS. SO, TO BE FREE, BELIEVERS MUST DEFEND TRUTH UNTIL THEY’RE BLUE IN THE FACE BY ELIZABETH WESTHOFF For many cinephiles, the word “freedom” brings to mind Mel Gibson’s blue face bellowing the word from horseback during William Wallace’s iconic speech in the 1995 film Braveheart. Although there’s no evidence that the actual Scottish military hero yelled anything to his troops before the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge against England, the dramatized scene wound up inspiring countless memes and GIFs and marking a particular place in pop-culture history for a bekilted Gibson. That Braveheart moment struck a chord with the culture — but why? Although Gibson’s version of Wallace is stirring, he never explains to his fighters what he believes freedom to be: Aye, fight and you may die. Run and you’ll live, at least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom! For Gibson’s Wallace, freedom was as straightforward as not living under English rule. The English were to be fought and defeated. That was the 13th century. In the 21st century, battles are more ideological, and enemies are more sophisticated. Or are they? July 2023 | 20 | legatus.org
CRY ‘FREEDOM’ Mel Gibson as Scottish military hero William Wallace in Braveheart 21July 2023 | | legatus.org
TRUTH AND meaning of Many today, in the U.S. and FREEDOM truth and around the globe, fail to forces onto understand the relationship The first person to pursue man’s collective of authentic freedom to freedom for selfish reasons consciousness truth. “Freedom, if it is not was Eve in the Garden of the corrupted to lead to deceit and self- Eden. God gave humanity’s version of destruction, must orient original parents everything the truth — itself by the truth,” wrote they could possibly want or namely, that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, need; however, the “father freedom means later Pope Benedict XVI, in a of lies,” skilled at exploiting life without 1996 essay in Communio. humanity’s great weakness limitation. America’s claim to freedom of pride, convinced Eve she must be similarly situated should be “free” to have God endowed Wenzel Peter, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in truth, as Pope St. John more, that she deserved Paul II said in his homily at to be like God. So, that humanity Baltimore’s Camden Yards infamous fruit was eaten, with free will. However, as even English writer Virginia in 1995. plunging man into the great Woolf admonished, “To enjoy freedom, we have to control “America has always abyss of original sin. ourselves.” Freedom has limits, and freedom flourishes wanted to be a land of The kind of freedom Satan within those limits. the free,” the Pope said. promised Eve results only “Today, the challenge facing in confusion, chaos, and LAND OF THE FREE? America is to find freedom’s despair. Satan was and fulfillment in the truth: remains the great enemy At 247 years old, the American experiment of freedom in the truth that is intrinsic to of humanity and of true a democratic republic is still nascent compared to other human life created in God’s freedom. countries throughout history. The fact that all empires rise image and likeness, the Satan is not freedom’s only and fall was on the mind of founding fathers like Benjamin truth that is written on the enemy. Today’s culture is Franklin, to whom is attributed the ominous warning that human heart, the truth that also the enemy of freedom we have a republic “if [we] can keep it.” can be known by reason whenever it fails to regard The Declaration of Independence pronounced the “self- and can therefore form the truth. This happens when evident” truths that humans have God-given rights of basis of a profound and the culture warps the life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that it is universal dialogue among government’s role to secure these rights — a government people about the direction that draws its power from the “consent of the governed.” The they must give to their lives Bill of Rights spells out some specific applications of these and their activities.” fundamental truths. July 2023 | 22 | legatus.org
Later, John Paul II said: “speaking your truth.” Truth, however, is not subjective, St. Paul reminds the early “Surely it is important for but objective. There is no “your truth” and “my truth.” An Christians, “For freedom America that the moral individual “truth” is merely a personal opinion and can Christ has set us free; stand truths which make freedom be incorrect. If each person defines his or her own version fast therefore, and do not possible should be passed of “truth,” then each person likewise defines “freedom” submit again to a yoke of on to each new generation. however he or she wishes. slavery… For you were Every generation of As a result, some people believe women should be free called to freedom, brethren; Americans needs to know to eliminate the unborn human life within them, or that only do not use your that freedom consists not in young people should be free to surgically alter their bodies freedom as an opportunity doing what we like, but in if they “identify” as a different gender. Such ideas pervert for the flesh, but through having the right to do what reality and deny truth. love be servants of one we ought.” another” (Gal. 5:1, 13). And “doing what we ought” — that which is morally In Redemptor Hominis, John Paul II quoted the words of When culture goes on good, consistent with truth Christ, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make a destructive course, — constitutes not only the you free.” Reflecting on this, the Pope went on: Christians must stand proper exercise of freedom, These words contain both a fundamental requirement and firm in faith. This means but its nurturing as well. a warning: the requirement of an honest relationship with to be bold in instructing “The more one does regard to truth as a condition for authentic freedom, and the ignorant, counseling what is good, the freer the warning to avoid every kind of illusory freedom, every the doubtful, and most of one becomes,” states the superficial unilateral freedom, every freedom that fails to all in loving and serving Catechism of the Catholic enter into the whole truth about man and the world. (12) others. People of faith Church. “There is no true In other words, as the Catechism states, “Human freedom must pray, catechize at any freedom except in the is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; opportunity, forgive injuries, service of what is good and it attains its perfection when directed toward God, our and bear wrongs patiently just” (1733). beatitude” (1731). — and do so boldly. FALSE ACTING FREELY Defending freedom and ‘TRUTHS’ truth is important because Catholics today may experience a form of white martyrdom doing so defends Christ, Yet the very notion of truth when defending themselves against those who think who is freedom and truth is often corrupted. Media obedience to religious and moral truths is contrary to human itself — and Christians maven Oprah Winfrey freedom. This calls for courage. As the poet Robert Frost once must defend Him until, often employed the phrase said in an interview, “Freedom consists in being bold.” BlikraevGeihbesaornt,’stWheayl’lraecbeliune in the face. L ELIZABETH WESTHOFF is a freelance writer from Naples, FL. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/FAMVELD July 2023 | 23 | legatus.org
The reluctant Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget Although he tried to refuse his appointment, Bishop Flaget proved instrumental in developing the Catholic presence within a vast swath of the American frontier by Gerald Korson c atholics were scarce when their first church, 50 Catholic HUMBLE RESISTANCE the American colonies won families were scattered about the their independence from region. Other mission priests came Father Flaget was among French England. In 1790, when Fr. John and went, and more Catholics clergy who fled the French Carroll was consecrated the began settling in Kentucky. Revolution, and upon his arrival first bishop of Baltimore, the Father Stephen Badin, the first in 1792 Bishop Carroll assigned first U.S. diocese, some 6,000 priest ordained in the United him to the French settlements Catholics roamed the new States, was sent to Kentucky near Vincennes, IN. Three years nation. By his death in 1815, the in 1795; Fr. Charles Nerinckx later, he returned to Baltimore, Catholic population across the and a few Dominicans soon taught at Georgetown College, burgeoning American landscape followed. In time, other religious then was sent to Havana, Cuba. approached 10,000, many of communities arrived, earning the Father Badin had urged Bishop these on the frontier. region the nickname “Kentucky’s Carroll to recommend Fr. Flaget as In 1808, Pope Pius VII, on Bishop Holy Land.” Bardstown’s first bishop due to his Carroll’s recommendation, made Although officially comprising experience in Vincennes. Bishop Baltimore an archdiocese and only the states of Kentucky Carroll again had the Pope’s ear, created from its vast territory and Tennessee, Bardstown and Fr. Flaget got the nod. four new U.S. dioceses — New immediately became the largest York, Boston, Philadelphia, U.S. diocese in jurisdiction, with Father Flaget, however, would and Bardstown, KY. To lead the pastoral responsibility for part have none of it. A humble frontier diocese of Bardstown, or all of the present-day states of man, he believed he was not Pius named Fr. Benedict Joseph Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, theologically astute enough for Flaget, a French Sulpician who Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the episcopacy, and for months was serving under Bishop Arkansas. It was pioneer territory, Carroll, as its first bishop. the first diocese on the western Although Fr. Flaget tried initially side of the Allegheny Mountains. to wriggle out of the appointment, he would go on to serve faithfully for 40 years during a critical period in the nation’s westward expansion — and with it the Catholic Church in America. A PIONEER DIOCESE Catholics were present in Kentucky as early as 1775, but with no clergy to serve them. By the time Irish Franciscan missionary Fr. Maurice Whelan arrived two years later and built July 2023 | 24 | legatus.org
‘Bishop of the West’ he dragged his feet seeking a way influence at the first Council out. He had his fellow Sulpicians of Baltimore in 1829 and in pray a novena for a reprieve, the appointment of many U.S. and upon its conclusion his bishops. brothers agreed he should reject the appointment. He sailed to He was so successful in growing France to appeal his case to his the Catholic presence on the Sulpician superior. “My Lord, you frontier that within a decade should have been already in your after his arrival his jurisdiction diocese!” his superior exclaimed begin shrinking as new dioceses upon seeing him. With that, were carved from it — starting in Fr. Flaget gave in. He was 1821 with Cincinnati, which took consecrated bishop in November away Ohio, Michigan, and part of 1810 and made the journey to Wisconsin territory. Bardstown the next spring. He arrived to find his diocese Bishop Flaget’s first log house, now a museum Due to health and overwork, had just three secular priests and A pioneer family gave the bishop Bishop Flaget resigned in 1832 four Dominican missionaries, their 370-acre homestead, and and let his coadjutor bishop take but he embraced the challenge he promptly consecrated the log over. Rather than rest, however, before him. “In entering the home as St. Thomas Church and he spent his time in the diocese town, I devoted myself to all built a log seminary on the land caring for victims of a cholera the guardian angels who reside that soon was producing priests. outbreak. The outcry from the therein, and I prayed to God, Several religious congregations people who wanted him back with all my heart, to make me set up shop in the region, among at the helm was so great that die a thousand times, should I them the Sisters of Charity of the Pope reappointed him to not become an instrument of Nazareth, the Sisters of Loretto, Bardstown a few months later. His glory in this new diocese,” he and years later the Cistercians, wrote in his memoirs. who would found the Abbey of Vincennes became a diocese in Gethsemani nearby. 1834, extracting Indiana and part of Illinois from Bardstown; RESPECTED PRELATE Nashville, claiming all of Tennessee, followed in 1837. With Bishop Flaget oversaw the that, Bardstown was diminished Bardstown diocese for the to the Kentucky border. Today, 44 next four decades, providing dioceses occupy the territory that clergy and establishing was once under Bardstown’s care. parishes throughout the frontier. He was a tireless Bishop Flaget was the “reluctant missionary even to its farthest bishop,” but only out of humility. reaches, evangelizing settlers Biographical sketches from those as well as Native American who knew him affirm that the tribes and winning the “constant rule” of his life was to respect of Protestants who seek God’s will. had been biased against Catholics. He founded four “Whether our undertaking be colleges, an orphanage, successful or not,” he is quoted and 11 academies for girls. as saying, “our consolation is to His reputation for holiness know that we are doing the will and simplicity won him of God.” L great admiration among his Bishop Flaget’s statue stands in front of St. Joseph fellow bishops, as seen in his GERALD KORSON ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ROBYN MAC Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown, the cathedral he built is the editor of Legatus magazine. July 2023 | 25 | legatus.org
BUSINESS MATTHEW PLESE ETHICS The 5 moral obligations of employees to employers AS MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE instruments to be used for profit, “The 6 moral obligations but rather human beings with of business executives,” inalienable rights and dignity. published in the April edition Therefore, employers have an of Legatus magazine, Pope Leo obligation to treat their workers XIII wrote an encyclical called fairly and justly, providing them Rerum Novarum in 1891 on with a decent wage and safe the rights and duties of capital working conditions. and labor. In it, he described Catholic social teachings Pius also recognized the and lists six obligations of importance of labor unions as employers and five obligations a means of protecting workers’ of employees. Leaders have a rights and ensuring their voices ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/KALI9 responsibility to inform their are heard. He acknowledged employees of these obligations the right of workers to form both by example and by verbal unions and to engage in instruction. collective bargaining with their employers to secure fair wages and working Do you submit false or exaggerated expense Pope Leo set forth for his conditions, assuming they do so in a dignified reports that are against company policies that time and ours the five moral manner and never in a destructive way or in you have agreed to? obligations of employees, a situation that harms the good of souls or the which are as follows: work of the Church. Taken along with Rerum Do you, as appropriate given your role and Novarum, these encyclicals are the two greatest situation, build up the common good among Perform honest labor in sources of Catholic social teaching. your peers so that by your word and example accordance with one’s others know of your conviction for the contractual obligations. “[E]mployers have an Since many Catholic faith and adherence to it, including executives are its unwavering teaching on morality and the Never damage the obligation to treat their still employees dignity of all human life? property of the owner workers fairly and justly, of the Do you encourage, even by tacit approval, and never cause harm providing them with a organization rioting, vandalism, retaliation, sexual to him. and report to harassment, or any other workplace sins? higher-level Keep the peace at all decent wage and safe executives, St. Peter writes in his first letter, “Be ye subject, times. working conditions a board of directors, or therefore, to every human creature for God’s Avoid and discourage corporate sake; whether it be to the king as excelling, or rioting. shareholders, it to governors as sent by him” (1 Pet. 2:13). This is appropriate also applies to our conduct with our employers. Avoid sowing seeds of discord that everyone from business leaders down to Above all, the Catholic faith is not just one part in the workplace. entry-level workers consider these questions as of our lives. It must be the core of our entire life, part of their regular examination of conscience: including our professional life. This is true for In 1931, Pope Pius XI took the everyone doing work, whether for clients or for principles of Rerum Novarum Do you give an honest and complete day of work employers. L and expanded upon the in return for the wages promised? obligations in his encyclical MATTHEW PLESE, a CPA based in Chicago, Quadragesimo Anno. In this If you believe you are underpaid or runs thecatholiccpa.com. He is also president letter, Pius recognized the undervalued, do you seek to negotiate a fair of catechismclass.com and author of the importance of labor and the wage rather than steal from the company by 2022 book The Roman Catechism dignity of the worker. He argued spending time idly or neglecting your agreed- Explained for the Modern World. that workers are not mere upon duties? July 2023 | 26 | legatus.org
July 2023 | 27 | legatus.org
CULTURE OF JOHN A. DI CAMILLO LIFE Forming moral consciences with personal consultations THE LIFE OF FAITH IS MOST partnership with Legatus, challenging when it comes to NCBC offers concierge real-life decisions, especially ethics consultation to on culturally contested and all Legatus members. complex issues. Are do-not- This means that you, resuscitate orders always your company, and your wrong? Is weaning a loved families now have 24/7 one off the ventilator a access directly to Joseph kind of euthanasia? Which Meaney, NCBC president, reproductive technologies can as a benefit of your be used to achieve pregnancy? membership. When a woman’s life would be ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/LJUBAPHOTO endangered by pregnancy, are All our ethics consultants there methods of contraception offer authoritative Church or sterilization that might teachings with references, be OK? Which treatments of explanations of moral complicated pregnancies are principles, how to think morally sound? Is it acceptable through applications, and daughter-in-law who are considering in vitro to affirm a child’s newly practical resources, and reasoned advice for fertilization. It’s the single woman wondering claimed gender identity with concrete circumstances. Without having to whether it’s right to follow her doctor’s advice counseling, hormones, or take a course on Catholic bioethics or moral on oral contraceptive use to treat a menstrual surgery? Where can we find theology, those who contact us receive expert condition. Or it’s the parish priest whom they trustworthy guidance on and magisterially faithful guidance — specific all consulted first — but who isn’t sure about questions like these? to their situation — which enables morally the best resources or how to address the multi- informed decisions. But NCBC’s responders not faceted concerns of each parishioner. The National Catholic Bioethics only inform, like an FAQ, decision-tree app, or Center (NCBC) stands in the even ChatGPT, but also accompany and pray for I am humbled by each of the souls who contacts breach on topics like these, those who contact us. We build community. us, diligently seeking what is right in God’s eyes. fielding case-specific ethical Complicated circumstances, outside pressures, questions from Catholics all Few realize, however, that NCBC’s free personal and conflicting voices threaten to cause over the country without cost. ethics consultations are not just for specialized confusion or insecurity. It’s easy to blank under We stand at the crossroads audiences. While health care professionals and real-life situations. But the Catechism of the of health care, law, scientific biomedical researchers submit about 25 percent Catholic Church reminds us of what we need to research, biotechnology, and of our consultation requests, with another 10 form our consciences: reflection on Scripture in Catholic moral teaching. And percent come from clergy and 5 percent from faith and prayer, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and we do it on a educators, this service is “the witness or advice of others guided by the personal level. In intended for everyone. authoritative teaching of the Church” (1785). fact, a real person “NCBC offers In fact, 60 percent of our responds to every consultations come from the The NCBC’s ethics consultation service is here request within 24 concierge ethics average lay Catholic. for everyone — with 24/7 access to the president hours of a phone consultation to all of NCBC for Legatus members — forming call or within But who is that? It’s the consciences with the riches of the Catholic moral five business Legatus members couple with a suspected tradition at the precise moment of need. L days of an online early miscarriage, uncertain JOHN A. DI CAMILLO, PH.D., BE.L., submission. Each about the next medical is a staff ethicist at The National Catholic month, NCBC steps or how to handle the fields over 100 consultation baby’s remains. It’s the fallen-away Catholic with Bioethics Center. He applies Catholic moral requests by phone or email. pangs of conscience about withholding food theology to science and medicine through writing, and water from Dad on hospice. It’s the faithful speaking, and fielding hundreds of individual and Now, as part of a new special grandmother wondering how to counsel her son organizational consultations each year. July 2023 | 28 | legatus.org
July 2023 | 29 | legatus.org
FAITH FR. SHENAN BOQUET MATTERS Lessons in living faith from early Christians DURING THE FIRST THREE are totally destitute, but centuries of Christianity, possess an abundance of Christians faced many dangers everything. They suffer and difficulties, enduring dishonor, but that is their persecutions from both Jewish glory (LD). and Roman leaders. As “men and women who belonged Fast forward to today. to the Way” (Acts 9:2), they What can we learn from expected suffering. And the early Church? despite Stephen’s death (Acts 7), ongoing persecution, and the The early Christians scattering of the Church, the evangelized. They were disciples remained untroubled, focused and never baffling their persecutors by stopped preaching the the way they approached life. gospel. Even when strictly charged not to teach in We are given a firsthand the name of Jesus they glimpse of this life in the said, “We must obey Letter to Diognetus, an early God rather than men” Christian apologetic work. The (Acts 5:28-29). Ironically, ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/UDOKANT author details the lives of the persecution was intended early Christians, who relied on to extinguish the spread the power of the Holy Spirit, of Christianity, but by devoted themselves to the persecuting the early teaching of the apostles, and Christians, it only served went forth to proclaim the good to spread it even more (Acts 8:1). As a result, “the the secular world — i.e., media, academia, and news of Jesus as the Messiah Lord added to their number those who were government. The response of some disciples and Savior. They taught a new being saved” (Acts 2:47). is opposite to Jesus’ teaching. They choose to way of life to those remain silent in the face of evil — or worse, are who welcomed them, The early Church complicit with the secular culture, sharing in its practiced charity and “Like those who have lived out the great values and causing grave harm to themselves and others. We must pray for our brothers and temperance, lived in gone before us in commission sisters in this situation and, by being models of community, served and faith, let us set our (Matt. 28:19-20). faith, strive for their conversion and spiritual supported each other, May this be said renewal. and spent time in prayer of us, that we and fasting (much like gaze on the Lord filled the whole Acts 2:42-47): world with this The early disciples persevered. We know that teaching about humanity can only find fulfillment in the gospel, They marry and have Jesus, seeing in and only Jesus liberates us from the bondage of children, but they do not expose each moment an opportunity to bring the light sin, allowing us to live as the people God created them. They share their meals, of the gospel — to “add a supernatural motive us to be (Gen. 1:27). Like those who have gone but not their wives. They live to [our] ordinary work,” as St. Josemaría Escriva before us in faith, let us set our gaze on the Lord, in the flesh, but they are not writes in The Way (359) — and sanctify it. May we drawing strength from His words: “Do not be governed by the desires of the see in our daily lives “a means of sanctification afraid” (Mark 6:50); “I am with you always, until flesh…Obedient to the laws, and a way of animating earthly realities with the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). L they yet live on a level that the Spirit of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic transcends the law. Christians Church, 2427). FATHER SHENAN J. BOQUET love all men, but all men is president of Human Life International and a persecute them…They live in The early Christians also faced backsliding. It priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, LA. poverty, but enrich many; they is not easy to constantly rebut the challenges of July 2023 | 30 | legatus.org
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ENGAGING THE DAVID G. BONAGURA JR. FAITH The Church must play a role in the fight for social justice THE FORMAL RELATIONSHIP At the same time, between the Church, be it however, it is right the Catholic Church or other and beneficial for religious denominations, the State to pass ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/COSMONAUT and the State extends the laws that provide a relationship between faith and means of fostering politics onto an institutional religious faith level. The Catholic Church and the moral life, CATECHISM [Political in particular has a long since the exercise 101 authority] history of theological and of these lies at the heart of human welfare must not philosophical reasoning as and the common good. While the State cannot to how the Church and State command church attendance, it can promote behave in a despotic manner, ought to interact. Although attendance by, for example, requiring stores to be but must act for the common some particular aspects of this closed on Sunday until a certain hour. The State good as a ‘moral force based relationship have fluctuated has long promoted the moral life by limiting or on freedom and a sense of over the centuries, certain core prohibiting certain activities that can lead to vice, responsibility’ … Authority is principles have endured the to destruction, or to reckless death — limitations exercised legitimately only test of time. They should also on alcohol sales and gambling, and prohibitions when it seeks the common endure through our current of prostitution and drugs are just a few ways in good of the group concerned secular age. which the State uses its power in the moral sphere and if it employs morally licit for the promotion of the means to attain it. In the view common good. … of the life “A just society must be Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1902-1903 of faith, the the achievement of The Church cannot and State can only must not take upon SCRIPTURE First of pass laws politics, not of the Church herself the political 101 all, then, I ask that that concern battle to bring about supplications, faith’s moral the most just society prayers, dimension. possible. She cannot Truths and must not replace petitions, and thanksgivings be revealed by God that have the State. Yet at the same time she cannot and offered for everyone, for kings both a supernatural origin must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for and for all in authority, that we and a supernatural end, such justice. She has to play her part through rational may lead a quiet and tranquil as teachings on the divinity argument and she has to reawaken the spiritual life in all devotion and dignity. of Christ, the real presence energy without which justice, which always of Christ in the Eucharist, or demands sacrifice, cannot prevail and prosper. A 1 Timothy 2:1-2 the immaculate conception just society must be the achievement of politics, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as not of the Church. Yet the promotion of justice important as they are, do not through efforts to bring about openness of mind have any bearing on the tasks and will to the demands of the common good is of government. We do not seek something which concerns the Church deeply. L civil laws to coerce the spiritual life of individuals, such as Excerpted and adapted from Steadfast in Faith: Catholicism and the Challenges of requiring prayer, fasting, or Secularism, by David G. Bonagura Jr. (Cluny Media, 2019), pp. 217-219. attendance at church. Doing DAVID G. BONAGURA JR. is an adjunct so would violate one of the professor of classical languages at St. Joseph’s essential elements of faith: Seminary, NY, and an adjunct professor of that we respond to God freely buy our own wills, not by the theology at Catholic Distance University. His latest command of any other. … book is Staying With the Church: Trusting God’s Plan of Salvation, published by Scepter. July 2023 | 32 | legatus.org
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WHAT TO READ Continental Achievement: Declaration of Independence oppression, as one largest gang rehabilitation Roman Catholics in the signatory Charles Carroll to professional women’s and re-entry program in the United States Continental Army colonel basketball star learned world,” Kevin Starr Tadeusz Kosciuszko to St. recently. Father Alexander offering Ignatius Press, 327 pages Elizabeth Bayley Seton left Krylov grew up in the Soviet services significant impact on the Union at a time when Catholics including Eminent U.S. development and survival of had to practice their forbidden education, historian the experimental republic, and faith underground. The brief mental Kevin Starr Starr’s meticulous and honest chapters of this book provide health, drug continues research gives them due credit. insightful snapshots of his rehabilitation, tattoo removal, his series young life under communist and job training to thousands on the How I Became a Man: A Life rule, but it also reveals how annually. Jesuit Fr. Gregory intersection with Communists, Atheists, a resilient and committed Boyle, its founder, recognizes of Catholic and Other Nice People Catholic faith can survive that human experiences figures Fr. Alexander Krylov even in times of deprivation such as pain, rejection, loss, in American history with Ignatius Press, 162 pages and persecution. His wit and resentment cannot be this follow-up volume to and wry observations help overcome without the ability his 2016 work Continental Freedom is turn his otherwise alarming to truly forgive others for Ambitions: Roman Catholics something descriptions into passages that one’s hurts or perceived hurts. in North America. Here he some have the power to inspire. His stories and meditations directs his narrative to the Americans in this small volume role Catholics played in the might not Forgive Everyone Everything consistently echo that theme Revolutionary War and appreciate Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J. of restoration, which itself the founding of the United unless Loyola Press, 112 pages reminds one of what it takes States. Though representing they have to be restored to communion a tiny minority of citizens in experienced Homeboy Industries in Los with Christ through the colonial times, Catholics from true Angeles is billed as “the Sacrament of Penance. L July 2023 | 34 | legatus.org
WHAT TO SEE Sound of Freedom: Harrowing but redemptive drama on child sex trafficking JIM CAVIEZEL HAS PLAYED taken, groomed, sold, and The real-life Ballard Sound of Freedom many film roles, with his turn coerced into sexual abuse or assembled a team Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino, Kurt Fuller as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s The prostitution. of former agents Passion of the Christ (2004) Sound of Freedom, which hits into a private 135 min. • Rated PG-13 and his starring role on the theaters July 4, dramatizes foundation called popular TV series Person of the true story of Tim Ballard Our Underground in scope and hits closer to Interest (2011-2016) ranking (Caviezel), a former U.S. Railroad that home than many might as his biggest triumphs. It Homeland Security special continues to work realize. That makes this an means something, therefore, agent who, frustrated at the internationally important film indeed, for that he considers his soon- limitations of combatting today, infiltrating as Caviezel’s Ballard says in to-be-released movie Sound the sexual exploitation of and destroying explaining his mission, “God’s of Freedom to be “the second children domestically, quits child sex-trafficking rings. children are not for sale.” L most important film I’ve done his job to dedicate himself full OUR also partners with after The Passion of the Christ.” time to rescuing children from vetted aftercare providers GERALD KORSON It’s easy to see why. Sound sex traffickers internationally. and with agencies that find is editor of Legatus magazine. of Freedom is a powerful When a boy he has rescued families for rescued children. drama that calls attention asks him to find his sister, Sound of Freedom is a to one of the great evils of Ballard goes off script to gripping drama that portrays our present world: the global track her down, a quest that the shocking truth about sex trafficking of children, takes him and his team into child trafficking realistically which enslaves up to 2 million dangerous rebel-held jungles without becoming exploitative young people worldwide — of Colombia in order to save itself. It shines light on the and tens of thousands even her. horror, raising awareness within the U.S. — who are about a tragedy that is broader July 2023 | 35 | legatus.org
HEALTH RICHARD H. CARTABUKE, M.D. MATTERS Willing to take a shot? This isn’t your mother’s weight-loss drug NOT LONG AGO, WEIGHT-LOSS medications were frowned upon by physicians and patients alike. Sure, the medications could help you drop pounds, but then you faced a host of significant side effects — not to mention the cost. Without insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses prohibited most people from even considering them. For these and other reasons, many doctors, including me, have been slow to recommend weight-loss drugs. But there are some new kids ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PATRICKHEAGNEY on the block for weight-loss medications, and they’re worth taking a closer look. The new generation of drugs involve a weekly shot. The drug helps you lose weight by mimicking a hormone that a lower dose, they’re very manageable. people who are being mindful of nutrition and reduces appetite and helps are faithfully exercising, and they feel stuck, the body with how it breaks The out-of-pocket cost is still quite high. frustrated, and depressed. I hate to see those down sugar and fat. These However, that is starting to change as well. We’re kinds of people give up on healthy lifestyle medications were originally seeing more insurance plans approving weight- habits because of numbers on a scale. It’s these designed for diabetes loss medications people who may want to take a look at the new management, but we based on body weight-loss drugs. are seeing benefits for “[F]or some, it could mass index and on weight loss overall. So be a good option to whether you have They do not replace the need for taking good far, I’ve had a couple any co-morbidities care of yourself. But for some, it could be a good dozen patients try ‘reset’ your body that can be option to “reset” your body, and then, of course, them, and we’ve seen attributed to your carry on with the healthy habits everyone needs weight-loss results from weight. to work on regardless of weight — eating well, 35 pounds to up to 125 exercising, and getting enough sleep. L pounds in a six-month period. Now, my patients would be the first to tell you I’m not an advocate of a “quick fix” that ignores RICHARD H. CARTABUKE, M.D., The side effects aren’t too bad. the need for good nutrition and exercise. But in practices internal medicine and geriatrics at There can be some G.I. effects, 10 years of practice, I’ve met enough people and but as long as you can tolerate heard enough stories to know there are obese the Cleveland Clinic and is medical director of Healthnetwork Foundation. 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 connects business leaders to the world’s best health specialists and creates customized medical philanthropy opportunities. For more information, contact fellow Legatus member and Healthnetwork president Megan Frankel at [email protected] July 2023 | 36 | legatus.org
FEEDING THE MONSIGNOR JAIME GIGANTIELLO FOODIE Spiritual heart attack calls for heroic action THIS PAST JANUARY, A YOUNG Jesus cured a paralytic man. It’s not the faith of 24-year-old football player the man but the faith of those who brought him on the Buffalo Bills named to Jesus that moved Jesus to save him. Their love Damar Hamlin collapsed for the paralytic man moved them to action. during a game after suffering from cardiac arrest. It ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/KIEFERPIX Are we willing to do that? Are we willing to do caused discussion about the extraordinary things to get people whom we importance of heart health and love and who need healing to encounter Jesus the life-saving role we can play in the Eucharist and to be healed by Him in the when someone is suffering a confessional? heart attack. it — not physical heart attacks, but spiritual heart attacks. One artery is blocked by hate, Are we moved to heroic actions, ready to Just as important as the another by anger, another by jealousy. How are respond to someone having a spiritual heart beating heart in our chest our hearts going to pump with the love of God attack on the field of life? The first thing Jesus is our spiritual heart. In the when they are so blocked? did was to forgive the paralytic’s sins. He knew Gospels, Jesus often this was the most important impediment to heal, speaks about what is in “How are our hearts The story that not being crippled. Faith cures the sick in the people’s hearts. In life, unfolded on that Gospels because forgiveness of sins clears the the heart of the matter is going to pump with football field is arteries of our heart and allows us to be children of God, children of love. the matter of our heart. the love of God when not just about the The world’s problems they are so blocked? heart attack, but Remember the importance of heart health and begin with what is in also about what our hearts. Where do people of good will the role we can play in saving someone suffering jealousy, anger, and do when given from a heart attack, physical or spiritual. L hatred begin? They start the opportunity to in the human heart. love. If that young MONSIGNOR JAMIE GIGANTIELLO is the vicar for man of 24 had died, the story would have been development of the Diocese of Brooklyn, host of the NET-TV cooking show A lot of us don’t check our over in a week. But the real story is that he lived Breaking Bread, and author of the 2022 book Breaking Bread with Monsignor hearts enough. Many have because of the heroic actions of those who saved Jaime: From Feeding the Body to Feeding the Soul (Emmaus Press). He also hearts attacks and don’t know him. We find a similar story in the Gospels, where is pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-Annunciation Parish in Brooklyn, NY. SURF & TURF SLIDERS • SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 3 strips turkey bacon, cooked form patties. 2. Scoop good portions into 2. Sear the tuna cubes on a grill. Seafood Sliders: Guacamole 3. Place sliders on grill and cook slider rolls and enjoy! Tuna should be served rare. ½ lb cooked shrimp, diced 6 slider rolls to preference. 3. Place cooked tuna on ½ lb cooked crabmeat, diced 4. After grilling, top with Fresh Tuna Sliders: slider rolls. 1-2 large avocados, Fresh Tuna Sliders: cheddar cheese, a dab of 1. Place onions in a heated 4. Top off tuna with sauteed peeled and diced 1-2 lb tuna, cubed guacamole, and a piece of pan and sauté with sweet onions and a dab of wasabi 1-2 cups mayonnaise ¼ onion, sliced bacon. Enjoy! vinaigrette. sauce. Enjoy! 1-2 fresh lemons, juiced Sweet vinaigrette 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Wasabi sauce Seafood Sliders: 1 tbsp plain bread crumbs 6 slider rolls 1. Mix well in a bowl cooked 6 slider rolls shrimp, crabmeat, diced Directions avocado, mayonnaise, juiced Beef Sliders: Beef Sliders: fresh lemons, chopped fresh 1-2 lbs ground beef 1. Place the beef in a bowl. Salt parsley, and plain bread Salt and pepper and pepper to taste. crumbs. 6 slices cheddar cheese 2. Size meat to sliders and July 2023 | 37 | legatus.org
U.S. employment applications for their to assist parents in getting children BRIEFS adult children, accompanying them ages newborn to 12 to sleep and in to job interviews, and confronting bonding as a family. SOME FAITH LEADERS SAY their bosses to mediate conflicts Zak Slayback of Catholic investor AI IS POLITICAL LEFT’S and pay raises. group Catholic Angels, which hosted WEAPON VS. RELIGION Some hiring managers observe the the event, said the competition RESTON, VA — Faith leaders problem has worsened since the “provided a chance for faith-driven and scholars are examining Covid-19 pandemic, when many entrepreneurs to present their the potential ramifications AI young people moved back home startups to an audience of aligned technologies will have on the role with their parents. Human-resource partners and investors.” and practice of religious faith. professionals say too much parental WHEN DOES IT ‘END’?: STUDY “The left controls the tools of AI, intervention makes the young adults SHOWS ‘BRAIN-DEAD’ PATIENTS and the left wants to bring that to seem unmotivated or excessively ‘SPIKE’ ACTIVITY NEAR DEATH war against people of faith in the dependent on help from others. ANN ARBOR, MI — The brains future,” charged Dan Schneider, “Parents are really interested in of dying people may spark to vice president of Media Research their kids applying, [but] I need sudden life in their final moments. Center and Free Speech America, in the kid interested,” said Kate Gebo, Proceedings of the National a recent interview. “The left despises executive vice president of human Academy of Sciences has published the whole idea of a higher being that resources for United Airlines. results a new study in which two sets standards of right and wrong.” CATHOLIC ‘SHARK TANK’ apparently brain-dead people CONTEST GIVES TOP PRIZE showed sudden spikes in neural AI, he added, “is going to be the TO CHILDREN’S SLEEP APP activity when taken off life support. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PHONLAMAIPHOTOsingle greatest weapon againstWASHINGTON — In a “Shark ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/AKARAWUT LOHACHAROENVANICHfaith, against truth, against religion.Tank”-style competition for Catholic The word ‘God’ — we are not going startups hosted by the SENT to see that as a priority in AI Ventures Summit at the Catholic The findings provide scientific programming.” University of America, judges support for “near-death Pastor Jesse Bradley of Auburn, WA, awarded the top prize of $5,000 and experiences” and shed new light on called AI a “powerful” tool “that can other services to Francisco Cornejo death, according to Jimo Borjigin be used positively, for information and Daniela Vega, creators of the of the University of Michigan, and insights.” At the same time, Storybook app. whose team conducted the study. in the wrong hands, “AI can take The app combines age-appropriate In particular, the patients in away freedoms and undermine stories on virtues, music, and question displayed a sudden surge community and human dignity.” instructions in massage techniques in the specific type of brain waves AN INCREASING PROBLEM that usually indicate conscious IN THE WORKPLACE: thought — in one instance, at levels HELICOPTER PARENTS higher than those found in normal NEW YORK — “Helicopter conscious brains. parenting” has long been a term applied to moms and dads who get The study also raises questions a bit too involved checking in on about “brain death” and the their kids’ progress in college, but decision to withdraw life support. recently it has increasingly been Borjigin suggests that a “covert noticed in hiring and workplace consciousness” may continue below situations: parents completing the surface and spring to urgent life as death approaches. L SOURCES: Catholic News Agency, OSV News Service, The Hill, Fox News, Wall Street Journal, Florida Trend July 2023 | 38 | legatus.org
WORLD be needed to participate in jubilee unethical due to the destruction BRIEFS events, especially gaining access of two unique innocent human to the Holy Door at St. Peter’s beings, who had inherent dignity SANCTUARIES FOR SALE? Basilica. Online registration begins and rights.” CLOSURES IN EUROPE PUT in September, when registrants The Oxford-based Catholic CHURCHES ON MARKET can access a personal page on the bioethics research center ARNHEM, Netherlands — The site’s “pilgrim’s zone.” Pilgrims challenged the technique on other former St. Joseph Church building in can choose from three proposed grounds, including the “fracturing Arnhem is now leased as an indoor pilgrimages, visiting between seven of biological parenthood” and the skate park. It is one of hundreds of and 28 churches. potential for “serious unintended churches across western Europe BIRTH OF FIRST U.K. CHILD consequences.” closed or threatened by plunging OF ‘THREE-PARENT’ EMBRYO TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS membership. DRAWS ETHICISTS’ WARNING WAS ‘BEING USED IN AN The closings reflect the rapid OXFORD, England — Catholic IDEOLOGICAL WAY’: POPE weakening of faith in Europe. ethicists greeted the news that VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis said In Germany, for example, about the first U.K. baby has been born recently that he implemented one of 515 Catholic churches have been after being conceived via a “three- the changes of Traditionis custodes, shuttered in the past decade. In parent” embryo modification the 2021 motu proprio restricting the Netherlands, Catholic leaders technique with caution and strong the celebration of the Traditional estimate that two-thirds of their criticism, warning that the new Latin Mass, because the allowances 1,600 churches will be closed within technique destroys other newly granted by his predecessors were the next decade. conceived embryos in the process of “being used in an ideological way.” inserting healthy genetic material Many European churches have to address a genetic flaw in a As reported in May in the Jesuit been centerpieces of their mother’s eggs. journal La Civiltà Cattolica, Pope communities for centuries. “This is the destruction of two Francis said he required priests Residents often remain deeply embryonic human individuals ordained after July 16, 2021, to seek attached to them, fighting to create a third individual,” said authorization from their bishop and pragmatic proposals to turn them a statement from the Anscombe the Holy See to offer Mass according into stores or offices. Bioethics Centre. “This is primarily to the 1962, pre-Vatican II liturgical WEBSITE LIVE, REGISTRATION books “because I saw that the good TO OPEN SOON FOR ROME ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/LUISMMOLINE pastoral measures put in place by PILGRIMS OF JUBILEE 2025 John Paul II and Benedict XVI were VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has being used in an ideological way, to launched a new website and app to go backward… which was not in the help people register and to guide pastoral vision of my predecessors.” them along their pilgrimage for L Holy Year 2025. SOURCES: Catholic News Agency, By registering online at iubilaeum2025.va or on the jubilee OSV News Service app, people will receive a free digital “pilgrim’s card,” which will July 2023 | 39 | legatus.org
PUBLIC CHRISTINE VALENTINE-OWSIK SQUARE Deep chats can hatch in unlikely settings SOME MONTHS-LONG HIP A lifetime of delectable ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/RIDOFRANZ pain spurred me to finally see Italian meals couldn’t an orthopedist. It would be compensate for the shock. his parish, commenting on the Ukraine war, a routine assessment, and I Back in the exam room, I was and posing many faith questions. The guy, in the looked forward to some relief. about to quickly change out three decades I’ve been his patient, never used Upon arrival in the modern of the shaming shorts when to say much at all. He now buzzes right through exam room, they handed me the handsome doctor rolled all the medical stuff, tells me I’m doing great, a pair of paper shorts — I was in — tanned, obviously just and clears a time swath to chat about what he’s certain they were at least two back from his winter stint really curious about. He asks where the Church sizes too big — to wear for the in the islands. I felt like his stands on things. He relates it to what he’s X-ray. How could they think I albino grandmother. contending with — patients, hospitals, relatives, needed that size? Until I tried “Okay, let’s see,” he said, pharmaceutical companies. Suddenly, I’m the to get them on. As the right side perusing my chart, doctor. began separating, I started pretending to miss the sweating. After some judicious shorts spectacle. “We’ll need shimmying, like slithering to deal with the arthritis. into a pair of overly controlling And maybe a little diet.” stockings, I wrestled them Uh, no kidding. “Of course,” on. Now they rolled up way I managed to say. His too short! Hyperventilating chitchat about the X-ray, how many children in horror, I was jolted by the I had, my hobbies — didn’t even register. I wanted 30-something male nurse out of those shorts, and out of that office. who popped in to tell me to Seeing Legatus’ name on my chart, he hesitated. trot down the hall to the X-ray “What’s Legatus?” room. “What? Like this? “A lifetime of I began explaining like The hallway is in delectable Italian I was in a suit, trying to direct view of the ignore the fact I was in gentlemen in the the worst getup of my life waiting area!” I said. meals couldn’t — mid-life legs in shorter- At my most recent visit, I described my Zero reaction. Had I compensate for than-short shorts, rippling consultation with the orthopedist. He dropped known this, I would over the ice-cold exam into his chair in hysterics, yanking tissues out of have embraced the the shock table. “Hmm, interesting,” his lab coat, catching his glasses, and swabbing his face. Muffled chortles were coming from the hip pain till death. he said. You can say that front desk. It was like being again. “I haven’t heard tagged as medieval of them before,” he said. town adulteress for “Sounds like a fascinating public stoning. organization.” Gracelessly distracted, I force- God works in strange ways, all right, and with focused on answering his continued questions. signature humor. His ways certainly aren’t ours. Next delicate task: edging onto We just have to bear up as trusted ambassadors, the X-ray table without splitting I have several doctors where polite conversation even in the most unexpected moments. L the little drawers further. This somehow lands upon Legatus and sticks. They is unbelievable. What am I begin with small talk about work, then are CHRISTINE VALENTINE-OWSIK doing here? Once I writhed into amazed to hear of this peer group for Catholic is Legatus’ communications director. place, the technician took the executives. One doctor, the top internist in our pictures quickly, then told me region and a Ukrainian Catholic, keeps me at to reverse-course back down late-day appointments for hours, talking about the hall(!). July 2023 | 40 | legatus.org
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Together in the Gardens The Frederik Meijer Gardens DHeruiiczkeanngda DGiraannedGRroeommb.iDenerjoicyktihs eprcelossidinegntluonfcthheeoDneotnroSituNndEaCyhianpttheer. and Sculpture Park in Grand Susan EdJowhanr,drse,lparxeastidtehnetirotfatbhlee AfonlnloAwribnogrTCihmapGtreary,’asntadlhkeornhSuusnbdaanyd., Rapids, MI, was the venue for the Great Lakes Region Multi- Chapter Event held in early June. More than 110 members and guests participated in the two-day gathering centered on the theme of the importance of marriage and its role in building society. It recalled the words of Pope St. John Paul II as he spoke of the strength of marriages and the responsibilities of raising children: “As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.” Members and guests heard FsaaamBrtceheeree(rmfndrrbaDoHeromdormsoRlteifenaftiitlnhcl)ydeCD,oLcceiuhabatnaocupsorriilnniuaegmRirn,aCpdonhaufdastrpytihnotWeegrrLaot;arhfFinenOr.sgucJien,ormlghLeanbCedmrhBayaybtpoeieoftrrnseCo,roo;rfnefattstnhihordeeleaDMdEtuopiuoPnrcniahsegiPasgertaniosrCoitfosrohtuKhnnionetSsyDRuaCoinnohckdckaeaefp.ysot.ereWdor,;fitMDLheaI,haneicsmloeinnvagaBt;ttMoehbsoetBnahsaleitugaenrro, r Tim Gray, president of the Augustine dynamic talks on marriage Institute and a noted biblical scholar, and Scripture, met in prayer addressed the membership on both days of and adoration, partook of the event: a presentation on marriage and first-class meals and social time, and enjoyed touring the another on eucharistic spirituality. indoor and outdoor exhibits of the Meijer campus. At the end of Mass on Sunday, Father Dominic Couturier offered Monsignor Bernard Reilly, who is retiring as chaplain of the Lansing Chapter, a blessing on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. HomMonpaeoprnorsisfaicsggeenelveobebrrlreCaashltscaeiodnrulgetphstloeeKisoSr mst4ea0avnterkhkneiwn,acgenhddmadMpiilnleaagsritngaoanonrnfeeittvahHeneronsDpiavepretyroroosfainttrhJCieeuhsnCatelphe4tvies.ersl,aponrfifdnegCrs.hTaahpeter, Five of the ladies responsible for planning and executing the event stand before a sculpture in the Grand Atrium. From left are Pat O’Hearn, Lansing Chapter administrator and event assistant; Amy Pereira, Grand Rapids Chapter administrator and event co-chairperson; Rhonda Panczyk, Legatus Great Lakes Region VP; Jaclyn Blausey, Ann Arbor Chapter administrator and event assistant; and Sheila Argue, administrator of the Detroit and Detroit NE Chapters and event co-chairperson. July 2023 | 42 | legatus.org
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CHAPTER NEWS ANN ARBOR. Members and guests of the Ann Arbor Chapter listen intently to Ryan Hanning, guest speaker at their May event. Hanning is a professor of Church history and Catholic studies at Franciscan University of Steubenville and author of The Willpower Advantage: Building Habits for Lasting Happiness. LAKE CHARLES. Bruce and Cathy Thompson hosted the annual spring DENVER. Theologian and author Ralph Martin (at podium) was the featured speaker at the Denver Chapter’s crawfish boil for the Lake Charles Chapter this year. Ready to devour May event at Holy Name Parish. More than 100 members and guests were in attendance as Martin discussed the platefuls of tasty crustaceans are (clockwise from left) Jon Yokubaitis, challenges Catholics face today in living out their faith. Cathy Thompson, Chris Leyoub, Len Pousson, Joey Pousson, Fr. Ruben Villareal (chaplain), and Alyson Yokubaitis. VENTURA-LA NORTH. Twenty-six members and friends of the Ventura-LA North Chapter met at the Westlake Yacht Club to hear Alexander Cummings speak on themes from his new book, titled Virtues Work: Soar at Work, Soar at Life, Here’s How. Cummings, from Bronxville, NY, is a longtime former marketing consultant to Fortune 500 companies. He stands at center here between his wife, Paula, and Fr. Dave Heney, chaplain. July 2023 | 44 | legatus.org
CHAPTER NEWS MEMBERS IN THE NEWS commented Maura Watson, Legatus’ Madison Chapter along Forbes magazine recently ran a executive vice president at with his wife, Scarlett. “I know the feature story on Joe Falcao, chief Pentagon Federal Credit Union, great work that they do.” financial officer of who joined the developing chapter On the day, the dentists and the online footwear last fall. “I am hoping to meet and volunteers treated 42 patients and retailer Orva, who is enjoy the companionship of others performed 137 dental procedures a member of Legatus’ with a similar perspective here in — nearly $31,000 worth of dental Boston Chapter along Charleston.” care. Tataje said his group asked the with his wife, Cheryl. CMC to assemble a list of potential The article details his Mike Golden, retired CEO and vice- patients from those they serve life and career journey chairman of the board at Smith and through their food, employment, from his birthplace Wesson, said he is excited about immigration services, and other in Kenya, where Joe Falcao getting to know fellow Charleston- programs, which include many area Legatus members. refugees and homeless persons his father operated who lack access to dental care. The a safari park, to his education CMC also provided transportation and early career in Brazil that “As a senior executive, for patients to the clinic. led him eventually to a series of I always look for ways “They have a big list of people positions across several industries to meet and share with already in line to be served,” said internationally and in the United other CEOs and discuss Dr. Tataje. “There’s a great need.” States. His time at Orva has seen issues of the day,” said In addition to providing a list of the company enjoy significant Golden, who joined with clients, the CMC also provided growth in the sports apparel and his wife, Eileen. “I find transportation from the CMC to the equipment sector. that it doesn’t matter what Greenway Family Dental location in business you are in, at Middleton. Falcao’s trajectory “is a testament Mike Golden the senior level the issues to his resilience, agility, and and challenges are all very similar. adaptability,” writes Forbes senior It’s good to talk things through with contributor Jack McCullough. people in the same boat.” “His experiences in different countries have given him a A May issue of the Madison Catholic Tataje said he had the idea for many unique perspective that has been Herald, newspaper of the Diocese years and now hopes to provide a invaluable in his career, and his of Madison, WI, reported on the “Day of Mercy” throughout all of his dedication to his work and the first “Day of Mercy” dental care clinics a couple times a year. people he works with has made him event conducted by volunteers “I have to be a good steward, and a rockstar CFO.” from Mercy Dental Group at its I have to help people that need it Middleton location in partnership as well,” he said. “We get to be the The New Catholic Miscellany, with the Catholic Multicultural instrument that God wants us to be, newspaper of the Diocese of Center in Madison. The dentists and we get to serve the people that Charleston, SC, recently published and volunteers offered free dental need it.” an article about Legatus’ services to patients who could developing Charleston Chapter. not afford them, something they After describing the organization’s plan to repeat foundation and purpose and listing periodically at the impressive list of speakers the group’s nine from recent chapter meetings, the locations in the story turned to some members for Madison area. comment. Partnering with “Legatus offers me Maura Watson the CMC was “a Dr. Daniel Tataje’s team during “Day of Mercy” the opportunity to be natural thing reinforced in my faith for me [to do] as and in my vocation, a Catholic,” said a witness to my faith, Dr. Daniel Tataje, through all facets founder of Mercy of life including my Dental Group professional life,” and a member of July 2023 | 45 | legatus.org
CHAPTER NEWS BISMARCK. Shane Goettle (left) is awarded his pin as the new president of the Bismarck Chapter. Father Thomas Grafsgaard, chaplain, did the honors as vice president Brad Weiderholt (center) looks on. The ceremony took place during the May event at the Broadway Grill and Tavern. PASADENA. At a recent event, the Pasadena Chapter hosted as guest speaker Dustin Whitson, a deputy PHOENIX. Guest speaker for the evening during the Phoenix Chapter’s sheriff who miraculously survived being shot on duty in the left arm and chest. He underwent surgery, spent May event was Fr. Ambrose Criste (center), whose topic was “At Our Side: weeks in the ICU, and was revived after his heart stopped for 12 minutes, during which he had a vision of The Hidden Mystery of Our Guardian Angels.” With him are (from left) the afterlife. Enjoying a social moment together are Mary Zeman, Marcie Soper, Nora Urrea, Whitson, Nell John Ford, Miki Ford, Karen Frigon, and chapter president Gerry Frigon. Hackbarth, and Paul Urrea. Bottom: Members and guests gather for a group shot at the Gainey Ranch Golf Club, venue for the May event. July 2023 | 46 | legatus.org
CHAPTER NEWS MIAMI. In April, the Miami Chapter invested as a new member Dr. Juan Calisto, a pediatric surgeon at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Here he is flanked by Jeff Gamboa, chapter president, and Fr. Richard Vigoa, chaplain. Right: The speaker for April was Fr. Mike Joly, who is blind, seen here with his guide dog and chapter president Gamboa. MIAMI. For the May meeting, the Miami Chapter welcomed Sr. Carmen Fernandez, president of Our Lady of Lourdes Academy (left), pictured here along with Ani Cantero; Mercy San Miguel, a board member at the academy; Diana Rodriguez, religion teacher; and Fr. Richard Vigoa, chapter chaplain. Right: The chapter invested four more members in May. From left are Jeff Gamboa, chapter president; new members Mario and Ani Del Valle; Fr. Vigoa; and new members Jorge Hernando and Ann Marie Robins. July 2023 | 47 | legatus.org
5 MINUTES JIM GRAVES WITH Military vet, immigrant’s son lauds U.S. freedoms CHARLES PAKSI LEARNED GRATITUDE FROM DAD’S EXPERIENCE UNDER COMMUNISM CHARLES PAKSI LEADS How did your father’s experiences in Unequivocally, the U.S. is the best place in the strategic development at New Hungary affect him? world to live, and to the chagrin of some, the York-based Altium Wealth American dream is still very much alive in this and has been a member country. If you’re willing to work, you can enjoy of Legatus’ Fairfield He saw firsthand prosperity as well as freedom. County Chapter in the oppression Connecticut since 2017. by the Nazis and What led you to join the military? What He has served in the Communists in skills have you learned there? military for 31 years and his homeland is an assistant professor and was grateful of military science for to immigrate to It was something I’d wanted to do starting about the Connecticut Army a country where the age of 7. I’d tell my parents, but it was not National Guard. he could enjoy something they paid a lot of attention to until the both freedom day I brought home a recruiter and enlisted. It He grew up an only child and material was my way of giving back for all I’d been given. in rural Wisconsin. His blessings. He liked father, who escaped to remind me I’ve learned many skills in the military. One of Communist Hungary about all we enjoy the most notable started within my first 30 days during its 1956 uprising, was in this country; our poor are rich in comparison in the Marines: leadership. a cabinet maker, and his was to much of the world. mother a nurse. He joined Why do you think all branches of the the U.S. Marines in 1991 and We’d get in the truck to go to Saturday evening military are reporting shortfalls in participated in Operation Mass, and he’d remind me that in most countries recruitment today? Restore Hope in Somalia in people can’t afford an automobile, yet we had 1992-93. After leaving the two. He’d start the truck and remind me that in The overwhelming factor is childhood obesity. Marine Corps, he joined the much of the world, even if people had a vehicle, We’re not finding enough quality people who Air National Guard while they may not have access to fuel or a means to even get close to the standard. When I was a kid, finishing his education and afford it. We’d drive, and he’d remind me that I remember First Lady Nancy Reagan promoted participated in in most countries people physical fitness in schools. It’s something we Operation Enduring don’t have the freedom to could use today. Freedom in Oman, “Unequivocally, go where they want to go. Djibouti, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan in the U.S. is the We’d stop at the store Even as we celebrate Fourth of July this month, some young people have been 2002. He then served best place in the for bananas, bread, and taught that America is a bad place with as an infantry officer milk, and he’d remind me a history of mistreating people. How do with the Connecticut world to live that in much of the world you respond? Army National Guard bananas are a luxury, as part of Operation and people would line up Enduring Freedom in around the block for bread Afghanistan in 2010. and milk. We’d go to Mass, He holds the rank of major. and he’d remind me that most people in the There are always going to be things that we world aren’t free to worship as they wish. do not do correctly, but I have a different He is married to his wife, perspective. I see America as a place where Alexis, with whom he has four This has been reinforced in my military service, people can live in freedom, enjoy religious children. which has taken me to many parts of the world. liberty, and pursue the life they want to live. L July 2023 | 48 | legatus.org
2022 FINANCIAL SUMMARY THE FOLLOWING REPORT OUTLINES EXPENSE SUMMARY 2022 Revenue Breakdown Legatus’ key financial highlights Legatus’ 2022 operating expenses from 2022 which were verified by totaled $5,540,944 and includes CARES Act Assistance our recently completed audit. We chapter support and development are grateful for your support and ($1,642,752), events and pilgrimages Other revenue 1% commitment to the Legatus mission ($1,594,147), publications ($393,570), as we seek to form ambassadors for and administration and member Publications 3% 13% Christ in the marketplace. services ($1,910,475). — Stephen M. Henley, OTHER HIGHLIGHTS Events and 24% 59% President In 2022, Legatus experienced Pilgrimages membership growth of 4.3%. The In 2022, Legatus generated number of events and pilgrimages Membership $6,304,671 in unrestricted revenue increased by 50% and was Dues (is net of investment losses of highlighted by our annual Summit $247,334), while incurring $5,540,944 in Amelia Island, FL, where we had 2022 Expense Breakdown in operating expenses, resulting in 540 in attendance. We have also an increase in unrestricted net assets significantly increased our social Investment losses Publications of $763,727. Unrestricted net assets at media presence -- on LinkedIn, year-end total $1,725,739. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and 4% 7% Admin/ INCOME SUMMARY YouTube. Keeping Legatus’ regular Member Services In 2022 unrestricted revenue writings, events, and appearances Chapter totaled $6,304,671 and includes top-of-mind helps to promote and support and 33% membership dues ($3,887,465), grow Legatus. As well, there is development events and pilgrimages registrations, increased direct communication to sponsorships and exhibitor fees members from our President, through ($1,569,178), Employee Retention the weekly From the President’s Desk, Credit ($433,866), Payroll Protection and a monthly President’s Blog at Program loan forgiveness ($399,927), Legatus.org, which covers relevant Publications ad revenue ($186,819), Catholic and business issues. contributions, interest, and other revenue ($74,750), and net At year-end, the Legatus Endowment 28% Investment losses (-$247,334). Not Fund totals $2,522,368, and is available included above are local chapter to further the growth of Legatus and to 28% dues which totaled $4,920,000 in ensure break-even operations. 2022. The National office manages Events and the renewal process to collect local A copy of the 2022 Legatus Audit L Pilgrimages dues and disburses them to chapters. Report can be obtained by current members upon request; send your 3000 request to [email protected]. 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Members 1880 2031 2125 2209 2235 2162 1979 2049 2125 2159 2256 2468 2634 2665 2740 2799 2792 2630 2576 2687 July 2023 | 49 | legatus.org
MEET THE JIM GRAVES CHAPLAIN Priesthood is a way to ‘put God first in my life’ LIFE IS MORE THAN COMFORT, SAYS FR. TOM KUNZ, PITTSBURGH CHAPTER CHAPLAIN FATHER TOM KUNZ IS ASSOCIATE about priorities in life. He said to put God first, We’re working with the Catholic Leadership general secretary and vicar then country and family. Institute, surveying our people, trying to for canonical services determine where they are in their faith lives. The for the Diocese of I thought about programs we implement will vary depending Pittsburgh. He also has my priorities in life upon those results. served as chaplain of while in college. Legatus’ Pittsburgh I thought, “How We’re doing well with priestly vocations. We Chapter since 2019. He can I put God first have 33 seminarians, which is about the same grew up in the Point in my life?” That is number we had as when I was in the seminary Breeze neighborhood how the thought of 25 years ago. of Pittsburgh, the sixth the seminary came of seven children in to me. My parents What do you like most about the an observant Catholic were very happy priesthood? What is its greatest home. His father was an with that decision. challenge? attorney who was once Also, while growing a seminarian, and his up, we regularly I enjoy bringing the Lord to the people. I like mother was a stay-at- had priests around. Cardinal Adam Maida, now helping them to experience the joy of the Holy home mom. the retired archbishop of Detroit, in fact, was a Spirit and encounter the Lord’s presence in their Father Kunz attended Catholic friend of the family. He baptized me as a child and lives. I like reaching out to people in need and schools and graduated from preached at my first Mass after I was ordained. helping them find happiness. Loyola College in Baltimore. He worked as an information You are involved with the reorganization The greatest challenge is that it is difficult to technology consultant in get people to understand that there is more various cities, including of the Pittsburgh diocese, which at its to life than enjoying comfort and luxury, and New York and Chicago, and traveled extensively, but finally core is an evangelization effort. that it is far more important to pursue a good opted for the seminary. He relationship with the Lord and those around us. was ordained a priest for the I work in an administrative role Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2004. at the chancery. We’ve just gone Tell us about Legatus’ He served in parish ministry through a major reorganization in “[I]t is far more Pittsburgh Chapter. What before assuming his current the diocese, reducing our number important to pursue role in the chancery. In his free of parishes from 188 to 62. is your core pastoral time, he enjoys cooking, golf, We’re planning for the future, a good relationship message when you preach and gardening. moving from maintenance of with the Lord and to them? The Pittsburgh diocese has old buildings to mission. We’re those around us 170 active priests (as well as retired priests) who serve some trying to get away from worrying We have 30 couples who 600,000 Catholics. about structures, or buildings, meet on the third Thursday and trying to evangelize more. of the month for Confession, What influenced you to We’re working to make sure that our parishes are Mass, the Rosary, a happy hour, dinner, and a seek the priesthood? effectively trying to reach our people, to bring speaker. We’ve enjoyed many wonderful events, Jesus’ message of salvation to all. including an axe-throwing demonstration! The Holy Spirit did! I had had many talks with my father Such reorganizations are happening in many When I preach to Legatus members, I like to dioceses throughout the country. Not all the remind them that their job is to bring Christ into faithful are happy with the reorganization, but the world. It is the vocation of the laity, and they they’re coming to understand. can do it every day in their business endeavors. L July 2023 | 50 | legatus.org
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