Legatus Magazine September 2021

KEEPING SEPTEMBER 2021 CCSAACTTHHHOOOOLLLIISCC CATHOLIC A. ESOLEN: DO RIGHT EDUCATION BY KIDS, NOW FR. MCKALE: CATECHIZE ISSUE WITHOUT COMPROMISE P. THIGPEN: HUMILITY, WYOMING RANCH KEY TO LIFELONG LEARNING RE-ORIENTS D. ECRET: PANDEMIC- TRIGGERED MENTAL ISSUES TROUBLED TEEN BOYS BISHOP STRICKLAND ON THE EUCHARIST BETTER SCHOOL BOOK FAIRS FOR KIDS

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09•21 INSIDE VOL 34 • NO 9 16 STRUGGLING TEEN BOYS TRY COWBOY LIFE TO SHED HANG-UPS by Jim Graves Spend months learning cattle ranching … and Catholic faith principles 10 20 24 ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/THEPALMER RENEWED CONFESSION AND PROTECTING APPRECIATION COMMUNION GO PURE MINDS OF FOR AUTHENTIC TOGETHER CHILDREN WITH BETTER BOOK FAIRS CATHOLIC by Judy Roberts SCHOOLING by Trent Beattie Bishop Joseph Strickland by Gerald Korson discusses how the two must work Florida couple’s Good News! Book Fairs offer fun and faithful reads Genuine Catholic teaching helps in tandem kids abide by truth for a lifetime 5September 2021 | | legatus.org

MORE COVER 08CHAIRMAN’S DESK 39 PHOTO CHEF RICHARD MICHELI Tom Monaghan: Stakes have never been higher 39FEEDING THE FOODIE istockphoto.com/ Chef Micheli: Pollo Piccatta aldomurillo 09EDITOR’S DESK 48FIVE MINUTES Fr. John Bartunek: 2021 Summit West speaker PAGE Christine V. Owsik: Preserving sanity in chaos 50 MEET THE CHAPLAIN PHOTO Fr. Anthony Saroki - San Diego Chapter 26ETHICS MATTERS New “Foodie” chef Richard Micheli A. Esolen: Do the right thing, now shares an old Italian 28CULTURE OF LIFE family favorite, D. Ecret: Pandemic-related mental health issues Pollo Piccatta, one of many traditional 30GUEST VOICE dishes served at his P. Thigpen: Humility, key to lifelong learning old-world eatery, The Portofino 32 FAITH MATTERS Restaurant in Arlington, VA. Fr. McKale: Catechize without compromise 34ENGAGING THE FAITH N. Mering: Critical thinking vs. critical theory 37WHAT TO SEE Blue Miracle 38 HEALTH MATTERS Dr. Wherry: Re-programming cancer treatment BOARD OF GOVERNORS Berni Neal Randall W. Hammond Diana Parent Executive Director Thomas S. Monaghan Orange Coast Denver Fort Wayne Stephen M. Henley Ann Arbor Secretary Advent Capital Parke Group International Chaplain Legatus Troy L. King S. Craig Henry James P. Sarni Bishop Frank Caggiano Founder, Chairman & CEO Orlando Lafayette-Acadiana Pasadena Bishop of Diocese of Bridgeport Dentistry for Children Bradford Food Group Payden & Rygel Ecclesiastical Advisor Christopher S. McMahon Treasurer Jerry R. Jones Mark R. Scalise Archbishop José H. Gomez Pittsburgh Sean J. Bellew Indianapolis Jupiter/Palm Beach Archbishop of Los Angeles MFA Wealth, LLC Philadelphia Cannon IV Scalise Industries Corporation President, United States Conference Vice Chairman Bellew, LLC of Catholic Bishops LEGATUS MISSION STATEMENT: Editor Christine Valentine-Owsik Comments, queries and address changes: Legatus magazine is published 12 times per To study, live, and spread the Design  Shawna Kunz, Lime Design Legatus Magazine year by Legatus, a membership organization Catholic faith in our business, Editorial Consultant  Gerald Korson PO Box 444 of Catholic presidents and CEOs. professional, and personal lives. Contributing Writer  Judy Roberts Ann Arbor, MI 48106-0444 © 2021 Legatus Contributing Writer  Jim Graves [email protected] All rights reserved Contributing Writer Patti Armstrong Phone: 866-534-2887 Contributing Writer Trent Beattie Copy Editor  Nancy Carabio Belanger To advertise, contact: [email protected] Advertising Sales Representative Joe Giacalone

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CHAIRMAN’S TOM MONAGHAN ST. GREGORY DESK THE GREAT The stakes have (540-604) never been higher FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 3 EACH SEPTEMBER AS THE have been the groundwork of every free society. CANONIZED: UPON HIS DEATH school year begins, we feature Yet, there is great pressure on our Church leaders PATRON OF MUSICIANS, SINGERS, Catholic Education as our and Catholic schools to conform to this agenda. theme for the magazine. As STUDENTS, AND TEACHERS I thought about the current This is a time when we need clarity from our state of affairs in our society, I Catholic schools (at every level, from grade Born into a wealthy Roman am compelled to share some school to graduate school) to proclaim and family, young Gregory’s father thoughts on how this relates to teach the truth as defined by the Church! Our was a senator and prefect – Catholic education. devout, faithful, orthodox Catholic schools are exposing him to the legal world. like beacons…lighthouses in the fog, which But as a youth, he was deeply I do not need to remind you of are meant to be bright and immovable signs of affected by seeing many dying the daily news headlines, and where danger lies; to keep the ships from being from disease and war. how the anti-Christian agenda smashed in the storm! Yet, our bishops, priests, seems to be advancing every boards, school presidents, and principals are Gregory studied time we turn around. These under great pressure to extinguish the light, to law, and, like his forces at work, which I believe compromise, to capitulate. father, at 30 he are diabolic at their became prefect root, appear to have You are of Rome. Being as their agenda the “… This is a time when business very devout, elimination of the leaders…you he converted very basic truths we need clarity from our know the kind the family’s (such as the mere Catholic schools … from of pressure Roman villa to definition of gender) they are under. a monastery that we thought grade school to graduate They need our COMMUNION OF upon his support. They SAINTS father’s death, would never be school … to proclaim and need to know then became questioned. The we are praying a monk himself, known for boldness and rapid teach the truth his piety and intellect. Pope Pelagius II subsequently made advance of this for them, and him ambassador (papal nuncio) agenda is more supporting to Constantinople. than startling, as them and individuals and will stand Over his objections, as Gregory organizations who attempt to with them. You know what it feels like to be preferred to remain a simple oppose it are viciously attacked. at the helm in a storm. They need to know we monk, he was elected pope understand what is at stake and that we are in 590. Referring to himself So what does this have to behind them. as a servant of God, Gregory do with Catholic education? made it his habit to dine with Everything! According to recent I have long been convinced of the preeminent the poor. He is credited with studies, every year more and importance of Catholic education, the bringing Gregorian chant into more Catholics are believing importance of proclaiming the truth in times of the Church, authorizing the what the society at large is great confusion. Well, we find ourselves in such “Gregorian mission” to convert teaching, versus the truth as a time; and yet we have every reason for hope, the Anglo-Saxons of England, proclaimed by the Church. for we know the outcome under God.  L making revisions to the Mass, So, to say that the stakes have healing schisms, reviving never been higher would TOM MONAGHAN discipline, and combatting the Donatist heresy of North Africa. indeed be an understatement. is Legatus’ founder, chairman, and CEO. He wrote extensively, preached incessantly, and guided and The Catholic Church has consoled other priests. always been the voice of truth, proclaiming natural law and Gregory was proclaimed a saint the moral foundations that immediately after death. His relics are in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. His mother Silvia and aunt Pateria are also saints. L — Jim Graves 8September 2021 | | legatus.org

MARK YOUR EDITOR’S CHRISTINE VALENTINE-OWSIK CALENDARS DESK 2021 SUMMIT WEST Godly character preserves sanity in chaos SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2021 THE PHOENICIAN, AT ITS HEART, CATHOLIC a great test of faithful perseverance. Tyrannical SCOTTSDALE, AZ education — whether geared mandates, abstract denials, and criminal to a toddler, enthused restrictions are being made on most everyone. MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE professional, or aged Right-order has been overturned. Laws are grandparent — is a work of openly flouted. Hope has reduced to a flicker. SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 5, 2021 redemption. Knowing the ways Only the faithful with well-exercised spiritual BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINIA and will of God, the history of muscle and sanctifying grace will withstand the people and their tendencies, temptations to go against Truth, and fearlessly MEN’S ENCLAVE and one’s place in this life helps cling to – and stand for – God. a person live as he should, give Yet sound Catholic education – from early family OCTOBER 13-16, 2021 correct witness, and focus on and school, through college and professional THE JL BAR RANCH what really matters. life, into older age – continually teaches and SONORA, TEXAS Such an education teaches sustains God’s people for when they most need people what’s real, true Him – when making wrenching decisions, difficult SOLD OUTWOMEN’S ENCLAVE differences between right and detachments, and in remaining resolute beyond OCTOBER 24-27, 2021 wrong, how to make sense fear. Having a good spiritual director, planned BISHOP’S LODGE of fields of study, and how to time for daily prayer and spiritual reading, and SANTA FE, NM assess everyday events. It keeps immersing in the Presence of Christ all bolster a person sane amid insanity — peace and strength. Those of us who’ve perhaps 2022 SUMMIT EAST with God as his compass. tried other approaches at one time have found A good Catholic school or instead, this actually works. JANUARY 27-29, 2022 college teaches and instills The pain of the cross does end in the crown of AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA this, as does a strong Catholic God’s victory, and we shouldn’t lose sight of it. family, or a supportive Catholic When He asks us to take up our (unexpected) HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE employer. Each person should cross, He accompanies us to help, and readies also prioritize authentic Catholic the victory that follows. It’s just hard to envision FEBRUARY 21-MARCH 2, 2022 friendships and colleagues. They during the shock of scourging and exhaustion. JERUSALEM, ISRAEL are invaluable in tough times. MEXICO PILGRIMAGE Because right now, society It’s effortless to proclaim God as friend when has put it all on the line for everything is going well. But it’s difficult when JUNE 10-13, 2022 Catholics – no matter their age, that witness entails great losses – plans, income, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO worth, or status. It’s “A” or “B” – stature, friendships, admittance, even family. with no do-overs. Much hangs OBERAMMERGAU in the balance, as this is our This is what good Catholic education ultimately PILGRIMAGE moment to stand with Christ. teaches – that it’s honorable to unceasingly love The Church’s true doctrine, Christ by ‘crucifying’ our very lives for Him – and AUGUST 22-30, 2022 contained in all four Gospels, trusting Him when all seems lost, to intervene BAVARIA & AUSTRIA is one of crucifixion – which in victory. The horrendous mistreatment of His involves denial, mortification, friends – many presently seen as fools – will 2022 SUMMIT WEST and even self-humiliation. It indeed receive His just retribution. entails great worldly injustice, SEPTEMBER 1-3, 2022 isolation, and perhaps betrayal. Then He will again make all L COLORADO SPRINGS, CO For many right now, their things new. circumstances seem to come 2023 SUMMIT EAST as severe and senseless, and as FEBRUARY 9-11, 2023 ORLANDO, FL FOR MORE INFORMATION: [email protected] OR CALL 866-534-2887 CHRISTINE VALENTINE-OWSIK is Legatus magazine’s editor. 9September 2021 | | legatus.org

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keeping catholic education actually catholic Amid a myriad of challenges from an increasingly secularized society, authentic Catholic colleges and high schools continue to hold the high bar for excellence in moral formation by Gerald Korson 11September 2021 | | legatus.org

M the faithful Catholic colleges that we recommend in The Newman information while failing ultiple challenges face Guide are doing quite well,” Reilly said. “Some keep hitting new to encourage higher-level institutes of higher education enrollment records. I think it’s a clear sign that fidelity and reasoning and many of the today, especially the smaller integrated Catholic education appeal to a growing number of essential Christian virtues. private colleges whose Catholics, especially those who have had a strong experience of Critical race theory (CRT), enrollment and financial Catholic education through homeschooling or strong Catholic which Reilly said is creeping stability suffered most during schools.” into some Catholic schools the coronavirus pandemic. and colleges along with Catholic colleges were not Troubling trends, firm standards cancel culture, is “deliberately immune to such troubles, and a divisive” politically and few made the decision to close. The Cardinal Newman Society presently is developing standards ideologically. for Catholic school policies in every aspect of education ranging “CRT actually rejects the Patrick from admissions to athletics to personnel. They recently published achievements of the civil Reilly, standards and reviews for the use of secular materials and rights movement, which are president of programs in Catholic education, Reilly noted. the basis for racial harmony in the Cardinal “Increasingly we see Catholic schools adopting programs like the United States, as little more Newman Advanced Placement courses, the Habits of Mind Program, the than keeping racial minorities Society with International Baccalaureate Program, and even programs rooted satisfied with a system that its stated in critical race theory — all popular in public schools, but not fully inherently favors white people,” mission to consistent with Catholic formation,” he said. explained Reilly. “So, turning promote In many cases, such as with the Advanced Placement courses, the tables of power, not racial Patrick Reilly and defend adaptations can be made to ensure that they are appropriate harmony, is really the aim of to Catholic education, Reilly said. Others, like the International CRT.” faithful Baccalaureate Program, are not recommended because of an Some CRT adherents claim the Catholic education, underlying relativism in its approach to education. Church is “inherently racist.” nevertheless sees telling signs “The insights of our faith enter into every course of study, and But in fact “Catholic teaching of hope and strength among to exclude them results in a distorted and sometimes unethical and practice already offer the colleges and universities that perspective,” he pointed out. Meanwhile, Habits of Mind co-opts best solutions to division and maintain a strong Catholic and brands traditional virtues in a way that favors a public hatred,” Reilly stated. “The truth identity despite the present school’s emphasis on student experience and accumulating of the human person and God’s crisis. will for communion with each “Even as many private colleges in the U.S. are struggling — made even worse by the COVID pandemic — most of ‘‘[some Catholic colleges] keep hitting new enrollment records ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/USERGI15633490 12September 2021 | | legatus.org

of us should be the basis from schools came pouring in. By last year there were which Catholic educators teach 27 schools operating as part of the Chesterton about human differences and giving respect. Schools Network across “Humans were created by God the U.S. and Canada and for communion with Him, and more were planning we all have dignity as God’s to open this fall. A new children through Christ,” he Chesterton school to added. “That’s what we should open in Iraq joins a “sister be teaching, not the dangerous school” in Italy as overseas nonsense of critical race network members. theory.” Impressed by the Rtheetucrlnastsoics Chesterton model, Dr. Sean Tierney, M.D. Sean Tierney, a DuPage One sign of resurgence of Catholic education at the County Chapter Legate, secondary school level is the co-founded Chesterton Academy of the Holy growth of the Chesterton Family in the suburbs east of Chicago, IL, in 2015. Schools Network, which Operating with the approval of the Diocese of offers a classical, integrated Joliet, the school enrolled 121 students in 2021. curriculum steeped in the humanities with an emphasis “The beauty of this movement is that it is The Chesterton Schools Network is named for G.K. Chesterton, on a “Three Pillars Model” grassroots- and parent-led, driven mainly by a a prominent British writer and philosopher who became one of committed to forming students’ desire that parents want something more for intellect, character, and Catholicism’s best-known converts in 1922. spirituality. Tom Bengston and Dale their children and probably something that they Every student takes four years Ahlquist, who founded the themselves did not have growing up,” Tierney said. “The truth is first Chesterton Academy that most of the free world was classically educated from Socrates of theology and philosophy, in a Minneapolis suburb in to Alexander the Great to the founders of our country. This desire along with sciences and 2007, developed the network for the true, good, and beautiful is found in the great books of the humanities by way of after word of the Academy’s Western Civilization.” the Socratic method, which success spread and requests employs questions and for help establishing similar In contrast to the “sad decline in traditional education” seen dialogue as a means to develop especially in public school systems, “We have put God back in the critical thinking skills. All center of our curriculum,” he added. students also sing in the choir, act in a play, and learn Chesterton Academy schools strive to keep tuition affordable for ballroom dancing. parents, which translates into a “no-frills” approach in some areas. That can mean tight budgets, leased spaces, and parent volunteers “We aim to restore joy to the organizing sports programs and extracurricular activities. classroom,” Tierney said. “We do not teach just to pass a test, ‘‘Critical race theory (CRT) … is creeping into some Catholic schools and colleges [and] is “deliberately divisive” politically and ideologically. September 2021 | Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks gets a tour of an art class at Chesterton Academy of the Holy Family in Lisle, IL, during a recent visit. Every student there takes four years of art study. 13 | legatus.org

but to grow as a human being “Once rhetoric was considered in mind, body, and soul.” the final goal of the educated One thing they don’t scrimp person, and logic is so on is the spiritual needs of important today when most the students and faculty, people lack the ability to make however. In Lisle, the Holy clear arguments and discuss Family campus has a priest issues rationally. These courses who celebrates daily Mass, were central to a Catholic hears Confessions, and offers liberal arts education, yet today spiritual direction and retreats. few students study logic or The Blessed Sacrament is rhetoric even in college,” Reilly reserved there in the chapel for said. devotions and private prayer. “As parents, we were motivated The chapel at Chesterton Academy of the Holy Family in Lisle, IL, features a tabernacle with the “Recovering these lost aspects to start this school to get our reserved Blessed Sacrament surrounded by statues of the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. of Catholic education while kids to heaven along with also innovating with new ourselves,” Tierney explained. The bigger picture ways of sharing expertise and “Our focus has been to helping parents fulfill their encourage holiness, then Reilly of the Cardinal Newman Society sees the Chesterton role as primary teacher is so vocation, and then career, schools as part of a growing number of diverse options for Catholic exciting. and in that order. Most of our education, which today include homeschool curricula, independent secular schools just focus on lay-run schools, hybrid programs, and various online education “It’s a very exciting time to be in career. We want our students to services. He finds the renewed interest in classical Catholic Catholic education.” L consider what is God’s will for education as particularly encouraging. His wife, Rosario, is the their life.” founder of Aquinas Learning, a classical homeschool curriculum. GERALD KORSON, editorial consultant for Legatus magazine, is based in Indiana. ‘‘… focus has been to encourage holiness, then vocation, and then career, and in that order. Most … secular schools just focus on career ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/STREKLOVA 14September 2021 | | legatus.org

Preparing kids to keep the faith Father Mike Schmitz, “In my work he pointed out: “To help the not rooting them in skepticism host of the popular with youth people living under your roof but giving them the tools to ask “Bible in a Year” podcast and college- realize that their lives are not intelligent questions and be produced by Ascension aged students, meaningless, that their lives able to look for good answers. Press, is also chaplain I have more are bigger than they seem, that They are living in hostile for the Newman Catholic often found there is a God who loves them. territory. If you think that you Campus Ministry at the a ‘blind Your mission is to them first of are going to strike a truce with University of Minnesota disbelief’ all.” the culture and simply allow Duluth and director of than I have The questioner, he suggested, for the free frolicking of your the diocesan Office of Father Mike Schmitz ever found is afraid of “brainwashing” children’s minds in the field children with the Catholic faith. of the world, you are gravely Youth Ministry. Recently ‘blind belief,’” Brainwashing short-circuits mistaken.” he fielded a question on the Fr. Mike said in his reply on the power of reason in order Brainwashing is bad, he campus ministry’s website bulldogcatholic.org. “Many to instill a blind obedience or concluded, but teaching the about whether it was “fair” for have an automatic, unthinking belief. But “indoctrinate” simply Catholic faith is the solution. parents to “indoctrinate” their skepticism, a refusal to even means “to teach” — and in the “This is why we have to steep children in the Catholic faith, consider faith in Christ as case of the Catholic faith, it our children in Catholicism,” since faith, the questioner said, something reasonable.” means teaching what is true. said Fr. Mike. “It, and it should be a “choice.” “One of the main principles alone, is the antidote for Parents, he indicated, have a of the Catholic faith is using the indoctrination toward His response constitutes calling to transmit the faith to one’s intellect to its full extent,” skepticism our culture presents good advice to parents as their children. said Fr. Mike. He offered this to us.” they prepare their children to advice: “Help your child learn handle the challenges to their “If you have been called to how to think critically. This is Catholic faith they likely will the vocation of marriage face in college. and the family, your mission field begins in your home,” ‘‘If you think that you are going to strike a truce with the culture and simply allow for the free frolicking of your children’s minds in the field of the world, you are gravely mistaken ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/MAKASANA 15September 2021 | | legatus.org

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struggling teen boys try boots of a cowboy The Triangle Cross Therapeutic Ranch & School is a 50,000- acre cattle ranch in northwest Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park. Founded in 1992, it serves “at-risk” boys ages 10 to 17 who spend a few months to a few years as cowboys caring for the cattle. Owner and founder Jerry Schneider describes its purpose as taking boys struggling in life “and teaching them important life principles based on our Catholic faith.” In the past three decades, it has helped hundreds of troubled boys get a new start, and go on to lead happier, more productive lives. by Jim Graves 17September 2021 | | legatus.org

Schneider grew up in a Catholic come to me,” and with the aid home in rural Michigan. He of the teen, mounted his horse received his high school and rode to safety. education from the Brothers The accident left him paralyzed of the Holy Cross at Monroe on one side, however, and Catholic Central (today St. barely able to walk. His days Mary’s) which “formed me as an active rancher were for my whole life. The most over. Would he have to sell his important thing in that school ranch? was truth.” He began life as a flight test Jerry Schneider, owner and founder, Triangle Cross Ranch A priest-friend indicated to engineer for Honeywell, but on prayer, becoming a Carmelite priest and founding a traditional Schneider that he thought God was introduced to the life of a Carmelite community near the ranch. was beginning a new chapter cowboy first while working in in his life, and unfolding Mexico and, beginning in 1965, Life-threatening event events would indicate what in Cody, Wyoming. Living opened new chapter that might be. Three boys in Wyoming he met many came to live at the ranch to ranchers—“a good, solid bunch A life-threatening event on a cold November night in 1991 led help the Schneiders, and more of men, who helped each other Schneider to shift the focus of the ranch to helping at-risk boys. He continued to come, ultimately out”—and subsequently began and a teen cowboy were riding through “rough country” looking numbering 10. Not only did a life of ranching and rodeo for lost calves when his horse stumbled in a snow drift and they help sustain the ranch, riding. In 1967, he bought a somersaulted on top him. It left him with broken ribs and a severe Schneider saw the benefit 160-acre farm, which would head injury and far away from medical aid. He repeated an Act of ranching had on the boys. grow into the large spread it is Contrition as many as 30 times, as he thought death was near, and Hence, he acquired a state today. He mused, “It was all a also the Memorare prayer begging Mary to save him. While laying license and transformed gift from Our Lady.” in the snow choking on his own blood, he suddenly felt “a power the ranch into a place for a Living and working on the program to help troubled boys ranch with him were his wife, to acquire valuable life skills. Mickey, and their six children. The boys begin their day by The Catholic faith was of rising early, cleaning their paramount importance. He rooms, and having breakfast. said, “Some cowboys have Those who are students spend a reputation of being heavy time studying through the Our drinkers and rowdiness; we’re Lady of the Rosary homeschool the praying kind.” program. They then go to work Schneider’s son, Daniel, in fact, on the ranch, herding and would go on to center his life branding cattle, feeding and finding lost calves or caring ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/THEPALMER “… has helped hundreds of troubled boys get a new start, and go on to lead happier, more productive lives 18September 2021 | | legatus.org

for other animals, such as the the internet during the pandemic, was Some cowboys have a pigs. They learn trades, such ineffective. reputation of being as welding, and have access to licensed counselors. A friend introduced Mary to the ranch, “ heavy drinkers and All boys, Catholic or not, must and after investigating it, she came to rowdiness; we’re participate in the ranch’s believe it might be the ideal place for the praying kind Catholic devotional life, Joseph “to work out his demons.” whether it be attending Mass “ “[my son] is freeing at a small mission church, She visited him at the ranch for five himself from … participating in the Liturgy days in June and was amazed by things that kept of the Hours, or the rosary, or Joseph’s progress. She said, “He’s freeing him in bondage, saying grace before meals. himself from the things that kept him in and … he’s loved Schneider believes the bondage, and has kept away from the becoming a cowboy program has been invaluable harmful things in our culture. And, to many over the past three he’s loved becoming a cowboy.” decades: “We’ve seen many young men go through the She marvels at the deep program and become better understanding of “calves and cows and people, living lives of faith.” their psychology” Joseph has acquired, A maximum of 10 boys and that he has had the chance to be participate in the program at mentored by men “using his mind and a time, served by six adults on strength to do awesome things with staff, including Schneider’s cattle and ranching.” son, Mark, who serves as ranch manager. It costs $2,800 to It’s taken some belt-tightening to afford apply and $5,800 monthly the program, although Mary receives to enroll a boy, with families a partial scholarship from the St. John in need receiving financial Bosco Scholarship Fund which has assistance through the St. John made the program more affordable. Bosco Scholarship Fund. She regards the remaining expense an The camp has drawn investment, as “we either pay for the many high-profile visitors, ranch now, or we’ll be paying for legal including the former bishop fees and bail to get Joseph out of jail in of the Diocese of Cheyenne the future.” (encompassing the entire state of Wyoming), David Ricken. Schneider noted that the Catholic ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ALINA555 The founders of Wyoming beliefs of the Triangle Cross Ranch Catholic College also paid the are at odds with those of the popular ranch a visit, Schneider said, culture as portrayed in the dominant and founded their school on media, and believes this conflict to many of the same principles. be behind some legal challenges the ranch has encountered. But, he A Godsend believes in the work of the ranch, and that it will continue to achieve great Mary placed her teenage son success in the future, taking boys out Joseph at the Triangle Cross of harmful environments and placing Ranch beginning in March, them into one in which they can thrive. and said the program has been a godsend. (She asked He concluded, “When you come to the that their real names not be ranch, you step into a different culture. used as Joseph was born into We’re in a remote location, far away a domestic abuse situation.) from the world of the television or Before coming, Joseph internet, isolated in the beauty of God’s struggled to control his anger beautiful creation.” and threatened violence. In times of rage, he punched holes For additional information on the in the walls at home. He did Triangle Cross Ranch, visit www. poorly at school and suffered trianglecrossranch.com.  For information from addictions. Traditional on the St. John Bosco Scholarship Fund, counseling, particularly over please visit www.boscofund.org. L JIM GRAVES is a Legatus magazine contributing writer. 19September 2021 | | legatus.org

ConfessiConomanmdunion – cawn’itthhoauvtetohneeother by Judy Roberts September 2021 | 20 | legatus.org

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Like all great pairings, the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist are better together. Bishop Joseph Bishop Strickland said. “. . . If you really start to say ‘I’m receive him and not be tuned Strickland is hoping about to receive the Lord of the universe, God’s divine into how unworthy I am and that will be driven Son as food,’ to really believe that means I’d better how sinful I am and how I need home in a statement be prepared and be as close to him as I should be to to repent and grow in virtue. on the Eucharist actually receive him. That kind of reflection and good That is a lifelong process. That’s the nation’s bishops examination of conscience needs to be emphasized.” what needs to be revived.” are to draft at To achieve the kind of revival their fall meeting. Rather than single out politicians who receive he envisions, Bishop Strickland Amid debate Communion when they have promoted acts contrary said will require everyone who about whether Bishop Joseph Strickland to the commandments and teachings of the Church, believes Christ is present in the Eucharist to share that faith public figures who Bishop Strickland said he and his fellow bishops need and look for ways to reflect it. identify as Catholic but defy to call everyone to a basic understanding about the Eucharist. “Certainly, that comes down key teachings should receive “Receiving the body and blood of Christ is not some sort of chip to reverence at Mass and Communion, the bishop of for being a member. It’s an encounter with almighty God, the really just living a life closer to Tyler, TX has urged that the supernatural gift of God’s presence among us. That’s what we’ve Christ. It’s what I’m trying to document underscore the all got to be ready for.” encourage here in the diocese. strong connection between the Just about every homily I give sacrament of Confession and Bishop Strickland has said that to receive Communion while now refers to the Eucharist, and receiving the body and blood “choosing to disagree” with basic Church teachings can lead to it’s always pertinent because of Christ. He also is calling for eternal damnation for any Catholic. “Really, what it comes down the Eucharist we know is the the immediate development of to, the Catechism and canon law tell us, if you’re living a life that real presence – body, blood, a culture of Eucharistic revival, obstinately disagrees with Church teaching you shouldn’t receive soul, and divinity of Christ.” something he says can’t wait [Communion.] Well, you might say, ‘I want to receive the grace.’ Not Bishop Strickland said in for a document. if you’re in mortal sin. You’re blocking the grace. The first step is his own experience, making Confession and that’s where it really needs to be dealt with.” that truth more real changes Confession, Bishop Strickland behavior. For example, he continued, “I’ve always said, should be a part of every ‘It’s about eternal salvation’ believed in the real presence, Catholic’s life, but failing to but now in my prayer, I am connect it with receiving the If a person who disagrees with the Church is sincerely struggling trying to spend as much Eucharist has contributed to with a particular teaching, Bishop Strickland said, a priest can time as I can in the presence the confusion over whether help that individual understand what it truly means to be guided of Christ in the Blessed politicians and other public by one’s conscience. “A well-formed conscience leads you to the Sacrament. I’m learning to just figures who oppose Church truth, not just your own conclusions,” Bishop Strickland said. “I really talk to him, really share teachings should receive think people have hardened their hearts and said, ‘I just disagree.’ my heart and to listen. As I tell Communion. But it’s about eternal salvation . . . All of us have to form our people, I haven’t seen visions or conscience in line with the truth God has revealed.” heard a locution, but I really do “All of us need to look into our hearts and ask ourselves how Bishop Strickland said all Catholics need to embrace the words of we can be more faithful to the the prayer before Communion, “Lord, I am not worthy.” “It’s not sane commandments of the Lord,” to say you believe the Lord of the universe is here and I’m about to “The Last Supper” painted by Jan Erasmus Quellinus (1634 -1715) 22 | legatus.org in the Church of Our Lady Across the Dyle (Mechelen, Belgium). September 2021 |

[The Eucharist] is an encounter with almighty God, the ‘ supernatural gift of God’s presence among us. That’s what we’ve all got to be ready for feel more closely united to the his presence . . . That’s what we need to enkindle in all of our hearts of that belief and relationship Lord in the Eucharist.” – that awareness of being able to turn to him in the Eucharistic makes everything start to fall The bishop tries to spend presence even when we are very far from a tabernacle.” into place. It makes you realize an hour before the Blessed that the supernatural truth the Sacrament each morning, ‘The bishop said he also tries to celebrate Mass with a clear Church proclaims is true and noon, and evening. Yet, he said, consciousness of the real presence that comes to the altar and beautiful and challenging and “Living Eucharistically is not is present in the tabernacle. “I think all life-giving.” being constantly before the of those things help us to focus on this Blessed Sacrament but being wondrous gift the Lord has given us, … comes down to Bishop Strickland aware that the Lord is here and that he is truly with us as he promised. traces the current living that and turning to him Certainly, the Holy Spirit is present in the reverence at Mass unbelief to the as you’re driving and facing world and in each person but the Eucharist and … living a life relativism of a tough challenge at work or I see as the Lord because he truly became truth that Pope with the family. It’s wherever man . . . This fully God, fully man, eternal closer to Christ Emeritus Benedict we are, to place ourselves in the presence of the Lord.” son of God who became incarnate is there XVI has spoken present in the Eucharist in a veiled way.” about. “Once truth Flying over tabernacles becomes relativized it ceases This is a time, Bishop Strickland said, for everyone to embrace and to be really truth. It becomes For example, Bishop Strickland look for ways to foster the great supernatural truth of the Eucharist what do you think and what said when he is on a plane, that has been there through the ages, though has diminished for do you feel. I think that is at he has developed the habit of some. Indeed, a Pew Research Center survey has found that most the root of what we’re dealing thinking about the tabernacles Catholics – nearly seven in ten – no longer accept the real presence with if people are saying he is flying over and how the of Christ in the Eucharist. they’re Catholic and sadly, Lord is present in them. “I having a very different version try to place myself in Christ’s Bishop Strickland believes the denial of Christ present at every of Catholicism than what the presence even when I’m not in Mass is tied to the denial by many Catholics of basic teachings of Church officially says.” L the faith, such as the intrinsic evils of abortion and homosexual acts. To remedy this, he said, requires starting with Jesus Christ as JUDY ROBERTS truth incarnate and his real presence in the world. “A deepening is a Legatus magazine staff writer. September 2021 | 23 | legatus.org

Protecting the pure minds of children FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/MARTIN BARRAUD PARENTS LAUNCH BOOK-FAIR ENTERPRISE TO GIVE KIDS FUN AND FAITHFUL READS BY TRENT BEATTIE Lizette Lantigua has The saying that you can’t judge a book by its cover has repeatedly plants, animals—all the things always loved reading good proven true to the Lantiguas. They have seen pleasant front kids are interested in. The key books and encouraging covers and back covers with innocent-sounding blurbs that, is, even with books on those others to read good books. unfortunately, do not accurately describe what is inside. topics, we still adhere to a standard of decency that other Yet when the former journalist Those were the worst books, Lantigua recalls, “because they vendors do not adhere to.” volunteered at her three presented evil in a ‘friendly’ way, giving it a pseudo-legitimacy Lizette’s husband, Adolfo, a daughters’ school book fairs that most kids would not be able to decipher.” That deciphering Knight of Columbus with a in southern Florida ten years element is what Lizette and her ever-expanding group of telecommunications marketing ago, she was dismayed at some screening authors, librarians, and parents now specialize in. background, joined the book of the content available. The business in 2018, making it a purpose of book fairs is to raise Books with a Spine family affair. That was also the literacy and money, but these fairs raised concerns. Because Lantigua was concerned for “There was some good the souls of her daughters and their material, but there was also classmates, she decided to start Good violent, sexual, anti-Catholic, News! Book Fairs in 2015. She wanted to anti-American material,” screen, or curate, the content of each book Lantigua said. Sometimes it she would offer at the new fairs. While was blatant from start to finish, not all the material would be explicitly but there were also books with Catholic, Lantigua wanted to make sure harmful content scattered none of it would be harmful to Catholics. throughout otherwise suitable Among the inventory at Good News! literature. Lantigua also said are To the Heights: A Novel Based on “There was even a series in the Life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, which the first two books were Pocket Guide to the Holy Rosary, The fine, but then the third one was Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Our Lady’s really inappropriate. You really Wardrobe and Our Lady’s Picture Book. have to take it book-by-book.” “We also have books on history, sports, September 2021 | 24 | legatus.org

time in which the Lantiguas ventured into books in the A Future launched an online store 1960s and then into school book Full of Hope called Good News! Book Shop, fairs in the 1980s. They have a general reseller for all ages. nearly 9,000 employees with Lizette, whose parents found Business, cooking, travel, fiction, annual revenue well over one refuge in the United States and, of course, faith, are among billion dollars. This means a from Communist Cuba in the their featured book categories. near monopoly in fairs, which early 1960s, summarized, Before kids start buying business might be viewed as unfair. not only her situation, but the books, however, Adolfo knows While this David vs. Goliath country’s situation. She said they are often experiencing their scenario would scare some that she “totally understands first business transactions at people, Adolfo and Lizette have disappointment and concern book fairs. He said: “A book fair solid reasons to be optimistic. about how bad things have can be a monumental moment. Last year, despite the COVID-19 gotten,” but the one thing she Allowance money is used to restrictions, they conducted 50 doesn’t get is lethargy. “We can’t purchase a book and then it online fairs for 24 states and are do everything, but we can do becomes the child’s personal set for over 100 in-person fairs something, so we should make property. It’s a decision-making this year. sure to do our part, however process that we want to ensure is Catholic, Protestant, charter, and classical schools form the small it might seem. God will a morally sound one.” Lantigua’s customer base right now, but public schools are on take care of the rest.” their radar. Good News! Book fairs have become so popular that Getting All the Lantiguas expanded from their original distribution center in The book certainly has not Booked Up Florida to another in Ohio in 2020, and are planning on opening been closed on this story. more in Virginia, North Carolina, and Michigan. For more information, visit: www.goodnewsbookfair.com L Scholastic Corporation, Adolfo said: “We are also working with our advisory board to which started as a magazine seek investors, and strategic partnerships to finance and build TRENT BEATTIE publisher in the 1920s, the necessary infrastructure.” This might include opening their is a Legatus magazine contributing writer. own publishing company, which would eliminate logistical hurdles by shortening the supply chain. …A BOOK … BECOMES THE CHILD’S PERSONAL PROPERTY. IT’S A DECISION- MAKING PROCESS THAT WE WANT TO ENSURE IS A MORALLY SOUND ONE September 2021 | 25 | legatus.org

ETHICS ANTHONY ESOLEN MATTERS Do the right thing, now I TAKE IT AS SELF-EVIDENT THAT best of us is the desire to do sexual things prone. We are with children is wicked and talking about a perverse. That includes self- radical evil. display, enticement, and talk – and where the talk takes place Well then, does not matter, except that if what is to be it is public, in a school, or on done? The first television, or on posters at your thing is to get local fast-food joint, the harm the children done is incomparably greater, out of the bad because it reaches more air, out of the children, and it acquires all the near reach of force of public approval. evil infection. No excuses. The attacks on the innocence It is not as if ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/KALENDER and sanity of our children are the public now relentless, coming from all schools, and directions. We may ask what most private kinds of people would want schools, to warp the imagination of a otherwise child, for example by flashing do a creditable job teaching young people of practicing the natural virtues and learning before them in pretty colors about grammar (abandoned), geography the faith. We confront the difference between the madness of attempting to (abandoned), English literature before 1900 celebrating wickedness and attempting to alter your sex, with mutilation (mostly abandoned, especially poetry), revive and to foster what broken body of natural and a brew of tissue-growing mathematics (a mess of incompetence for all but virtue survives; between a practical atheism or and therefore carcinogenic the best students), history (corrupted by political satanism, and an orientation toward the three- drugs. Go to your local school passions), or foreign languages (four years, to person God, who has made all things in due and see. Then consider this. learn how to ask for the lavatories in Tijuana, but measure and order. If you cannot not to read Cervantes). The trust someone schools are wicked and inept. Therefore, I call upon my readers to do these not to lace your “If there is a true The arrogance has grown all things. If you have children in a school that is child’s lunch Catholic school the greater, the farther the not confessedly and counter-culturally Christian, schools are removed from get them out of there. Get rid of the arsenic; we with arsenic, nearby, support it direct accountability to the can discuss a healthy diet later. If there is a true how can you shrug and say parents – and the parents Catholic school nearby, support it. Make it an that you can themselves are by no means object of your charity. Volunteer to help keep the still trust him all sane and wise. grounds. Offer to teach a class. Help to publicize with breakfast the school. Go there, see what they are doing. or dinner, or indeed with Meanwhile, genuine Catholic schools must go They are in the vanguard; pray for them. L anything? Someone who begging. Think of the sacrifices the teachers wants to read to children and administrators must make to found a DR. ANTHONY ESOLEN, professor and stories of perversion, with that faithful school and to keep it going, in the face writer-in-residence at Magdalen College of Liberal spoonful of sugar that makes of predictable hostility from the state. We used Arts (Warner, NH), is author and translator of over the poison go down, will be to have the teaching orders of sisters to do the noxious in innumerable other needed work, at little cost to the parish. Those 20 books, including Defending Boyhood: How ways. We are not talking about orders are gone. But the need remains and is Building Forts, Reading Stories, Playing Ball, and sins of intemperance, short- far greater now than when the first Catholic Praying to God Can Change the World; and Ten sightedness, impatience, and schools and colleges were founded. We do not irresponsibility, to which the now confront the difference between two ways Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child. His most recent books are Sex and the Unreal City: The Demolition of the Western Mind and The Hundredfold, a book-length poem centering upon the life of Christ. September 2021 | 26 | legatus.org

September 2021 | 27 | legatus.org

CULTURE OF DiANN ECRET LIFE Helping youth with pandemic-related mental health issues DURING THE PAST YEAR AND A distress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression in us all. Christ calls his disciples to “Cure the sick, half, individuals, families, and adolescent populations. The research also shows raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and drive out communities have experienced negative life satisfaction for adolescents as many demons. Without cost you have received; without the fullness of social isolation, have suffered in silence, with fears of further cost you are to give” (Matt 10:8-9). We are called unfamiliar public health rejection, detachment, and isolation. to be the light, to help others access necessary restrictions, long-term services and to initiate health care support. We uncertainty, elevated anxiety, The stigma and shame should not be paralyzed in depression, suicidality, and associated with our public our response to the needs escalations of mental health response to mental health and “… It is cumbersome to of our youth. Our youth uncertainty. The lockdown substance-use disorders are are depending on us, their of schools, universities, and oftentimes rooted in narratives gain access to services families, and their faith communities of faith further threaten the well-being of of sin and condemnation. Our for severe depression communities to hold on to society and in particular our world and communities often or paralyzing anxiety them in support and love. youth. As the long-term effects fail in providing supportive of pandemic restrictions and and comprehensive resources even in the best of “Jesus went around mandates continue to surface, necessary to navigate through times, let alone during to all the towns and the long-term consequences the struggles of loved ones villages, teaching in their facing our youth’s spiritual who suffer from mental health synagogues, proclaiming hope and well-being requires disorders. It is cumbersome a global pandemic the Gospel of the Kingdom, careful reflection, attention, and labor. to gain access to services for and curing every disease Preliminary research severe depression or paralyzing and illness. At the sight of identified significant changes anxiety even in the best of the crowds, His heart was in adolescent mental health times, let alone during a global pandemic. moved with pity for them because they were and disordered substance troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a use as a direct result of the Yet, as we reflect upon Matthew’s Gospel, we shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The school closures, lockdowns, begin to see the benefits of Christ’s call to be harvest is abundant but the laborers are few, and restrictions. Data analysis laborers of the harvest. Jesus reminds us that we so ask the master for the harvest to send out shows an increase in social are called to respond in love to heal those who laborers for his harvest” (Matt 9:35-38). suffer, and that we are called to labor for our youth. As Christians, we should never say, “I do We are not to be silent; we are called to proclaim not know what to do.” Rather, Jesus commissions the Good News. Like the early members of the church, we need to teach the Gospel of the Kingdom and seek out our youth. Our youth need family interactions and connection. Our youth need our faith communities and the assurance that their lives have meaning. Our families and faith communities are called to dismantle the emptiness of contemporary culture and addictive pursuits. We are called to recreate community interactions that empower living connections. Like the shepherd, we are called to gather our youth into our homes, our communities, and our hearts, in order to openly illuminate the importance and value of their lives. L ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/STOCKFOUR DiANN ECRET, PH.D., M.S.N., R.N., is the nurse planner and ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center and assistant professor of nursing at Ave Maria University School of Nursing. September 2021 | 28 | legatus.org

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GUEST PAUL THIGPEN VOICE Humility —the key to lifelong learning CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Correction rarely comes to us as adults in ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/PETAR CHERNAEV for adults is at its heart the the clear-cut words we heard in childhood. quest to be a lifelong learner Instead, the “rebuke” we receive may For the one who is humble enough to learn of our precious faith. Scripture be couched as a spouse’s complaint or from them, mundane situations can become a tells us the key to such an an employer’s negative comment on a perpetual parable. adventure: “With humility job evaluation. More often, an offended comes wisdom” (Prov 11:2). The neighbor simply avoids us, or a relative Bible illustrates at least five grows silent. areas of our experience that Our pride tries to justify or excuse our provide common “classrooms” actions rather than take to heart the of wisdom. In each, humility wisdom that would change us for the serves as the best teacher. better. Even so, words of correction are Humility in Conversation priceless occasions for the lifelong learner “Let the wise listen and add to who can receive them with humility. their learning” (Prov 1:5). Humility Before God’s Word Everyday conversations are “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and perhaps the most common contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” classroom we have for (Isa 66:2). Jesus’ teaching was graced with a humility learning. The that could perceive divine lessons in everyday clearest evidence The Pharisees were objects. “Consider the lilies of the field . . . behold of humility in “For the one who diligent students of the birds of the air . . . learn a lesson from the this setting is a Scripture, yet most of them fig tree. . . .” His discerning eyes noticed the willingness to is humble enough could not accept Jesus as widow quietly giving her last coins; the banquet listen, because to learn from them, the Messiah promised by guests vying for the place of honor; the short it’s a sign that the the prophets. He didn’t tax collector up a tree — and He drew profound listener realizes mundane situations quite fit the picture they lessons from each situation. he has something can become a had drawn from their to be taught. The reading. Their lack of Humility in Adversity habit of listening perpetual parable humility had made them is indispensable unable to learn from “Although he [Jesus] was a son, he learned for the lifelong others or consider that obedience from what he suffered” (Heb 5:8). learner, especially their thinking might be in those situations when he misguided. When the people marveled at Jesus’ Tough times provide perhaps the most may think he has the least to wisdom, their arrogant response was, “This mob significant lessons for the lifelong learner. When gain from the speaker. that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse trouble overwhelms us, we must not ask proudly, on them” (John 7:48–49). “What have I done to deserve this?” The words Children are often ignored as of the humble assume instead God’s gracious sources of wisdom, yet they The lifelong learners of God’s ways must purposes, and seek wisdom with the question, can teach us much about the begin by humbly approaching Scripture and “What would You have me learn through this?” kingdom of heaven (see Matt Church teaching, confessing the limits of our 18:1–4; 19:13–14). understanding. In all these ways, humility is the path of the lifelong learner.  L Humility in Correction Humility in the Mundane PAUL THIGPEN, PH.D., is a retired “He who listens to a life-giving “I applied my heart to what I observed and learned theology professor, award-winning journalist, and rebuke will be at home among a lesson from what I saw” (Prov 24:32). the wise” (Prov 15:31). bestselling author of 55 books. September 2021 | 30 | legatus.org

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FAITH FATHER HAROLD B. McKALE MATTERS Catholic educators must catechize without compromise AS WE CONSIDER CATHOLIC who didn’t make Catholic education education, we tend to focus on available. The first Catholic school our elementary and secondary was established at St. Mary Parish in schools as well as colleges. Philadelphia, the second church built One could also include CCD (or in the city. By the 1960s, enrollment PREP), RCIA, adult education in Catholic schools had reached a or enrichment, Pre-Jordan and high of over five million children. Pre-Cana. There are probably more than listed here. Each of Things have changed in the decades these has a particular purpose following the 1960s. The number at a particular moment in the of practicing Catholics has steadily life of a Catholic, whether it is dropped as has the population of teaching the three Rs to young children being born. This has had children, instructing converts an impact on school enrollment in the faith, or enriching as a whole. The future of Catholic ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ROMRODINKA understanding of a particular schools depends on how the sacrament. Church approaches the challenge of competing with taxpayer-funded However, regardless of these public and charter schools. differences, the overarching purpose of Catholic education The Church in America today is is to inculcate our holy Catholic smaller, for all practical purposes, as accomplishment, demonstrating an ability to faith in the hearts of Catholics. are our school systems. Catholic schools cannot innovate and adjust to changing circumstances. Ideally, this serves and should not try to to make them good, compete with public In April 1979, in his message to the National practicing Catholics “… to survive and schools on the basis Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), Pope for the sake of the to flourish, Catholic of state-of-the-art St. John Paul II stated, “But no Catholic school salvation of their pools, sports fields, can be effective without dedicated Catholic souls. An important schools must focus on and classrooms. teachers, convinced of the great ideal of Catholic secondary benefit of their primary mission Obviously, education. The Church needs men and women Catholic education things need to who are intent on teaching by word and example in general is that it … to teach the faith, be up-to-date – intent on helping to permeate the whole also generates a love whole and entire, and and operational. educational milieu with the spirit of Christ ... the of country, inspiring Diocesan structures goal of Catholic education itself must be crystal patriotic citizens to must be nimble clear ... Catholic education is above all a question become leaven in without compromise enough to innovate of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others.” our society. themselves or to allow local schools For the sake of the flexibility to For our schools to survive and to flourish, simplicity, let us focus on innovate in varying circumstances. For example, Catholic schools must focus on their primary Catholic elementary and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, one bright spot mission, which is to teach the Catholic faith, secondary schools. The Third that largely was not covered by the media whole and entire, and without compromise, Plenary Council of Baltimore was the success of the Catholic schools in the preparing Catholics to live virtuously in a stated, “We not only exhort Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Unlike the public difficult world until the Lord calls the child home Catholic parents with paternal schools, the Catholic elementary schools were to heaven. L love, but we command them able to accommodate both virtual and in-person with all the authority we instruction long before the public schools did. FATHER HAROLD B. MCKALE possess” to send their children Despite the hysteria on the part of some, children is a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He to parochial schools. It also were able to go to school and receive education provided penalties for priests safely and effectively. That is a praiseworthy has taught Catholic high school, and is a graduate of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary (Philadelphia). September 2021 | 32 | legatus.org

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ENGAGING THE NOELLE MERING FAITH Critical thinking vs. critical theory – the crucial difference THE REJECTION OF REASON AND nature has taken root … through the replacement of critical thinking with critical theory. The latter has been the engine of academic thought for decades, and its methods pervade every discipline and subject. Critical thinking, in the classical ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SKYNESHER liberal tradition, relies on the reality that we are rational In modern parlance, we call this steel manning. Whereas straw exhibited in the inability of animals, able to use our abilities manning is the fallacy of arguing against the weakest position of progressives to effectively and to observe the world, discern your opponent, steel manning is arguing against the best possible unequivocally denounce the universal principles, and make opposing argument, even beyond what they present themselves. violence and destruction. If normative evaluations. We … In contrast, the purpose of critical theory is to support the ideology truth is a function of power, can determine, generally, what of cultural Marxism and churn out activists rather than to arrive at unjust actions become far ought to be from what is and truth. To engage in critical theory is to filter all humanity through more palatable if they can be develop, challenge, and refine the lens of power for the sake of reversing the power dynamic understood to be advantageous arguments by evaluating the of the [perceived] dominant oppressor class. Power, not truth, is to the right cause. L premises and logic involved. preeminent for the critical theorist. That many of us do not realize the Through intellectual rigor, we distinction between these two methods leads to a lot of frustration. Excerpt from Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response can more fully own our ideas … This way of dismantling critical thought has been, and continues to the Cult of Progressive Ideology, by Noelle Mering and evaluate the validity and to be, enacted through the enshrining of critical theory within the (TAN Books, 2021), pp. 150-52. www.TANBooks.com. veracity of the ideas of others majority of Western education. By applying a filter of suspicion with the goal of arriving at truth. to every field of study, no work of art, historical event, or reasoned NOELLE MERING Essential to critical thinking argument can be seen objectively. There is always a power dynamic is a fellow at the Ethics is the discipline to understand to uncover and to dismantle. Everything becomes political. the best opposing arguments This is not a small matter relegated to the ivory tower with and Public Policy to one’s position. St. Thomas merely academic ramifications. … [S]hallow sloganeering and Center, and co-author of Aquinas exemplified this in an unwillingness to think can lead ordinary people to otherwise the Summa Theologica. The unimaginable monstrosities. In the riots of 2020, we saw it Theology of the Home Angelic Doctor first poses a I and II. A frequent question, and then raises the contributor to the strongest arguments against the answer he will ultimately National Catholic Register, The American Mind, give. Even after giving his sed The Federalist, and Catholic World Report, she is contra, Aquinas makes the best editor of TheologyOfHome.com and lives with her of each objection in light of husband and six children in southern California. his understanding. Thus, only after carefully and thoroughly considering every worthy opposition does he show the reader how each argument in opposition bears some fatal flaw. September 2021 | 34 | legatus.org

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WHAT TO READ Liberty’s Lions: The Catholic of Tadeusz Kościuszko, a writers of lies his Revolutionaries Who Polish military engineer the Catholic charm. In Established America who sailed to America faith on how his brief 15 Dan Leroy to serve heroically in the to contribute years of life Sophia Institute Press, 400 pages Continental Army. Dan Leroy to the proud before his profiles many lesser-known tradition death from Columbus, Catholic contributors to our of great leukemia in a Catholic, fight for independence and Catholic 2006, this “discovered” offers insights into how our fiction. It’s London- the New Founding Fathers really not about pious hagiography born Italian World, but viewed Catholics. or simplistic moral lessons, as boy busied himself with colonial the uninitiated might expect, computer technology, playing America How to Read (and Write) but rather dealing with our video games, and using would be Like a Catholic gritty human struggles, social media like most other populated Joshua Hren brokenness, challenges, and millennials. Most of all, he predominantly by Protestants TAN Books, 480 pages doubts that can be overcome took seriously his baptismal whose notions of religious through perseverance call to holiness, and so liberty didn’t always extend This excellent work and ultimately point us to developed a deep devotion to to the “papists.” Although accomplishes much in a single redemption. the Eucharist, an evangelizing often viewed with suspicion, volume: it recommends and spirit, and a love of serving Catholics played important surveys some of the best Carlo Acutis: the poor and homeless. His roles in the American literary works of Catholic The First Millennial Saint reputation for sanctity was Revolution and its aftermath. writers, analyzes what it is Nicola Gori such that by 2020 he was We all know of Charles Carroll that makes a book or text Our Sunday Visitor, 144 pages beatified by Pope Francis. of Carrollton, a signer of the particularly Catholic (and Young and older alike will Declaration of Independence, compelling), and provides Carlo Acutis seemed like such want to know his story.  L for example, but fewer know encouragement to aspiring an ordinary kid, and therein September 2021 | 36 | legatus.org

WHAT TO SEE True ‘fish tale’ spotlights temptation to shortcut God WE KNOW THE TRUISM THAT orphans in a three-day fishing to close the Blue Miracle “the ends don’t justify competition in hopes of orphanage Dennis Quaid, Jimmy Gonzales, the means.” Nor do good earning its big money prize. and send its Fernanda Urrejola, Bruce McGill intentions provide adequate Their success requires that kids back cover for doing wrong. It’s a gruff old sea captain onto the 95 min. • Rated TV-PG written in our moral theology: (Dennis Quaid) teach the streets. He we cannot do evil so that good inexperienced boys not only grapples with family viewing for a Netflix may result. to fish, but to catch the biggest temptations original. Drop anchor for an Blue Miracle, a recent Netflix blue marlin of the contest. to save evening and cast into the deep release, is a feel-good story It’s a classic underdog story Casa Hogar for this one.  L that wrestles with that issue coupled with a classic subplot through dirty in the course of its resolution. of redemption told with old- money and GERALD KORSON Based upon actual events, it style Disneyesque charm — as fraud — allowing evil so that is a Legatus magazine editorial consultant involves a last-ditch attempt clean as it is predictable — he could continue to do good. by a married couple, Omar while managing to entertain His struggles and moments of and staff writer. and Becca (played by Jimmy throughout. The fact that the doubt are emblematic of the Gonzales and Fernanda story is true makes it all the challenges we occasionally Urrejola), to save Casa Hogar, more enjoyable. face in our own lives: those an orphanage for boys that The power of prayer is also dishonest shortcuts to success, they operate in Cabo San a subtext. Omar is a devout those frustrations that God Lucas, Mexico. Desperate to man with a checkered past, doesn’t answer our prayers in quickly raise $117,000 to save and his faith is tested as he the manner or with the speed the facility from foreclosure, faces the likelihood of having we would prefer. they agree to involve the Blue Miracle is unusually good September 2021 | 37 | legatus.org

HEALTH DR. E. JOHN WHERRY MATTERS How science and philanthropy re-programmed cancer treatment BY VIRTUE OF YOUR CONNECTION On August 30, T-Cells (in yellow) attacking cancer mass. ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/UISMMOLINA to Healthnetwork Foundation, 2017— the day I’ll you have the opportunity to never forget—the hear directly from our nation’s FDA approved top medical leaders, scientists, Kymriah™, the first and researchers. therapy of its kind, A key problem in treating to treat pediatric cancer is that the immune and young-adult system often fails to do leukemia. The a critical part of its job: platform was recognizing cancer cells that approved for don’t belong. Special immune non-Hodgkin’s cells known as T-cells, a lymphoma the next type of white blood cells, are year. The dream of supposed to recognize and help getting a person’s to destroy dangerous cells. In own immune cancer, however, the T-cells system to fight don’t properly attack cancerous cancer had become tumors. a reality right in front of our eyes. CAR (chimeric antigen I oversee a large lab at Penn’s Perelman School We have already begun to use Immune receptor) T-cell therapy was of Medicine, and our goal is to develop new ways Health® at Penn to profile the immune system’s designed to teach immune to listen to the immune system and use that responses to disease and put this work into high cells to recognize cancer cells. information to predict or treat disease. We want gear to understand COVID-19. By profiling the Some of the body’s T cells are to understand how the immune system functions immune systems of patients with COVID-19, removed and in health and why it we’ve been able to publish findings that help genetically can fail in disease. us understand which patients might get more retrained to find “CAR (chimeric antigen With immunotherapy, severe disease. We are also launching similar a specific chunk receptor) T-cell therapy profiling efforts across disease areas here at of biological the thing being Penn Medicine. The possibilities for this are so code – the cancer was designed to injected into the body exciting! L fingerprint. teach immune cells to is targeting the cells of E. JOHN WHERRY, PH.D., is director When the T-cells the immune system, of the Institute for Immunology and chair of the are returned to recognize cancer cells not the cells causing Department of Systems Pharmacology and the body, they the disease. It’s training Translational Therapeutics at the University hunt down the immune system to of Pennsylvania. In 2020, Dr. Wherry received a and destroy all become the drug. If we donation from Healthnetwork and their donors for cells with that can retrain the immune COVID-19 research. Two of Dr. Wherry’s colleagues, fingerprint. These engineered system, those changes last much longer than Dr. Bruce Levine and Dr. Robert Vonderheide, received Service Excellence “hunter cells” live on in the anything we inject because our immune system Awards from Healthnetwork as well in support of their visionary work in body as a permanent defense can evolve and change as a tumor or infection cancer research. long after the cancer is gone. changes in a way that no traditional drug can do. HEALTHNETWORK is a Legatus membership benefit, a health care “concierge service” that provides members and their families access to some of the most respected hospitals in the world. One Call Starts It All: (866) 968-2467 or (440) 893-0830. Email: [email protected] HEALTHNETWORK FOUNDATION is a nonprofit whose mission is to improve medicine for all by connecting CEOs with leading hospitals and their doctors to provide the best access to world-class care and increase philanthropic funding for medical research. September 2021 | 38 | legatus.org

FEEDING THE CHEF RICHARD MICHELI FOODIE Italian restaurant’s patrons become ‘family’ JESUS SPOKE NUMEROUS TIMES requires attention to detail — a detail that we about friendships, but this one feel makes Portofino a special place for people hit home for me: “This is my to come to host family, friends, and business commandment, that you love associates. one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love Many of our patrons have been very loyal to us.  than this, to lay down one’s At this point, we serve those who are children life for one’s friends. You are and grandchildren of former customers.  We my friends if you do what I have become involved in their families, and command you. I do not call you they have become our friends.  We go to their servants any longer, because children’s Baptisms and weddings, and many the servant does not know what have joined our family at special occasions.  This the master is doing; but I have sense of family and community is a unique trait called you friends, because of our restaurant.   I have made known to you everything that I have heard To honor our dedicated customers, we print the from my Father” (John 15:12- names of regular customers alongside their 15). For me, it encompasses was started by my immigrant father and mother, favorite dish.  This tradition also has included the broadest insight into living Sergio and Pilar, with the help of his father, our family members.  My mother’s favorite is the together as friends.  Nonno Adelmo. In our restaurant you get food, Lemony Chicken Piccata alla “Pilar.”  My sister’s I am very fortunate to family, and friendship all in one place. dish is the crabmeat-topped Pollo “Maria Teresa.” be reminded about and The restaurant business is considered a service My father loved eating clam sauce and snails, surrounded by family and industry. At The Portofino, we have evolved Linguine alla “Sergio.” And of course, there’s my friends at work.  We own into the friendship industry too. Any restaurant grandfather’s namesake, Bocconcini dello “Chef the 51-year-old, family-run can serve food each day, but to serve for more Adelmo.” L Portofino Restaurant in than 50 years takes care and consideration of Arlington, Va.  The restaurant our customers. Getting to know our “regulars” CHEF RICHARD MICHELI, new this month to the “Foodie” roster, is chef-owner at The Portofino Restaurant in Arlington, VA. POLLO PICCATA 4 tbsp. brined capers Depending on the size of the to loosen brown bits stuck on to pan, swirl to coat chicken.  pan, cook chicken, without bottom.  Continue to reduce Check salt and pepper.  Just Ingredients: 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped overcrowding, or work in two wine, 2-3 min. before serving, add 2 tbsp. 4 skinless and boneless batches.  Add salt and pepper butter, swirl to incorporate.  chicken breasts, 5 oz. each, Salt and pepper, to taste to taste.  Leave undisturbed Add lemon juice, capers and Add parsley. Enjoy! or 2 large chicken breasts, for 2-3 minutes, cook until chicken stock, return chicken butterflied and then cut in half Method: browned, then turn pieces Lightly pound the chicken over, cook the other side for 1 cup flour, for dredging breasts between two sheets 3 minutes.  Remove chicken of plastic wrap until under to clean plate.  If working in 6 tbsp. unsalted butter ½ inch thick. Place flour on batches, heat another 2 tbsp. plate. Dredge chicken breasts butter and 2 tbsp. oil and 4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil through flour. Place on continue cooking other pieces separate plate. of chicken.   1/4 cup white cooking wine Heat 2 tbsp. butter and Take the pan off of heat, add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp. olive oil in a large white wine to deglaze.  Heat to taste skillet on medium-high heat.  pan, medium heat, scrape pan 1/2 cup chicken stock September 2021 | 39 | legatus.org

NEWS BRIEFS FRANCE NOW REQUIRES PARENTS The high court recently agreed to favor it. Those figures closely mirror TO OBTAIN PERMISSION TO hear the case of Dobbs v. Jackson the survey results of U.S. adults HOMESCHOOL Women’s Health Organization, generally, among whom 32 percent PARIS, France – The French involving Mississippi’s ban on most “somewhat” favor the death penalty Constitutional Court – the elective abortions after 15 weeks, in such cases and 27 percent equivalent of the U.S. Supreme Court which activists on both sides of the “strongly” favor it, the Pew report – approved a law placing heavy debate say could prompt the court said. restrictions on homeschooling to re-examine its 1973 ruling in The poll numbers follow a 2018 in France. In mid-August, they Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion update to the Catechism that the approved legislation saying nationwide. death penalty is “inadmissible.” that parents must now obtain The Supreme Court is expected to permission from local authorities to hear arguments in the Dobbs case A COVID STAY-IN-CHURCH ORDER? homeschool. Formerly, they – like beginning in October. FEWER GERMANS THAN USUAL parents in the U.S. – could simply QUIT THEIR CHURCHES DURING state they have opted for this type of MOST U.S. CATHOLICS BACK THE 2020 education for their children. DEATH PENALTY FOR MURDER BONN, Germany — Fewer It in essence becomes a prohibition AT LEAST ‘SOMEWHAT,’ SURVEY Christians left the Church in on homeschooling in the country, FINDS Germany during the pandemic barring individual exceptions. WASHINGTON — An April 2011 year of 2020 than in previous years, Formerly, French parents who chose survey of more than 5,000 U.S. according to July news reports. to homeschool were subject to Catholic adults has found that most annual ‘inspections,’ and combining support the use of the death penalty Some 221,000 Germans left the children from different families for for murder convicts. Catholic Church, while 220,000 classes has been forbidden. Some The poll, published in June, shows left the Evangelical Church in 30,000 to 50,000 children in France that 31 percent of Catholics Germany (EKD), a federation of 20 are currently homeschooled. “somewhat” favor the death penalty Lutheran, Reformed and United for those convicted of murder, while Protestant regional churches and MISSISSIPPI ATTORNEY GENERAL 27 percent of Catholics “strongly” denominations. Although still TO SUPREME COURT: IT’S TIME a significant exodus of church TO OVERTURN ROE V. WADE members, the figures represent a ABORTION RULING decline of about 20 percent from WASHINGTON — In a brief filed 2019, according to statistics. with the U.S. Supreme Court in July, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn The pandemic nevertheless did Fitch asked the justices to overturn its damage by causing deep cuts two of its landmark rulings on in church life and in income from abortion, arguing those decisions church taxes, which are legally “shackle states to a view of the facts imposed on tax-eligible church that is decades out of date.” members in Germany.  L SOURCES: Catholic News Agency, Catholic News Service, Crux, Vatican News September 2021 | 40 | legatus.org

CHAPTER NEWS CINCINNATI. (Shown left) The Chapter’s July 13 event at The Redmoor in Cincinnati featured guest speaker Kendra Von Esh, who spoke on “Spiritual Redirection,” sharing her personal journey from “for the world” to “for God.” Pictured (l. to r.): Lora & Mike Huhn, Chapter president; Kendra Von Esh; and Chris and David Burleigh, hosts. Also at its July event, The Chapter welcomed new member-couple Ernie and Karen Rummler, who were inducted after Mass at Christ the King Church. CINCINNATI. On August 10 (feast of St. Lawrence), the Chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary in a fiery way. Its newest member-couple, Mark and Julie Moore, was inducted at St. Ann’s Church; then the Chapter celebrated at Pinecroft at the Crosley Estate with a grand party. Pictured left (l. to r.): Mark and Julie Moore; Fr. James Bramlage; Chapter president Mike Huhn. (Shown right) Members, alumni, and guests enjoyed a live jazz quartet, specialty cocktails (Silver martinis and St. Lawrence cocktails), an elegant setting with surf and turf meal, toasts with commemorative wine glasses, and a special cherries jubilee dessert with a fiery chef demonstration. The evening’s guest speaker was Teresa Tomeo. CINCINNATI. Also for its 25th anniversary on August 10, the Chapter had a special presentation recognizing two founders: (left) Don Neyer, who received the AMBY pin and celebrated his 91st birthday; and (right) Chapter chaplain Fr. James Bramlage, who was awarded a work of commissioned art by North Carolina Catholic artist Maddie Torres, of an image and quote from St. John Vianney. Fr. Bramlage hasn’t missed a chapter event in 25 years. 41September 2021 | | legatus.org

CHAPTER ST. LOUIS NEWS The July Chapter meeting was a magnificent 25th anniversary ST. LOUIS. celebration, beginning at the ST. LOUIS. 100-year-old Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis with Confession and rosary, followed by Mass. The Cathedral Basilica is renowned for its wall and ceiling mosaics, which are comprised of almost 42 million pieces of brightly colored glass depicting the Catholic faith and the history of St. Louis — a must-see in the city. Mass Celebrant was Chapter chaplain Reverend Monsignor Henry Breier, and the day chairs were Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kerkhoff. Afterward, members gathered atop the Chase Park Plaza in the Starlight Room, with its panoramic view of St Louis’ Forest Park and Central West End. The dinner program was moderated by Mrs. Diane Snively and featured a panel of founders who started the St. Louis Chapter 25 years ago, in 1996. They shared their commitment to Legatus and many anecdotes of the Chapter’s early days. The Chapter is eternally grateful to these founders and their continued dedication to the mission of Legatus. NORTH GEORGIA. The Chapter’s August 10 event featured Fr. Jim Sichko, traveling papal SAVANNAH. For the Savannah Chapter’s August 3 event, Bishop Stephen D. Parks and missionary, who knocked it out of the park with his lively presentation to members, “Voice of Chapter chaplain Fr. Daniel Firmin celebrated Mass at the Cathedral in Savannah. laughter: storytelling and praise.” Photo courtesy of Chuck Kearns, whose son (pictured, middle) was altar server for Mass. September 2021 | 42 | legatus.org

CHAPTER Merion Tribute House (Merion, PA). for the evening and educated NEWS The Most Reverend-Metropolitan the chapter on the history of the Archbishop was also guest speaker Ukrainian Catholic Church. PHILADELPHIA The Philadelphia Chapter attended a Ukrainian Catholic Mass on July 13, presided by Ukrainian Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Archbishop-Metropolitan for Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, and held at the PHILADELPHIA. Father Bill Donovan, chaplain of the Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA. Ukrainian Archbishop Borys Gudziak addressing the Philadelphia Chapter – both as Chapter, shown with Ukrainian Archbishop Borys Gudziak at the Mass celebrant and guest speaker – at their July 13 event at Merion Tribute House (Merion, PA). Chapter’s July 13 event – which included a Ukrainian Catholic Mass. LAKE CHARLES. On July 14, the Lake Charles Chapter president, Dennis Stine and his wife Marla, hosted Chapter members to discuss growing the Chapter membership. LAKE CHARLES. Then on July 22, the Lake Charles Chapter featured Catholic speaker and magician Giancarlo Bernini. Using the art of illusion, Giancarlo shares a unique perspective on faith and what it means to seek Truth. September 2021 | 43 | legatus.org

CHAPTER NEWS DETROIT. At the Detroit Chapter’s annual family event on July 15 at the Birmingham Athletic Club, pictured here are the children and grandchildren of members attending. They are shown with Chapter chaplain Monsignor Charles Kosanke and at-large member Brother Francis Boylan. CHARLOTTE. At their summer social on July 15, Charlotte Chapter members had a great time at Town Brewing in Charlotte sampling beer flights and learning about the beer brewing process, including a beer quiz and fun beer facts. LINCOLN The Chapter celebrated its 16th anniversary on July 20 (after having to cancel the event last year due to COVID). The evening began with Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, celebrated by Fr. Chris Goodwin. Following was a well-attended social and dinner in the beautifully decorated Country Club of Lincoln ballroom. Toasts and reflections were presented by Monsignor Barr — “Remembering the Past”, Ken Darnell — “Appreciating the Present,” and Jerry Meyer— “Looking forward to the Future.” Then INDIANAPOLIS. At their July meeting, the Indianapolis Chapter enjoyed Fr. Leo LEGATUS AT NAPA INSTITUTE. Legatus members danced to music by Patalinghug’s Pasta a la Vodka, along with his engaging presentation. Monsignor Schaedel members led the opening patriotic rosary at the Koopmann Combo. L and Fr. Leo concelebrated Mass at St. Luke Catholic Church. Members then gathered at the Napa Institute on July 21, in the Estate Cave Meridian Hills Club for dinner, presentation, and merriment. on the property of the Meritage Resort. LINCOLN. September 2021 | 44 | legatus.org

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WishywoartFhortuhme tciommemitBymDianea Pnaretnt Executive families employee’s serious support. In all these worthy endeavors hours monthly.) I’ve grown have many privileges, necessitating time, nowhere in the list did it include taking care of as a leader and learned how as well as demands myself, marriage, health, or God. to help others grow in their on their time. roles. I’ve grown as Balancing them When the opportunity a wife and mother, while focusing on presented itself to join my first “… my company executive and I’m learning to the Kingdom can be a serious challenge. Forum 11 years ago, it was sold team and my family all also prioritize my Choosing how to spend as the “best thing you will do agree … the [time] each personal needs. As I time, whom to spend for yourself and your family,” am maturing, and my it with, and what “your own space for you,” “place roles as a CEO, mother, to invest it in are to learn family balance from month I give to Forum friend, and follower questions every person others who have mastered it.” is the most productive are evolving, I know faces throughout life. It sounded like the magic pill, someone in my Forum but I couldn’t envision giving an investment of my time will have experiences As a young executive mother entire day each month to any for all of us to help me each step of five, I was trying to master one thing. After discerning for of the way. I’m still a the art of discerning time a while, I answered the call to work in progress, but commitments. At each stage try. I would never even of my children’s development, consider walking this I didn’t want to miss a thing, Our Forum took a couple years to discover what we were supposed path without my Forum. I am and likewise wanted to be as to be exactly, but even during the learning period it was worth the truly blessed in their allowing supportive as I could to my investment in time. Once we figured out our ‘secret sauce,’ it has me to be part of their lives, and husband and his profession, lived up to every promise and more. Like anything, you get out they know they are a beloved and every philanthropic what you put in. As our group learned how to be vulnerable and part of mine. organization we supported. truly real with each other, we skyrocketed in growth in every area Parish involvement critically …. personal, spiritual, family, business, community. Each one of DIANA PARENT depended on volunteers, the company needed a leader to us gulped at committing a half a day each month at first, but it was is president and CEO drive culture and profitable when we realized this was not enough time that our investment/ of SVN Parke Group, growth, as well as a dedicated results ratio really took off. a full-service commercial real estate firm. She Now my company executive team and my family all agree that serves on the Legatus the 12 hours a month I give to Forum is the most productive board of governors, is a member of the investment of my time for all of us. (Most forums meet just a few Fort Wayne Chapter, and she and her husband, Chad, are parents of five. September 2021 | 46 | legatus.org

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2021 SUMMIT WEST SPEAKER 5 MINUTES JIM GRAVES WITH Priest heard calling to marry the Church FORMER ‘CLOSET CHRISTIAN’ GAVE SPIRITUAL SUPPORT TO CAST AND CREW OF THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST FATHER JOHN BARTUNEK WILL theology. Additionally, he offers do-it-yourself portrayed Christ in the movie, invited a priest- present a talk on “Seeking retreats on www.RCSpirituality.org and answers friend of his to visit the set when they were First the Kingdom” at the questions about the spiritual life at www. filming in Rome, and that friend invited me. As 2021 Legatus Summit West SpiritualDirection.com. soon as we got onto the set, everyone wanted in Scottsdale this month. to talk to us. They had all kinds of questions His focus will be on helping What led you to the seminary and the that had started simmering within them from participants grow in their Legionaries of Christ? working long hours on the film. So, I began to be spiritual lives. a spiritual support for some of them, and that led Father grew up Falling in love with the me into the project.  near Cleveland in Church opened me to hear a “fairly unstable,” God calling me to marry What are some basic steps a Catholic non-religious the Church, to give my can take to improve his prayer life? family. He says entire life to serving as a he converted spiritual father for God’s The two most basic steps are: 1) learning about to evangelical people and a missionary the different aspects of a prayer “life,” which Christianity as of Christ’s kingdom. Even is so much more than simply “saying prayers.” a teen but was a before I was confirmed This includes learning the differences among “closet Christian” in the Church, my heart vocal, liturgical, and mental prayer, and learning for a time, as was already being drawn what to expect and how to engage in each. In his father was to that total, spousal my experience, few Catholics are taught those “very suspicious self-giving to God and the distinctions, and it inhibits their spiritual of organized Church that is involved in growth. religion.” He the priestly vocation. converted to Catholicism in Then, 2) making a firm and persevering decision 1991, joined the Legionaries I always felt myself attracted to religious life to have a daily God-time, a daily chunk of time of Christ in 1993, and was rather than diocesan priesthood, and I spent a spent alone with God, during which you pray. ordained a priest in 2003. lot of time with a lot of different religious orders. That decision is the most important thing. I have An author on spirituality When I met the Legionaries of Christ, their created many resources that can help people and prayer, he also provided solid orthodoxy, joyful zeal, and deep, integral pray and learn to pray better, but I can never spiritual support on the set formation was irresistible.  Their mission of make that decision for them. That decision is of Mel Gibson’s 2004 film forming apostles, Christian leaders at the service the one thing the devil wants to undermine in The Passion of the Christ, and of the Church’s mission of evangelization, anyone who has left behind habitual mortal sin. wrote Inside the Passion, a attracted me as well. book about his experiences. Regular spiritual direction—meeting with a He divides his time between How did you come to be involved with spiritual coach—is an incredibly effective way the Queen of the Family The Passion of the Christ? to keep growing in one’s prayer life. Legatus Retreat Center in Michigan members have this possibility at their fingertips, and the Regina Apostolorum I only became involved serendipitously — or, because every chapter has a chaplain. L in Rome, where he teaches I should say, providentially. Jim Caviezel, who September 2021 | 48 | legatus.org

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MEET THE JIM GRAVES CHAPLAIN During a silent retreat, ‘He placed His hands on my head’ SAN DIEGO CHAPLAIN SAYS MEDITATIVE VISION OF CHRIST INSPIRED HIS PRIESTHOOD FATHER ANTHONY SAROKI GREW for World Youth Day was the What is your impression of Legatus?  up in San Diego, earned a law “Come and See” passage from degree from UC Berkeley, and the beginning of the Gospel of The members are wonderful.  They are began his career at a large law John.  During my meditation, accomplished people and, more importantly, firm in downtown San Diego. I saw myself with Jesus in a authentic disciples of the Lord.  Also, I have really After two years of practicing one-room house, sharing a enjoyed the speakers at the monthly meetings.  business law, he opted for meal of bread and fish.  After the seminary instead and we ate, I knelt before Him, and What have you found most rewarding was ordained a priest for the He placed His hands on my and most challenging about the Diocese of San Diego in 2005. head.  My spiritual director priesthood? He has served in a variety of told me this is what happens roles in the diocese since and when a bishop ordains a man The priesthood is immensely rewarding.  is currently pastor of Our Lady to the priesthood.  That was the Celebrating the Mass and hearing Confessions of Mount Carmel Parish. Paul is especially grace-filled and edifying.  I’ve Jonna, president of the San first time I was been at my current parish assignment for over Diego Chapter, is a parishioner open to a priestly nine years.  We have a loving, faithful, vibrant and invited him to become the vocation. community.  Just yesterday, a mother of six Chapter’s chaplain. When I returned shared her testimony about coming to the parish to law school, I for the first time five years ago and how the Why did you want to began spiritual parish has profoundly impacted each member become a priest?  direction with a of her family.  She described it as an oasis in the priest of Opus Dei.  midst of a turbulent and confused world.  I’m I had a “born again” Catholic He recommended happy to be part of that.  experience in college.  By my that I finish senior year, I was going to law school and The most challenging thing is the state of the daily Mass, was praying a daily work for a little Church.  I believe the Church is experiencing rosary, was involved in the before entering a profound identity crisis and has become campus Knights of Columbus seminary.  During the next four too aligned with secular worldviews.  I also council, and was teaching CCD years, I went back and forth believe there is a superficial unity that masks at a nearby parish.  I continued in my mind about a priestly deep division in theological perspective.  I have to practice my faith fully while vocation.  Just when I thought experienced this situation as a continuing, in law school.  After my first it wasn’t for me, I had a very underlying tension.  year (1997), I went to World powerful experience in prayer Youth Day in Paris.  on May 12, 2001, followed by an Anything else you’d like to share?  extended period of peace and Prior to that, I attended a joy.  During this experience, Once or twice a week, very early in the morning, five-day silent Ignatian it became very clear that I go surfing at one of the local beaches.  This is a retreat.  During that retreat, God was calling me to apply special time of communion with the Lord, and I we were invited to meditate to the seminary for priestly on Gospel passages using formation.   our imagination.  The theme enjoy it very much. L September 2021 | 50 | legatus.org