Chance meeting in Rome launches Legatus chapter

Bishop Ronald Gainer

Lexington Chapter

The chief shepherd of the Diocese of Lexington, Ky., calls himself a “cheerleader” for Legatus. After a chance meeting with Legatus’ founder in Rome, Bishop Ronald Gainer set out to launch a chapter in his diocese. With 14 committed couples already, the chapter continues to grow in the heart of America’s Protestant Bible Belt. He lauds Legatus’ mission to help members study, live and spread the faith, saying its many benefits to the Church are innumerable.

How did your chapter get started?

In 2004, I was in Rome on a pilgrimage with about 70 people from the diocese. I was in the hotel lobby in my bishop’s cassock when a man came up to me and put out his hand. It was Tom Monaghan. He was on the annual Legatus pilgrimage.

We were both headed to the papal audience. We began to chat, and I think my words to him were, “What would I need to do to explore the possibility of a Legatus chapter in Lexington?” He said, “You would be interested?” I said, “Oh, absolutely!” Although Lexington has a small Catholic population, we have a significant number of Catholics in very important positions in government and private business.

I love Legatus’ mission — this opportunity for business people to study, live and spread the faith in their personal and professional lives. Legatus provides a catalyst for that. So to show my support, I chose to be the chaplain. Throughout my priesthood, I have always felt that one leads by doing. I wanted to show my enthusiasm for Legatus. So with very few exceptions, I have been there every month for confessions and then offered the Mass. I have certainly grown through the speakers and my association with Legatus members.

What benefits does Legatus bring to your diocese?

It provides a collaboration of people in the upper tier of business leadership. It helps strengthen the fabric of our local Church. One of the strategic priorities of the diocese is adult faith formation. Legatus provides an ongoing formation in the faith by bringing in wonderful speakers and providing interaction with men and women who are struggling to bring Christ to bear in their personal lives and business lives.

As members experience personal growth through the monthly gatherings, I am convinced that they are going to invest themselves more fully in their parishes — service and the broader life of the diocese — as well as influencing the culture of business.

One of our members who is retiring said, “I wouldn’t see myself saying this months back, but I would really like to find out how I could volunteer to bring some of my experience to the diocesan Church.” I’m convinced that it’s his formation and the graces from Legatus gatherings that have provoked the desire to donate some of his retirement to a couple of our diocesan ministries.

I also love how Legatus strengthens marriage by bringing together people who have similar challenges in life — all bonded by our Catholic faith.

How do regular meetings contribute to the faith formation you mentioned?

We need to have routine. Our monthly meetings provide the opportunity for Confession, the rosary, Mass and dinner with a speaker. In that, the Spirit is at work, and that is what helps to sustain and deepen our faith. There has to be something more than just a one-time retreat experience, something that continues to deepen that grace. I think Legatus provides that.

I’m a cheerleader for getting our group chartered. It would be a great benefit to our dedicated members, for our future members and for our local Church.