Legates explore the universal Church

Bermuda conference highlights the witness of love & mercy

Legates took in an amazing cultural experience at this year’s annual summit—but not because the event was held in Bermuda. With a theme focusing on The Universal Church: Witness of Love and Mercy, attendees experienced a taste of the Eastern Church and heard from a wide array of speakers during the Feb. 5-7 event.

We tried to expand people’s thinking about the universal Church,” said summit chairman Steven Marcus. “No matter what your nationality or culture, there are 22 other rites within the Church that we can find Jesus in.”

The summit’s focus on the Eastern Church was an education in itself, said Brian Taylor, an At Large member from Scottsdale, Ariz., attending his first summit with his wife Yoko.

“It’s pretty easy to go through your whole life and not learn anything about Eastern rite Christians,” he said. “The talks enlightened us about the Eastern Church’s history and struggles. It was a real eye-opener for me.”

Summit veteran Gus Klein from the Jacksonville Chapter concurred. He came to the summit not knowing what to expect from some of the speakers and Friday’s Maronite Liturgy with Bishop Gregory Mansour and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri.

“It was much better than I expected,” he said. “I knew nothing about the Eastern Church. It was a very rewarding educational experience for me.”

Former L.A. Dodgers coach Tommy Lasorda headlined an amazing list of speakers. Best-selling author Immaculée Ilibagiza talked about how God’s mercy helped her survive the 1994 Rwandan genocide.Michael Reagan talked about his healing after being abused as a child by a family friend. He also talked about growing closer to his father, President Ronald Reagan, after he left the White House.

Mark Biagetti and his wife Lisa, members of the Providence Chapter, were impressed with how Reagan incorporated faith and common sense in his stories and anecdotes.

“It was a really inspiring talk, especially the letter his father wrote to him on his wedding day,” Mark said. “He really contrasted the world’s view of marriage with a more mature Christian view.”

Taylor was equally impressed with Ilibagiza’s frank discussion of forgiveness.

“I’ve read all three of her books,” he said. “The books tore me apart. Here’s a woman who suffered so much. She lost everyone and she came out of this thing very forgiving. That is a tremendous lesson for everybody.”

The next Legatus summit will be held at the St. Regis in Dana Point, Calif., from Feb. 4-6, 2010.

Patrick Novecosky is the editor of Legatus Magazine.

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2008 Award Winners

Ambassador of the Year: Scot Landry, Boston Chapter

Officers of the Year: Joe & Paula Melançon

Courage in the Marketplace: Keith Fimian

Cardinal O’Connor Pro-Life Award: Dr. John Haas, Molly Kelly, Janet Morana

Bowie Kuhn Special Award for Evangelization: Tom Peterson

Defender of the Faith Award: Archbishop Charles J. Chaput

Campbell Award: Las Vegas, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Providence, Mobile

Angott Award: Baton Rouge, Orange Coast, Columbus