Exclusive capitol event another unforgettable success

Legatus was well represented this year at the annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on April 23 in Washington. D.C., with a 40-participant delegation on hand. This was just one of the highlights of the 2019 Catholics at the Capitol excursion hosted by Legatus’ Conferences and Events office. Representing 20 chapters from across the country, the group gathered initially on April 22 at the landmark Marriott Marquis – Washington D.C.’s largest hotel. The evening began with the opening vigil Mass at the historic Immaculate Conception Church, where Legates led the rosary from the front pews as the wider congregation assembled.

COVINGTON, KY’S SANDMAN FAMILY SPOKE

After Mass a welcome reception and dinner for the delegation featured special guests Tom and Julie Sandmann. The Sandmann’s teenage son Nick, a student at Covington Catholic High School in Kentucky, was the victim of completely false reporting and character defamation by national media outlets reacting to pictures of him attending a demonstration after the March for Life. Tom and Julie shared their raw story of survival and fortitude before a spellbound dinner audience.

PREMIUM PRAYER BREAKFAST SEATING, PRIVATE TOURS

The next day the Legatus delegation enjoyed premium seating in the center-front of the ballroom for the Prayer Breakfast. A record 1,400+ people attended this year’s event, so the VIP seating was a big value-add.

Remarks from Abby Johnson, White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Bishop Thomas Olmsted, and FOCUS founder Curtis Martin highlighted a packed program. After Mass, the delegation boarded a motor coach for a private tour of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Lunch that day was at Maloney Hall, home of the Catholic University of America’s Busch School of Business, followed by a faculty panel.

GEORGE WEIGEL FEATURED DINNERFINALE PRESENTER

An afternoon of free time led to an unforgettable evening at the legendary Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse located in the heart of D.C.’s upscale CityCenter neighborhood. Dinner at one of the highestrated restaurants in the District was enjoyed by all, while George Weigel spoke on the Church’s contemporary challenges and how they relate to Catholic history.

The evening extended with Legatus members enjoying close fellowship and very fine wine, courtesy of Tom Monaghan, to enhance their time together.

WHITE HOUSE, MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE WALKS

The last day of the excursion began with rosary and Mass at the Catholic Information Center on K Street, followed by a walk through the White House, including a look out over the famous South Lawn just moments after the take-off of the Marine One helicopter.

A final stop was the Museum of the Bible, one of D.C.’s newest and most popular attractions, for a private lunch reception and tour hosted by the museum’s executives. This second annual installment of Legatus’ Catholics at the Capitol excursion was a great success, enjoying sold-out participation, and a spiritually uplifting time by all.

BY JOHN KNOWLES