Keeping his chin up in ‘Charm City’

Monsignor Arthur Valenzano loves serving as Legatus’ Baltimore chaplain . . .

Monsignor Arthur F. Valenzano

Monsignor Arthur F. Valenzano
Baltimore Chapter

Rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Monsignor Arthur F. Valenzano is honored to be Legatus’ chapter chaplain in Baltimore, commonly known as “Charm City” because of its many neighborhoods’ history and unspoiled charm. He finds solidarity with Legates in their cultural concerns, especially those for the country’s future. But he has also experienced support from members in his struggle with leukemia, which he was diagnosed with in 2005 while on sabbatical in Rome. The disease is now in remission and, he says, “The going is good, thank God.”

Tell us about your call to the priesthood.

The call was already present before the seventh grade. That’s when one of the young priests in the parish stopped in the classroom and asked how many boys wanted to become a priest. About half of us raised our hands. But later on that day my teacher, Sr. Melmarie, asked me if I was serious. I said I was, and she said she’d pray for me. Long story short, I became a “lifer” from high school seminary to ordination in 1975.

How did you become acquainted with Legatus?

About six years ago, a friend I went to seminary with was in the process of joining. He invited me to a meeting. The speaker that night was our mutual friend from seminary, George Weigel. George was maybe two years behind me. Our vocational paths would diverge, but he still calls me “Artie.”

Was there a chaplain before you?

Monsignor Richard Cramblitt had been chaplain when I became rector of the basilica back in 2010. Legatus meets about three blocks away at the Maryland Club, which is where we also have Mass. His schedule was such that if I was willing to take over, he would like to bow out because of the logistics. I was glad to accept, especially since I knew a couple of members already.

Many of our Legates are involved with the archdiocese in leadership positions, like serving on committees, advising Archbishop William Lori, and assisting Catholic Charities. Legatus encourages this sort of involvement in one really wonderful city.

How would you like to see the chapter progress?

I’d like to see every member develop a deeper relationship with Christ. Every time we come together for Eucharist, it nourishes us and feeds us. I support our members sacramentally, spiritually, and I hope they know I’m praying for them.

You have a vocation, of course. Any avocations?

Being connected with my family and exercising. When I was a younger priest, we had a priests’ softball team in Baltimore called the Padres, and we’d play Sunday afternoons. Now I take walks in the afternoon! The only sport I still play is golf. I try to get together for a round with a group of priests once a week.

I also love being a member of the Emmaus Group here in Baltimore. It’s a group for diocesan priests to come together monthly, to pray and get support. It’s easy to become a Lone Ranger as a diocesan priest. That’s not healthy.

Can you recommend any devotions?

The rosary and Divine Office are essential to my daily life. I also encourage everyone to go to Mass daily and consider the prayers before and after Mass by Saints Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.

Are there any lessons you’ve learned that are apt for business leaders?

Never give up when you’re fighting the good fight. And it’s encouraging when I know there are people — people including Legates — who support me and believe what I believe and take a stand for it. Like when we recently challenged the same-sex “marriage” law in Maryland. We lost the legal battle, but we were in solidarity.

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