Silver anniversary summit

President George Bush to headline Legatus’ 25th anniversary Summit in February . . .

George W. Bush

The upcoming annual Summit — only four months away — will mark Legatus’ 25th anniversary, and the response to this milestone event has been enthusiastic. Legates have already begun reserving their rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples, Fla. Because a capacity crowd is anticipated, event organizers suggest booking a room as early as possible for the Feb. 2-4 event.

The Summit’s theme, “Living the Fullness of Faith,” takes its inspiration from Christ’s declaration, “Behold I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). The roster of speakers and special guests is accordingly full and faithful, featuring faces new to Legatus as well as seasoned Summit veterans. Confirmed faculty include:

• President George W. Bush, who wowed Legates at the 2010 Summit

• Cardinal Raymond Burke, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura at the Vatican, the main celebrant and homilist for the opening Mass

Cardinal Raymond Burke

• Dr. William Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

• Donohue’s fellow New Yorker Fr. George Rutler, Legatus’ former national chaplain and current host of the long-running EWTN program Christ in the City

• Legatus’ current international chaplain Bishop Sam Jacobs of the Houma Thibodaux (La.) diocese, main celebrant of the Friday Mass, which will held at the Oratory in Ave Maria, Fla.

• J. David Karam, president of Wendy’s International, noted philanthropist, chair of the Professional Advisory Council for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and trustee of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

• Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, a convert from Hinduism to Catholicism

Dr. William Donohue

• Republican U.S. Senator from Florida Marco Rubio

• Carolyn Woo, newly appointed president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services

As at every past national conference, Legatus’ silver Summit will be graced with priests renowned for their spiritual leadership. In addition to addressing the attendees, they will celebrate daily Mass, hear confessions and offer private spiritual direction.

The 2012 Summit is hosted by the Legatus’ Genesis Chapter, based in Toledo, Ohio. Legatus conference director Laura Sacha says she’s heartened by members’ enthusiastic response to this milestone event, which promises to be one of the biggest ever.

“My hope for this event is my hope for all Legatus summits — namely, to provide an opportunity for members to renew a commitment to the Legatus mission as we celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, enjoy the fellowship of faithful Catholic business leaders and hear from dynamic speakers covering a variety of issues.”

Matthew A. Rarey is Legatus Magazine’s editorial assistant.