Taking Legatus higher

I’ve been contemplating all the intangible graces and benefits of Legatus, which we receive through the sacrament of Reconciliation, the recitation of the rosary and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass — the very heart of the Legatus experience. Remembering all of our members across the country participating in these same sacraments and devotions, I was struck by the sheer volume of grace which God is bestowing on his people by means of Legatus.

Stephen Henley

It reminded me of St. Louis de Montfort’s words: “When we pray in common, the prayer of each belongs to all… One who says his rosary alone only gains the merit of that one rosary. But if he says it together with others, he gains the merit of each rosary.”

We have 5,125 members. With 70% average attendance, multiplied by our combined prayers, we go from 36,000 Masses and rosaries per year to 36,000 times 36,000, totaling 1.296 billion.

De Montfort went on to say, “When people say the rosary together, it’s far more formidable to the devil than one said privately, because in this public prayer it is an army that is attacking. It is very easy to break a single stick, but if you join it to others to make a bundle, it cannot be broken. In union, there is strength.” De Montfort speaks to exactly why Tom Monaghan founded Legatus — to join forces with those who have more responsibility than they know, to carry out the New Evangelization.

As we begin a new year, let us look back at the progress of 2016. Year-end membership grew to 2,665 (5,125 with spouses). We chartered chapters in Lake Charles, La.; Vancouver, B.C.; Harrisburg, Pa.; Fairfield County, Conn.; Charlotte, N.C.; and Madison, Wis. We moved our headquarters from Florida back to Michigan, hired four new headquarters staff, two new regional directors, and four new chapter development officers. Many thanks to the membership for your continued patience and support during this transition.

We are nearing the 30th anniversary of our founding. To memorialize our anniversary, our international chaplain, Bishop Sam Jacobs, has written a prayer that we sent to all chapters as a concluding prayer for each chapter’s meetings. Lastly, you will be receiving Legatus@30, a small book that captures where Legatus came from, who we are, and where we are going: Semper Altius — always higher!

STEPHEN HENLEY is Legatus’ executive director.