Three reasons to rejoice

Legatus’ three newly chapters bring momentum going into our anniversary year . . .

John J. Hunt

Three — the mystical number three — has inspired the Church from its origins: The three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity; the three members of the Holy Family; and, of course, the Blessed Trinity.

In sacred scripture, the number three represents that which is solid, real and substantial. It usually indicates something of importance or significance in God’s plan of salvation. In the last quarter of 2011, Legatus experienced the gift of the number three. In the space of three short weeks, our chairman and founder Tom Monaghan had the pleasant task of presiding over the chartering of three new chapters — Orange Canyons and South Bay of Los Angeles in California and Lexington in Kentucky. (Click here for a related story.)

The birth stories of these three chapters are as diverse as are the communities they represent. The Orange Canyons Chapter overnight became the new champion in terms of members welcomed from initial introduction to chartering. In a brief 94-day period, Orange Canyons went from its inaugural event to chartering with a record-setting 38 couples. Bishop Tod Brown of the Diocese of Orange presided over the chapter’s chartering Mass. The enthusiasm of the leadership team, led by Mike Caspino, was contagious and resulted in an effort that should be the envy of future developing chapters.

Three days later, just to the north of Orange County, the South Bay of Los Angeles Chapter matured to charter status. The perseverance of the chapter’s founders under the passionate presidency of Des Armstrong capped years of dedication to the Legatus mission with a joyfilled chartering event. Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gómez presided over the chartering Mass and spoke at the dinner that followed.

The final event in Legatus’ celebration of the number three occurred some 2,100 miles to the east as Legatus’ Lexington Chapter was blessed into the family of chartered chapters on Dec. 1. This Legatus presence in the heart of Bluegrass Country was shepherded to chartered maturity by chapter president Lee Hall with the chartering Mass being celebrated by Lexington Bishop Ronald Gainer, who also serves as the chapter’s chaplain.

As we embark on a year celebrating Legatus’ first 25 years of service to the Church, these three extraordinary events in the annals of Legatus history are cause for celebration for all members whose prayers, professionalism and good works form the foundation for Legatus’ growth into its second quarter century.

John Hunt is Legatus’ executive director. He and his wife Kathie are charter members of Legatus’ Chicago Chapter.