Winter Summit in Bermuda

Conference highlights mercy and the universal Church

Bermuda’s pink sand, cerulean blue ocean and fascinating history aren’t the only things beckoning Legatus members to the island in February.

A distinguished lineup of speakers and an inspired liturgical experience are an even bigger draw for the 2009 Winter Summit, according to Summit chairman Steven Marcus, a member of the Western Massachusetts Chapter of Legatus.

The Feb. 5-7 event’s theme, The Universal Church: Witness of Love and Mercy, carries a special significance, he said.

“In this Pauline year, the Holy Father is asking us to retreat into the desert, so to speak,” said Marcus, a Maronite rite deacon.

“The summit will give us an opportunity to pray, learn and relax,” he explained. “It will remind us that there are many rites within the Church. Among the exciting faculty, we have people with stories from Iraq, Rwanda, Lebanon and the Vatican.We’re focusing on the fact that we have a universal Church and one loving triune God. That’s the theme we’re building on.”

Former Los Angeles Dodgers coach Tommy Lasorda headlines an amazing list of speakers and entertainers. Rwandan genocide survivor and best-selling author Immaculée Ilibagiza will talk about God’s mercy and how it helped her survive her terrible ordeal. Michael Reagan, son of President Ronald Reagan, will talk about the role faith plays in his life.

Other faculty members include Sr. Olga Yaqob (lovingly referred to as the Mother Teresa of Iraq); Andreas Widmer (Legatus member and former Vatican Swiss Guard); Cardinal Leonardo Sandri (Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches); former Boston Mayor and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican Ray Flynn; Legatus member, author and neurologist Dr.Vincent Fortanasce; Priests for Life director Fr. Frank Pavone; author and evangelist Vinny Flynn; Boston auxiliary Bishop Robert Hennessy; Bermuda Bishop Robert Kurtz; Maronite Bishop Gregory Mansour; and Catholic composer and entertainer Eric Genuis.

The program will have something to renew, refresh and educate everyone in their faith, says Legatus conference director Laura Sacha.

“We’re planning a ladies tea — a great Bermuda tradition — on the opening day,” she explained. “The island has a great history and charm, which will really complement the program we have lined up.”

Settled in 1609, Bermuda is the oldest and most populous remaining overseas British territory. Only 770 miles from both New York and Boston, theWinter Summit is easily accessible from most major east coast airports.

Patrick Novecosky is the editor of Legatus Magazine.