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Our Origin Story
Along with founding Legatus, Tom Monaghan has had a track record of success as the founder of Domino’s Pizza and Ave Maria University, among other achievements. In all his work, Tom’s number-one priority was his Catholic faith.
In 1987, Tom had the opportunity of a lifetime when he got to attend a private Mass at the Vatican with His Holiness Pope John Paul II. After coming face-to-face with his hero and a living saint, Tom was struck by a powerful idea.
Tom wanted to form an organization for Catholic CEOs and company presidents to help support them in their faith and, by extension, spread Catholic values through the business world—and beyond. It would be an organization that invited business leaders in the top positions of their companies—men and women with notable influence and common experiences as CEOs, presidents, founders, and managing executives—to build one another up in the faith, share best practices, and serve as ambassadors for Christ in their business, professional, and personal lives.
In June 1987, just one month after Tom’s visit with the Holy Father, Legatus was born.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
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Legatus Today
It has been nearly four decades since our inception, and we are proud to now stand as the world's premier membership organization for Catholic business leaders who desire to learn, live, and spread the Catholic faith in their families, businesses, and communities. Our headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan supports over 95 Legatus chapters across 38 continental states and three international locations. With more than 5,500 members, Legatus continues to inspire and encourage Catholic business leaders through prayer, fellowship, and professional growth.
If you desire to live out your faith more authentically in the workplace and everyday life and share the experience with like-minded executives like you, we would love to welcome you into the Legatus community.
EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
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1984
Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza, attends an Opus Dei retreat, which leaves a deep impression. The first seeds of Legatus are sown.
May 1987
Tom attends Mass with His Holiness Pope John Paul II. Following that encounter, Tom fully commits to the idea of developing an organization for Catholic CEOs and presidents to help them nurture their faith.
June 1987
Tom officially forms Legatus. The first meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has eleven attendees. The second informational meeting welcomes more than seventy attendees.
1989
The first Legatus National Conference is held in Washington D.C., with the theme "Ethics in Leadership."
1992
Five years after its founding, Legatus celebrates a milestone anniversary, marking its rapid expansion and the growing influence of Catholic business leaders. Membership soars to 672, a testament to the organization’s mission to integrate faith and leadership in the business world.
1998
Legatus founder Tom Monaghan decides to sell Domino’s Pizza and fully dedicate himself to Catholic philanthropy, education, and evangelization. That same year, membership reaches 1,200 members across 22 chapters.
2007
Legatus celebrates its 20th anniversary, reaching an incredible milestone of 4,000+ members across 73 chapters.
2010
At the Annual Summit in Dana Point, CA, Legatus welcomes former President George W. Bush, who is honored with the prestigious Cardinal John J. O’Connor Pro-Life Award.
2016
Stephen Henley is appointed as executive director, ushering in a new phase of leadership. That same year, Legatus returns to its roots, moving its headquarters back to Ann Arbor, MI, reinforcing its commitment to its founding vision.
2017
Legatus marks its 30th anniversary in spectacular fashion, now boasting 88 chapters and over 5,000 members.
2025
Nearly four decades after its founding, Legatus stands as a beacon for Catholic professionals. As the organization continues to flourish, its mission remains the same: to empower Catholic business leaders to live their faith boldly, lead with integrity, and transform the world.
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What questions can we answer?Please contact us below for information about chapters, membership, and more.
