Members of Legatus International, an organization of Catholic laymen and laywomen comprised of CEOs, presidents, managing partners and business owners (with their spouses), from business and professional enterprises gathered for a Summit in Naples from Feb. 6-9, 2025.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the principal celebrant for a Mass on Feb. 7, at the Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort, where about 1,000 were gathered.
The Gospel reading was Mark 6:14-29, which recounts the circumstances that led to the beheading of St. John the Baptist by King Herod. This reading foreshadows the death of Jesus Christ, noting that people who speak truth to power face consequences for what they do. In the case of John the Baptist, he challenged Herod on his marriage.
“John the Baptist grew closer to God through his desert experience, where there were less distractions,” Bishop Dewane said. “We are each called to step back at times to find the time to listen to the Lord. John the Baptist felt that presence of Jesus in the desert, just as each one of us must change our thinking, and our seeing how we are doing things as we grow closer in that relationship with the Lord. We need to become like John the Baptist – he had a role to play, that precursor of Christ and that announcer, that voice in the wilderness.”
The Bishop said that when we go outside of the church and away from like-minded Catholics, we have to be that voice in the wilderness for those around us. Whether or not it is the message others want to hear, we have to continue to speak out. While speaking out, the threat is still there. While more subtle than having one’s head cut off, we must use the unique gifts the Lord has provided and be that voice.
“Go out, be the missionary the Lord calls us to be,” Bishop Dewane said. “Announce the word of the Lord, and live to be an example in the same way as John the Baptist – out in the wilderness. It is what the Lord asks of you and of me.”
Legatus International members aspire to be faithful ambassadors for Christ and lead as many other souls to heaven as possible. The theme of the Summit was “Do Whatever He Tells You,” from the Gospel message about Wedding at Cana. Summit participants heard from a variety of international speakers while they reflected on the never-ending challenges and opportunities of living their faith at home and in the world. While the Summit was held in Naples, it was hosted by the Louisville Chapter of Legatus. Currently, there are 90 Legatus chapters across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, along with at-large members overseas, with an average chapter size of about 30 people.
Among those attending the Legatus Summit were Jeff Hyman, President of the Naples Legatus Chapter. Hyman and his wife Nanci are originally from Illinois and have lived in Naples since 2020. Jeff Hyman has 33 years of financial services experience and is currently on the Visionary Wealth Management Team at RBC Wealth Management.
As part of Legatus, the Hyman’s organize and participate in monthly gatherings of members, joining others in growing their faith through worship, prayer and fellowship.
“The goal is to help trickle down the faith and values of the Catholic Church to others,” Jeff Hyman said.
