Last week we all watched as Pope Francis walked slowly up the incline to the façade of St Peter’s Basilica. His white silhouette set against the expanse of grey stone, and engulfed in the darkness of the waning day, gave all of us pause and consolation. Just like us, Pope Bergoglio walked alone, but was he really alone?
At the end of his path was set the altar, and eventually, the presence of Jesus in the monstrance. The light that emanated from the altar, and the glory of Bernini peeking through the doors showed us all the truth we know in our hearts. Amidst the outer darkness, there is a light that shines from the inside. That light that starts with Christ and flows through the heart of each and every one.
Some ask, “Why would God allow this? Is it his judgment?” But the Pope turned that question around to “How are you judging the value of things in your life?” This crisis gives us a chance to judge better – to value better. It allows us to band together to fight a common enemy. It sets the stage for countless acts of faith, hope, and love. The encircling darkness we fight against allows the glow of the resurrection to be more palpable.
As Lumen members, we are all focused on caring for our families, protecting our employees, serving our clients, and assuring our stakeholders. Let us do that with the light of Christ that Pope Francis showed us. Let us do it with daily prayer, continuous acts of kindness, and unconditional love. For the ones who call us father and friend, husband, brother, son, and cousin, for all, let us show them the Light of Christ that we share as Lumen members.
Virtual Leadership Circles continue to meet via ZOOM. If you need more information contact , Paivi@lumeninstitute.org
As you all know we have arranged to have Zoom available for Chapters’ to use for Circles and other gatherings. Additionally, we conducted a national Zoom call last week with Steve Auth and Jason Trennert to discuss their views on the coronavirus, the impact on the markets and overall outlook for the economy. There were over 70 members who called in and many more listened to the recorded session the following day. This was a suggestion from Ray Burns, one of our NJ members and the call was very successful. If anyone has suggestions for other topics that would interest the national membership please let us know.
In case you missed the call or would like to hear it again, HERE IS THE LINK.
After being empty nesters for the past 3 years my wife and I are excited to have two of our three children back at home and living with us. However, keeping productively busy for each of us is a necessity.
My daughter's college on-line courses have been occupying most of her time, along with putting our home gym to good use. My son has been very fortunate in that his employer has been allowing him and his team to work from home during these trying times.
As for my wife and I, we have been busy watching Fr. Mark's daily mass and spreading the 15 yards of mulch that I had delivered.
I hope everyone is staying happy and healthy!
John Roach – CT
We have become closer as a family during this crisis. It has been great having meals together and praying together. It’s really made all of us realize how important daily prayer is to stay close to God and not overcome with fear or anxiety. Our workouts fell off a cliff and the diet went out the window but it’s been nice taking a break and just relaxing.
School started Monday and the kids now all want to be home schooled! They love being able to focus on a class, do the homework after and then have the rest of the day for free time. Our school GCDS, has done a great job of making the transition. We’ve said the rosary together and watched Mass on the weekend. It really has been such an amazing time to bond as a family and experience this together as a family, community and world.
God bless everyone and thanks for reaching out!
Lumen Chicago
On March 7, 2020, in the Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, Lumen sponsored the second annual “A Man among Men Catholic Men’s Conference.” The theme this year was “Enter the Battle College.” This conference was the last held in Chicago before such assemblies started shutting down because of the Coronavirus. Even so, 225 men participated in the event, and all were more than satisfied with the event. Our speakers included Fr. John Bartunek, L.C. Kevin Matthews (of Chicago radio fame,) and Dr. Jorge Valdés (whom many of us already know from the Lumen National Summit of 2020), and many more. Besides the high-quality formation that all of these men received, Lumen also staffed a “sponsor´s table,” and four excellent candidates contacted us after the event to learn more about Lumen.
We were very proud to sponsor this event and hope to do so again next year.
We will inform you of any cancellations or postponements
April 26 - May 2, 2020, Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome with Fr. Martin Connor, LC. DOWNLOAD INFORMATION HERE.
June 26-30th, Father/Son Mission Trip to Montana. Please contact Mike Stabolepszy for more information.
September 28-30. Fr. Bruce Wren and Mr. & Mrs. Grybas have arranged for Lumen couples to attend the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
October 8-11. Fr. Michael Sliney is organizing an Annual Father/Daughter Mission and Service Trip to New Orleans. Please click here for more information
Our Mission
Lumen’s Mission is to further enhance the character, faith, and leadership skills of today’s business and cultural leaders and their families.
