Bishop Smith honored by Legatus
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
In a sentimental and spiritual gathering July 14 that began with Mass in St. Catharine Church in Spring Lake and included a festive dinner at the Spring Lake Country Club, the Jersey Shore Chapter of Legatus honored Bishop John M. Smith for the support he has shown the organization since the chapter was established in 2002.
Legatus, an international organization of business and professional men and women, founded in 1987 by Tom Monaghan, creator of the Domino’s Pizza franchise and Ave Maria University and the Florida town which surrounds it.
The aim of the organization is for members to spread the Catholic faith in their own business, professional and personal lives, and the Jersey Shore Chapter has drawn particular inspiration from the way Bishop Smith supported the formation of the group and stayed with it over the years, said member Bernard J. Berry.
The chapter traditionally holds a major gathering in July, Berry said.
“The bishop has traditionally attended every gathering since we were chartered,” said Berry. He noted that the members of Legatus – all actively involved in Catholic activities, education and parish life – have interacted widely with Bishop Smith in those areas as well.
“A lot of us are involved in things the bishop is involved in and when he turned 75 this year, we thought, why don’t we honor him at this event.”
The Mass was concelebrated by more than a dozen diocesan priests and attended by Christian Brother Frank Byrne, president of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft. At the reception which followed, Bishop Smith was presented with a spiritual bouquet from the members who each committed to offering a Mass, Rosary and an hour of Eucharistic Adoration for his intentions.
Chapter President Douglas Gallagher, member Jim Manhardt, initiator of the Catholic Men for Jesus Christ rallies at which the bishop regularly speaks, and Berry shared their personal remembrances of Bishop Smith’s support.
Berry said that it isn’t traditional to honor individuals at the July gathering. “This was unusual,” he said.
“It was done out of respect for him and for his support over these eight years.”
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In a sentimental and spiritual gathering July 14 that began with Mass in St. Catharine Church in Spring Lake and included a festive dinner at the Spring Lake Country Club, the Jersey Shore Chapter of Legatus honored Bishop John M. Smith for the support he has shown the organization since the chapter was established in 2002.
Legatus, an international organization of business and professional men and women, founded in 1987 by Tom Monaghan, creator of the Domino’s Pizza franchise and Ave Maria University and the Florida town which surrounds it.
The aim of the organization is for members to spread the Catholic faith in their own business, professional and personal lives, and the Jersey Shore Chapter has drawn particular inspiration from the way Bishop Smith supported the formation of the group and stayed with it over the years, said member Bernard J. Berry.
The chapter traditionally holds a major gathering in July, Berry said.
“The bishop has traditionally attended every gathering since we were chartered,” said Berry. He noted that the members of Legatus – all actively involved in Catholic activities, education and parish life – have interacted widely with Bishop Smith in those areas as well.
“A lot of us are involved in things the bishop is involved in and when he turned 75 this year, we thought, why don’t we honor him at this event.”
The Mass was concelebrated by more than a dozen diocesan priests and attended by Christian Brother Frank Byrne, president of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft. At the reception which followed, Bishop Smith was presented with a spiritual bouquet from the members who each committed to offering a Mass, Rosary and an hour of Eucharistic Adoration for his intentions.
Chapter President Douglas Gallagher, member Jim Manhardt, initiator of the Catholic Men for Jesus Christ rallies at which the bishop regularly speaks, and Berry shared their personal remembrances of Bishop Smith’s support.
Berry said that it isn’t traditional to honor individuals at the July gathering. “This was unusual,” he said.
“It was done out of respect for him and for his support over these eight years.”