in 2018.
By Mary Powers
“Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him” (Jn 1:47). When Jesus met the future apostle Nathanael in the Gospel of John, he recognized that his whole being was centered on God. There were no outside influences or idols distracting him or pulling him away from what was most important.
This scripture passage has helped guide Legatus members since its founding, including the San Francisco chapter. Reminding Catholic business leaders of the call to live with integrity, the goal of Legatus is to help encourage and strengthen members to be the same people in the boardroom as they are at Church on Sunday. Putting God at the center of a leader’s life transforms their families and businesses and influences the world at large.
“Every Catholic is called to evangelize, ‘to go into the vineyard’ and show forth the life, the hope, and the peace of Christ,” said Father Anthony Giampietro, vice president for advancement and associate professor of Philosophy at St. Patrick’s Seminary & University and chaplain of the San Francisco Legatus chapter. “Our Legatus chapter, one of more than 80 in the United States, exists to encourage and empower executives and their spouses to live their Catholic faith fully in their families and in their places of work.”
The San Francisco chapter of Legatus was formed in 2015 with the encouragement of Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone. Dan and Ayde Vogl and Steve and Liz Herrera founded the group that has grown to include members from across Northern California.
“Great friendships have formed over the past decade, primarily through the gatherings we have throughout the year—coming together for Mass, a delicious meal, a thought-provoking talk, and a time of Q & A,” said Father Giampietro. “I am delighted to be once again chaplain for the San Francisco chapter.”
On Wednesday, July 23, the chapter marked its 10-year anniversary with a Mass and dinner in Marin, culminating in a talk by Sister Dede Byrne of the Sisters of the Little Workers of the Sacred Heart. A retired U.S. Army colonel, medical doctor and surgeon, and religious sister, Sister Dede spoke powerfully on the dignity of every human life, spotlighting the silent and hidden challenges of euthanasia in our culture. Sharing her experience of trying to move an aging religious sister from Missouri to Washington, DC to care for her, the sister was slowly killed with the hospice center pulling hydration and food from her without the sister’s consent. Sister Dede shared other such stories where medical decisions are being taken out the hands of families and patients themselves, leaving many left to die through starvation or dehydration. More information on Sister Ded’s work can be found at: https://sisterburle.com/.
Speaking on the Gospel of the sower and the seed that was read at the Mass for their 10th anniversary celebration, Dan Vogel said, “It is such a reminder that God will always provide for us. We all have abundance, and it is what we do with that abundance that makes a difference. Hopefully our hearts are fertile soil, and Legatus has helped us be more fertile people.”
In a world increasingly in need of authentic, faith-filled leadership, Legatus continues to inspire its members to lead with integrity, humility, and purpose—making their homes, workplaces, and communities places where the light of Christ can truly shine. Legatus remains a place where Catholic leaders are encouraged not just to believe, but to live their faith boldly—and to help others do the same.
More information on Legatus can be found at: https://legatus.org/san-francisco.
