I write to you filled with gratitude and excitement after an incredible journey across Europe, where we had the opportunity to share the mission of Tepeyac Leadership in Rome, London, and Lisbon. Each stop was a testament to the faith, dedication, and commitment of Catholic leaders striving to transform civil society through their witness.
Rome – A City of Faith and History
We arrived in Rome on the night of March 5, and after a long flight from Phoenix, a good meal and rest were much needed. The following morning, I began the day by visiting Our Lord in the Tabernacle and walking through the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica. There, I prayed before the tomb of St. John Paul II, lifting up the intentions of the entire TLI family, our current program participants, and all Tepeyac Leaders. I also prayed for the spiritual fruits of this journey, trusting that the Lord will answer abundantly.
One of the most meaningful moments in Rome was our lunch gathering with the local TLI family. I was blessed to meet with our Tepeyac Leaders Enrico Calini, Biagio Tortora, Marco Primavera, and their spouses, as well as Renée Carmine-Jones, who traveled from Vienna to be with us. Later, Tepeyac Leader, Igor Telepčák joined us from Slovakia, along with Vera Kopsaj, Nicola Bianchi, and Giacomo Sametti—current TLI program participants. I am deeply grateful to Paolo Schirru, Gianluca Teseo, Roberta Caruso, and Michele Tintori for their presence, interest and commitment.
Our event was hosted at the Pontifical University of Santa Croce, an institution that shares the same vision as our apostolate: sanctifying the world through the sanctification of the laity. Spending time with these remarkable Catholic leaders fills me with the hope that Pope Francis has reminded us of in this Jubilee year. I have confirmed that Rome is a city of deep faith, yet it is evident that the forces of secularism have worked hard to erode what was built by Christianity over 2,000 years. However, I remain a hopeful optimist—trusting that, through prayer and action, the Church will reclaim its lost ground. It will take hard work, deep love, and a commitment to rebuilding Christian civilization, one stone at a time. What a gift to be part of it!
London – A Community of Faithful Witnesses
Our London gathering took place in the historic Aula Magna at the London Jesuit Centre. From a distance, I have long sensed the strong faith of the Catholic community in the UK. Being a minority has forged a dynamic and faithful witness. Observing the decline of Anglicanism and the growth of Catholicism, I am convinced that the future of Christianity in the UK is Catholic.
We were honored by the presence of Bishop James Curry, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, who blessed us with his encouragement. Special thanks to an old friend and Tepeyac Leader, Edmund Adamus, and my new friend, Inti Paolucci, who were instrumental in promoting the event through their networks, including Radio Maria England and the Catholic Union of Great Britain. I am also grateful to Benjamin McFadyean, Nigel Parker, Kelly Hockey, Annabel Cody, Sebastian Cody, John Green, Leslie Fernandes, and to Tepeyac Leader, Albana Bijak, who is currently pursuing graduate studies in London. Meeting all of you was a profound blessing. I know, together, we are laying the foundation for the renewal of Christendom in the world.
Lisbon – A Climactic Conclusion
Our final stop in Lisbon was truly special. For the first time, we held our gathering in the sanctuary of a Church—the beautiful Igreja de São Paulo, rebuilt in 1768 after the Great Lisbon Earthquake. The Paulist brothers, who administer the Church and run Paulus press, welcomed us graciously.
This visit was particularly significant as it coincided with the Portuguese publication of our book, Liderança Católica para a Sociedade Civil in Portugal (Soon, we will be publishing our own edition of the book in Portuguese, here in the US). I am deeply grateful to Father João Paulo for his interest in the mission of Tepeyac Leadership. Following our event, Fr. João personally drove us to Fatima, where I was delighted to see our book already on the shelves of the Paulus bookstore. If you ever find yourself in Fatima, I encourage you to stop by and see it!
Standing in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, I was overwhelmed by the presence of God. I also felt Our Lady’s maternal watch over our apostolate, just as it has been the case so many times before from the beginning.
In Lisbon, I had the pleasure of meeting Tepeyac Leader, Kariny Araujo, who has been instrumental in expanding our presence there, along with Dorota Drab, a Polish native currently participating in the TLI program from Lisbon, where she resides. I am grateful to João Pedro Tavares, Antonio Porto Monteiro, Rita Sousa Rego, Teresa Gusmão, and my old friend Juan Jose Quesada, who traveled from Andalusia, Spain, simply to meet me in person. Juan Jose has been a faithful collaborator and meeting him and his wife face to face was a tremendous blessing.
A Call to Action
At Fatima, I prayed for all of you and for the mission of Tepeyac Leadership. Our work is crucial: sanctifying ourselves while sanctifying the world around us. We are called to rebuild Christian civilization in the 21st century, in a world in desperate need of faithful, committed lay Catholics in civil society.
If ever there was a time for courageous Catholic leaders, that time is now. The Lord makes no mistakes. I know, each of us is here for a reason. And I am strengthened by our efforts in Europe and elswhere. Today more than ever, let us be faithful to our identity as children of God and to our ultimate mission: to be saints.
Even through our shortcomings, sins and imperfections, if only a handful of us can commit to answering this call, our faithfulness can have a profound impact on the world.
Thank you, dear TLI family, for your prayers, support, and commitment to this mission. Together, we are answering the call to transform society from within.
P.S. The Tepeyac Leadership Gala is around the corner! Be part of this effort by registering to attend the Gala or making a gift now. No amount is too small/large. THANK YOU!
