Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the most influential figures of the 12th century. Bernard’s leadership shaped not only the Cistercian reform but also the life of the wider Church, through his wisdom, his clarity of thought, and his ability to form others for holiness. His example is especially rich in lessons for lay Catholic leaders today.
St. Bernard reminds us that leadership is first rooted in love of God. He warned against becoming so consumed with activity that one loses sight of prayer and interior life. For him, action flowed from contemplation, the leader who fails to be nourished by God’s love has nothing lasting to offer others. This insight is crucial for us as Catholic professionals striving to sanctify the world, leadership is not a matter of ambition or personal achievement but of service, rooted in Christ.
Another of Bernard’s gifts was his ability to unite clarity with charity. His words were persuasive not because they were harsh or domineering but because they were truthful and filled with zeal for God’s people. In our professional and civic lives, we too are called to speak truth with charity, to be bold without arrogance, humble without weakness.
Finally, Bernard’s legacy shows the power of multiplying leadership. He founded communities, raised up new leaders, and entrusted others with responsibility. This principle is central to the mission of Tepeyac Leadership, forming lay Catholics who will then form and influence others, spreading light across civil society.
What’s New at Tepeyac Leadership
This week we hosted the THL2025 Open House, a virtual gathering where Catholics from across the globe came together to learn more about our upcoming international conference for lay Catholic professionals.
The event was filled with energy, anticipation, and deep conviction that the Lord is calling His people to be leaders in the public square. If you were unable to attend live, we warmly encourage you to watch the recording. It offers a window into what makes THL2025 so unique, a gathering not only to inspire but also to equip Catholic leaders to carry their faith into the world.
THL2025 will take place November 6–8, 2025, in Mexico City, and promises to be a landmark moment in our mission. After forming eight generations of leaders through Tepeyac Leadership Initiative and surpassing the 400 graduate mark, this international convening is a new phase in our apostolate, one in which we seek to strengthen the global network of Catholic leaders working for the common good.
A Word of Encouragement
As we look to the future, we invite you to take inspiration from St. Bernard. Like him, let us root our leadership in prayer, seek to unite clarity with charity, and dedicate ourselves to forming others for Christ. The world is hungry for authentic Catholic leadership. With your support, Tepeyac Leadership is responding to that call.
This month we also want to share a special opportunity. August is National Make-A-Will Month, a time to reflect on the legacy we hope to leave for our families and for the Church. Through our partnership with My Catholic Will, you can ensure that your estate plan reflects your faith and values, while also supporting the mission of Tepeyac Leadership. To learn more and create your Catholic will, please visit this link.
Please keep us in your prayers as we continue this mission, and consider how you might be involved, whether by spreading the word about THL2025, encouraging a friend to attend, or discerning your own participation. Together, we can build a civilization of love.
In Christ and Our Lady of Guadalupe,
P.S. Click here to register for THL2025. Got questions? Click below to watch the video of our recent THL2025 Open House!
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