NEWS PROVIDED BY
Legatus International
Feb. 6, 2024

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 6, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- At its annual national Summit in Dana Point, CA, Jan. 25-27, Legatus International – the renowned Catholic-executive peer group begun by Tom Monaghan in 1987 – honored key Catholic executives and priests for their exemplary leadership, Catholic integrity, and shepherdship.

Five premier national awards were bestowed to these Legatus members, among a number of honors to others:

• 2023 National President of the Year. As 6th-term president of Legatus' Detroit Chapter and a member of Legatus' international Board of Governors, Robert Pliska has been recognized as the chapter president who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service – evidenced in the health and vibrancy of his chapter, its growth, and strong retention. It is Chapter leadership – especially that of the Chapter president -- that spurs Catholic executive members' enthusiasm, engagement, and allegiance within Legatus. Pliska is president of SperryCGA/Property Investment Counselors, a commercial real estate firm in metro Detroit with over 60 affiliate offices nationwide.
   
• 2023 National Ambassador of the Year. For his outstanding Christian witness professionally and to the broader society, attorney Paul Jonna of the San Diego Chapter received this noteworthy award. As current President for his chapter, he has helped it to grow considerably. A renowned pro-life advocate, as evidenced by his large family, Jonna likewise dedicates much effort to this cause, and to the mission of Legatus. Most recently, he has been credited for his tremendous work as a key attorney defending and winning many high-profile religious liberty cases nationwide. Jonna is partner at LiMandri & Jonna LLP in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, in the San Diego metro.
   
• 2023 Defender of the Faith Award. For his strong defense of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, upholding longstanding Catholic teaching, and witness to the sanctity of life and marriage despite today's societal opposition – Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. was honored with this Award. As president of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith (Garden Grove, CA), president of the Spitzer Center (Greenwood Village, CO), and president of the Napa Institute, Fr. Spitzer's most recent book, The Moral Wisdom of the Catholic Church: A Defense of Her Controversial Moral Teachings (among 18 he has written), was incorporated into his engaging Summit talk on "The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist: From New Testament Scholarship to Scientifically Investigated Miracles." He hosts a weekly show on EWTN TV, and has made guest appearances on The Larry King Show, The History Channel, The Today Show, and a PBS series.
   
• 2023 Bowie Kuhn Award. Recognized for his extraordinary efforts to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ among peers – and to the world at large – Alex Jones, CEO and co-founder of the popular Hallow prayer app, was honored with this prestigious Award. Hallow has recently become the #1 mobile prayer app worldwide. In 2023, Jones joined the DuPage County Chapter in metro Chicago.
  
   
• 2023 National Chaplain of the Year. This award recognizes a chaplain who serves his chapter faithfully and heroically – yet goes beyond specified duties to singular apostolic witness. Fr. James Bramlage of the Cincinnati Chapter has been their dedicated chaplain since the Chapter's inception 27 years ago. "He demonstrates the humility and quiet witness one would expect of a priest, but when he speaks so articulately, people listen" – according to one who nominated him.

For additional information, photos, or interview requests, please contact: Christine V. Owsik, Communications Director at Legatus International. COwsik@legatus.org or 215-230-8095.

Legatus International is the singular peer group organization for Catholic CEOs and business leaders, founded in 1987 by Thomas S. Monaghan, former owner of Domino's Pizza and the Detroit Tigers. Legatus – which means "ambassador" in Latin – helps executives become exemplary Catholics in their business, community, and personal spheres of influence. With nearly 100 chapters and 5000+ members throughout the U.S. and Canada, Legatus offers members regional, national, and international networking meetings, retreats, conventions, and inspiring travel – along with the award-winning Legatus Magazine. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI. www.legatus.org
 
SOURCE Legatus International

CONTACT: Christine V. Owsik, Communications Director, 215-230-8095, COwsik@legatus.org