TIM BUSCH: MSGR. SHEA TAKES OC BY STORM
Dear Friend,
Here’s a fun holiday tradition. For the last two decades, I’ve hosted a dinner and retreat for CEOs here in Orange County following Thanksgiving—it’s my kick-off to Advent.
I started this tradition because of late and great Msgr. Thomas J. Herron—the Philadelphia Legatus chapter Chaplain. He regularly came to Orange County to meet with business leaders around this time of year, and after he passed away in 2004, I decided to continue this meeting as a memorial dinner for him.
Every year, we host a different prelate—and this year was the exceptional Msgr. James Shea, president of the University of Mary and a close friend of the Napa Institute.
This year, we did what we usually do: Start with a Holy Mass, followed by dinner and reflections. The next day, we celebrate the all-student Mass at JSerra in San Juan Capistrano, visit St. Michael’s Abbey, then if time allows, see the incomparable Christ Cathedral. We round things out with another Mass at my home followed by a talk, reception, dinner, and of course, drinks and cigars.
In addition to Msgr. Shea, we were joined by our local ordinary Bishop Kevin Vann, and 13 clerics total, including our Auxiliary Bishop, Timothy Freyer, and the Norbertine Fathers from St. Michael’s Abbey.
If you’ve ever heard Msgr. Shea speak, you know he’s a real gift to the Church, and he proved it again on the first night. His reflections, on “Marriage and the coming of the King”, were deeply moving. And at JSerra, he was so popular, the school hijacked him to present to their annual Ladies Tea featuring reflection on Blessed Carlos Acutis who died at age 15 and will be canonized April 27, 2025 in Rome. A relic was gifted to the school.
Our final dinner was a festive time of faith and friendship. The house was beautifully decorated by my wife, Steph, and the five-course meal was paired with wines by Trinitas Cellars. One of our traditions is to have a speaker saber a bottle of sparkling wine—Msgr. Shea nailed it. Well we will not discuss that!
Ditto his remarks. The title of his talk was “Finding Faith Upon the Earth” with the message of his talk was to stand firm in our Christian faith even when we are tempted. If we are persistent, he told us, it will result in our eternal salvation.
I hope this message resonates with you amid this Christmas season. As we prepare for the birth of our Lord, let’s continue to stand strong in our faith, with hope and joy.
Happy Advent! And may your own holiday traditions be rewarding, as well.
