Together Again – after spending our time together virtually for the last 2 Galas due to the pandemic – most were more than ready to see each other and celebrate the gift that is Regnum Christi. On October 16, we hosted our 11th annual Gala at the Georgia Aquarium with our new evergreen theme: Thy Kingdom Come! With a record turnout, guests were treated to a special evening with a cocktail hour, a delicious meal, an on-stage interview with Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM, Conv. presided by Fr. John Bartunek, LC, and talks by our guest and keynote speakers: Genesis Torrens and Frank J. Hanna III. There was something for everyone during an evening that celebrated the work of our Legionaries and Consecrated Women with the youth.
Much gratitude is reserved for our 2022 Chair Couple, Denise & Erik Gunderson, who steered the ship as we planned and coordinated this year’s event. The guests were also able to hear the great talk from Denise & Erik about their experience with Regnum Christi.
Genesis Torrens, our guest speaker, shared about her time with RC, being an RC Mission Corps missionary, her transition to college life, and how the Movement has supported her every step of the way. She moved back to Atlanta where she now works at St. Brendan Catholic Church.
…what are we building here in Atlanta – a communion of witness.
One of the major highlights of the evening was the onstage interview between Archbishop Gregory and Fr. John. They spent time discussing how we as RC members can assist the diocese, the exciting growth for Catholics in Atlanta, and the biggest obstacle facing the youth: social media.
Finally, it was an honor to hear from our keynote speaker, Frank J. Hanna III, who provided the crowd with a unique reflection about who we are as RC members in Atlanta and insights as to how Catholics are all entangled together in the faith. All was coordinated by this year’s 2022 master of ceremonies, John Hartwell.
The night concluded with a Fund for the Cause which raised funds for the Legionaries of Christ and Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi who work with the youth in Atlanta and the Southeast. Although we enjoyed each of the individual Gala “watch” parties that were hosted over the last couple of years, it was easy to see that gathering together again as a whole spiritual family was certainly a welcome atmosphere as we continue in our shared mission to renew, form, and launch. Thanks to all of the volunteers that helped to make this event a great success and thanks to all of YOU for your continued prayers, support, and gifts to allow us to continue our mission in Atlanta.
We are also excited to share with you all of the Gala media from this year’s event. Please enjoy the “Gala Highlight Video” here which was recorded and produced by Consecrated Woman, IIona Kies, from Cincinnati, Ohio. The rest of the available Gala media is available on our RC Atlanta YouTube channel on this playlist.
If you’re interested in some of the beautiful images from the Gala, please click here to view the gallery of photos taken by the very talented Christine Clements from Christine Marie Photography.
