Fr. Leo Patalinghug is a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Along with his work as a parish priest at Our Lady of the Fields in Millersville MD, Fr. Leo is also the host and founder of Grace Before Meals, an apostolate to strengthen families and communities around the dinner table.
He is an internationally renowned conference speaker, author, TV host, radio contributor on a variety of relevant topics - especially in the area of the new evangelization and new media. His unique background as a former martial arts championship title holder and choreographer for an award winning break-dancing group has provided him unique experiences and insights that has caught the attention and acclamation of diverse audiences, including PBS, ABC, CBS and even the Food Network, in which Fr. Leo defeated a world famous chef in the surprise cooking competition show, "Throw Down! with Bobby Flay." Fr. Leo contributes a monthly food column in Baltimore’s The Catholic Review called “Catholic Culinary Confessions”, hosts a weekly cooking show on EWTN called Savoring Our Faith, and shares his message across the country and the world through his website, videos, live presentations, retreats, & parish missions bringing people closer together - one meal at a time - with the hopes of one day drawing many to the Lord's Banquet in heaven.
Below is a list of potential titles of presentations with brief descriptions. If there is a topic or title that your group wants Fr. Leo Patalinghug to present, please send a request that includes a complete title and a brief description of what you wish to hear. The Grace Before Meals team will send confirmation whether Fr. Leo is able to accept your request.
Grace Before Meals: The simple act of eating a regular family meal can have incredible positive effects on family dynamics. With insights on the spiritual component of food, as well as impressive data on this subject, Fr. Leo Patalinghug is able to make important connections on food, faith, family and fun in this unique and dynamic presentation. What may look and sound like a “cooking show” is actually an opportunity to grow in Body, Mind and Soul! (NOTE: If host requests a cooking demonstration, a separate “COOKING FACT SHEET” will be sent containing ingredients, supplies and other logistical details)
Spiritual Combat: Using his extensive background in Martial Arts, Fr. Leo Patalinghug is able to draw upon the techniques of hand to hand combat and make helpful parallels to the spiritual life. This fun and engaging presentation has become one of the most popular topics for people of all ages, but especially for youth and young adults who seek some spiritual guidance in this world that can often times be dangerous to a healthy and balanced spiritual life.
The Power of Saints –or– Saints Aren’t Wimps: This presentation helps people to see how much in common the Canonized Saints in heaven have with the people on earth. While humanity struggles to be better in life, the Saints show us what it takes to be a follower of the Way of Truth, Beauty, Unity and Goodness of God. After hearing Fr. Leo’s fresh and fun perspective, people walk away realizing that with God all things are possible, including becoming the saint we are called to be!
The Blessed Fruit: After receiving a specialized degree in “Mariology” – the study of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Fr. Leo has been able to help Catholics and non-Catholics see the importance of Mary’s Role in the life of the Christian. By drawing upon Scripture, the Ancient Teachings of the Church, and explaining some pious traditions, this presentation helps people better understand Mary’s presence and fosters true devotion to the Mother of Jesus – Lord and God. People begin to see that honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary isn’t just a “Catholic Thing”, but it’s something to be shared by all people who realize the dignity and power of motherhood.
Food for Body, Mind, & Soul: Taking a cue from the impressive correlation to the health of a family that shares a regular family meal, Fr. Leo draws out the Eucharistic Themes to help people understand the primordial Sacrament of God’s love for us through Our Daily Bread – the Holy Communion! Stories from tradition, teachings from the Scripture, and Fr. Leo’s personal testimonies can help strengthen people’s faith to seek God’s Presence in His Sacred Meal.
Teaching Mass: This presentation engages people and helps them to better understanding the communal celebration of the sacred liturgy – the Sunday Mass. Instead of being lifeless spectators, people become active participants in this prayer and celebration as God’s Family: the Church! Participants not only have an opportunity to share in this special Mass, they also become students who learn deep spiritual and theological insights that makes the Mass the most important highlight of the week. (NOTE: 90 minutes Mass)
Parish Missions: Finding God! Fr. Leo is no longer available to do 3 night parish missions during the academic school year. To book a parish mission with Fr. Leo, extra considerations for scheduling and other logistics have to be made at least 1 year in advance. If agreed, Fr. Leo will come to the parish and preach all of the weekend Masses and then offer a Three Night Parish Mission that have the individual themes: (1) Finding God – In the Communion of the Saints (2) Finding God – Through the Soul that Magnifies God, and (3) Finding God – Inviting Us to His Heavenly Banquet
Specialized Conferences for:
Teachers and School Administrators: A presentation on the unique gift and responsibility of Education, something that requires a deep understanding of the dignity of teaching, and the potential of each student. These presentations are usually done within context of day retreats for teachers and administrators or as a keynote speaker at an education convention.
Men’s Groups: A presentation on the meaning of “manhood” in the theological context, and the call to be a father, brother, son and spouse in a world that often presents the negative images of males. These presentations are done as part of a men’s retreat or as a keynote speaker for men’s conferences.
Women’s Groups: In a world that often characterizes feminism as competition with males, Fr. Leo offers the inspiring and consoling truths about, what Pope John Paul II characterized as, “the feminine genius.” These presentations are done within the context of women’s group meetings, as a keynote at women’s conferences, retreats, as well as for women religious congregations.
Teen Spirituality: Drawing on the tradition of the saints, many of them who were young, Fr. Leo helps young people to discover their personal and communal spirituality, and to learn how to pray as a teen who seeks to mature – not just in body, but also in mind and soul. These presentations are done as keynote presentations at major youth rallies, youth conferences, and confirmation retreats.
Agriculture, Farming, and Nutrition Groups: Fr. Leo has been surprised by the number of non-religious groups that have taken great interest in the Grace Before Meals movement. With an approach to true health, requiring balance in diet and in thought, Fr. Leo shares insights that have brought new purpose, inspiration, and new meaning to the work of those involved in the food and nutrition industry. These presentations are done as keynote speaking events for conventions and other large group events.
Professional Business Groups: As a keynote speaker for the National Legatus Summit as well as for large charitable organizations, Fr. Leo is able to draw on the meaning of success and faithfulness as complimentary components to any business group venture. Through leadership skills determined from the person of Jesus Christ and from other faithful witnesses of saints, professionals learn how to be just as successful in professing their faith in the market place.
Teaching Mass: This presentation engages people’s understanding of the communal celebration of the sacred liturgy – the Sunday Mass. Instead of being lifeless spectators, people become active participants in this prayer and celebration of God’s Family: the Church. Participants not only have an opportunity share in this special Mass, they also become students who learn deep spiritual and theological insights that makes Mass the most important highlight each week.
Parish Missions: Finding God! Fr. Leo is no longer available to do 3 night parish missions during the academic school year. To book a parish mission with Fr. Leo, extra considerations for scheduling and other logistics have to be made at least 1 year in advance. If agreed, Fr. Leo will come to the parish and preach all of the weekend Masses and offer a Three Night Parish Mission that have the individual themes: (1) Finding God – In the Communion of the Saints (2) Finding God – Through the Soul that Magnifies God, and (3) Finding God – Inviting Us to His Heavenly Banquet
