Mitragyna Speciosa

332 West 23rd Street, New York City, NY 10011 | 212-929-1010        

The Leo House Blog

News, Events and More
Leo House Gala Save the Date 2019
17 Jul

Third Pope Leo XIII Fundraising Gala

Michael P. Coneys, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the 130-year old, historic Catholic Guesthouse, The Leo House, proudly announces its Third Annual Pope Leo XIII Fundraising Gala. The Leo House’s premier fundraising event will take place Monday evening, December 9th, 2019. It will be held at The Yale Club in Manhattan.

Pope Leo XIII Gala Save the Date 2019

Third Pope Leo XIII Fundraising Gala – 2019 Honorees

The 2019 Honorees include Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B., of the Abbey of Regina Laudis. Mother Hart will be receiving the Pope Leo XIII Award. She is a frequent guest speaker at The Leo House and we are thrilled to honor her with this award. The St. Raphael Society Award will go to John Allen, Jr. He is the founder of CRUX magazine. Patricia Scanlon, of Catholic New York Newspaper, will receive the Mission Partner Award for her support and help in furthering the mission of The Leo House through the years. We look forward to having Monsignor Kevin Sullivan as our Keynote Speaker for 2019. He is the Director of Catholic Charities of New York. With such an exciting group of guests, the night is already shaping up to be an event that can not be missed.

About The Pope Leo XIII Gala Awards

The Awards are administered by The Leo House Board of Directors through its Board Selection Committee. Each award highlights a special categorical recognition of a highly accomplished individual.

  • The Pope Leo XIII Award goes to a clergy or religious who best embodies the values and accomplishments most exemplified by Pope Leo XIII.
  • The St. Raphael Society Award to a lay person who has personified an exemplary Catholic life of personal accomplishments and influence.
  • The Mission Partner Award goes to an outstanding business partner. This partner has demonstrated a sustained commitment to the mission of The Leo House through the donation of goods and/or services.
  • The Origin of the Pope Leo XIII Award traces back to the Archdiocese of Chicago and Bishop Bernard J. Sheil (1888-1969) founder of CYO in 1930, who created the Award.  After Bishop Sheil’s passing in 1969, the Award became dormant but was discovered in the Chicago archives by Fr. James Heyd. The Leo House adopted the award and it was formally transferred at the inaugural Pope Leo XIII Gala event. The first recipient was Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York.

About Pope Leo XIII

Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903) is the oldest serving Pope to date (reigning until his death at the age of 93). He is also holder of the third longest pontificate behind his predecessor Pope Pius IX, and St. Pope John Paul II.  He championed intellectualism and attempted to define the Catholic Church in modern thinking.  Known as the “Rosary Pope,” he issued eleven Papal encyclicals on the rosary.  He stood up for the rights of workers and fair wages, safe working conditions and the formation of labor unions.

Pope Leo XIII influenced Roman Catholic Mariology (the systematic study of the person of Mary, mother of Jesus). He was also a faithful proponent in inspiring the Catholic faith in the youth around the world.  Pope Leo XIII was a friend and protector of German immigrants arriving in the United States, specifically through the port of New York.

The Leo House

The Leo House is a non-profit, historic Catholic guesthouse and the oldest art gallery in Chelsea offering affordable, temporary accommodations. Coupled with an old world charm expressed through its unique brand of the “Art of the Welcome,” people of all faiths, nationalities and races including clergy and religious, person visiting the sick, students and international and US travelers have all found it a safe haven embodying spiritual solace.  In 1889 by papal certification by Pope Leo XIII, it was originally established and based in the Battery Park in New York City near the old Castle Garden (predecessor to Ellis Island).  Then in 1926, The Leo House moved to its present location on West 23rd Street in Chelsea, one of the liveliest and safest neighborhoods in New York City.

About the 2018 Gala:

2018 Gala Press Release
2018 Gala Photo Gallery

For further information on The Leo House and/or the Pope Leo XIII Fundraising Gala, please contact Ashley Bryant at 212-929-1010 x222 or by e-mail at [email protected].