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Fides Entrepreneurship: God First, Beyond Politics in Catholic Leadership
Luca Zocche
October 07, 2025
When a politician once asked Padre Pio in the confessional what he should do, Padre Pio’s reply was stark: “Leave politics, because you cannot be both a politician and a man of God.” (Excerpt from ‘The Padre Saint Pio of Pietrelcina’ by Father Marcellino Iasenzaniro)
Fr. Petrus Pavlicek, also echoed this in the aftermath of World War II.
He started the Rosary Crusade for the freedom of Austria from the Soviet Union (which was split just like Germany into 4 sections) which had more then 500,000 participants 10% of the countries population.
As he said:
“Peace is a gift of God, not the work of politicians.”
More so the Prime Minister in Austria at the time Julius Raab must have believed these words as he participated in the processions as well until their very end in 1955 when the Soviets left the country without a fight after 9 years of praying to Our Lady.
Both saints remind us that the Christian’s first duty is not to party, ideology, or office, but to God alone.
James is well-known for his political voice. That is what many first see but what matters for us and what drew us at Fides to him is not his politics but the practice of faith.
The more public the political noise around him, the more striking it is that daily Mass, confession, and a renewed pro-life commitment now define his routine. For us, this isn’t about endorsing views but about witnessing what happens when faith reorders a life even in the thick of politics and finance.
At Azoria, staff are invited to daily Mass. Sunday, the day that God tells us to rest is at the very best respected. At Incubate Debate all students are offered the option to attend mass before the national debate conference begins.
“We do daily mass for our staff. Some of our staff who aren't even catholic join us. Not only that but by donating 5% of my personal profits from the fund to support new Pro-life pregnancy centers shows how we put our faith first at Azoria"
This is not about politics amidst James being very well known and vocal to many but it is about placing God first in the middle of high finance, business, and leadership.
We live in a society where it’s easy to divide the world into left vs. right, conservative vs. liberal.
Catholic leadership calls us to do something greater. It asks: Do you put God first in your work, your home, your daily life?
James’s story shows us that even in even in the thick of national debates (with politicians such as Bill De Blasio and Vivek Ramaswamy on the same floor), a man can start the day by putting God first and hoping that it will lead him in the right direction.
When we gather at our next Fides event, we are not coming as partisans. We are coming as Catholics, eager to see how faith transforms life not only for ourselves but for those around us. Setting the example of doing good and making society better.
Ask yourself: where am I putting politics before God? Where could I reorder my week so that prayer, sacraments, and conscience come before career or what I think?
In these times of confusion, let us remember Fr. Pavlicek’s words:
“Peace is a gift of God, not the work of politicians.”
If peace is God’s gift, then our task is simple: to receive it, to live it, to pray for it and to let it transform our work and our world.
Let us hope and pray that we can be guided by God to do what is truly right!
Location: Upper East Side (Location revealed once you confirm your ticket)
Date: Tuesday October 21st at 19:00
Upcoming events
Thursday November 13th, 2025 at 19:00
Our November speaker is Anthony Viscogliosi, Founder & Principal of Viscogliosi Brothers, a single-family office with 21 companies focused on orthopedics and spine surgery innovation. He is also a parishioner and altar server as well at Old Saint Patrick's Cathedral.
Anthony’s story is one of resilience, faith, and mission as at just 14 years old, he survived a near-fatal accident that left him with severe orthopedic injuries a moment he calls the greatest gift God gave him. That suffering became the seed of his vocation: to dedicate his life to supporting doctors and inventors who relieve the suffering of others.
“The accident was the greatest gift that the Lord gave me. He gives us the greatest troubles so we can do the best work for him and for humanity.”
Anthony will share:
The turning points that shaped his faith and entrepreneurial vision
How one can start their own family office to do good
How God uses suffering as a gift that transforms us
This Wine Tasting^ will take place in Lower Manhattan*.
^Event Format Subject to change. *Location subject to change.
Thursday December 4th 2025 at 19:00
Our December Speaker is Rob Kaczmark, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Spirit Juice Studios, an Emmy Award-winning creative firm dedicated to spreading the Gospel through media.
Rob’s story is one of faith, creativity, and conviction. From his roots in youth ministry and BMX culture (punk rock, tattoos, ect) to building one of the most recognized Catholic media production company in the country, which has worked with Jonathan Roumie, Hallow, Bishop Baron and Mark Wahlberg.
During COVID, when churches were closed, Rob and his team livestreamed daily Masses from their in-office chapel, offering hope to thousands. His short films like The Veil Removed to launching a Catholic kids’ channel on YouTube continue to shape how Catholics experience and share their faith.
“A small little video, a livestream Mass or Divine Mercy hits the right person at the right time… Sometimes even just the appearance of someone on camera praying that looks a little different can bring someone in.”
Rob will share:
How his creative journey led to founding Spirit Juice Studios
Why incorporating a chapel into his office and offering mass there changed his company’s culture
How media can be used to plant seeds of faith in unexpected places
This Talk will take place at The Catholic Center at NYU in Lower Manhattan*.
We are deeply thankful to the support of Father Cassian and his team for making this possible!
Sign up here to confirm your attendance. *Location subject to change.
If you are an NYU Student or work for the university please reach out to us to get a free ticket, at [email protected] .
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