Last Thursday, April 9th, we gathered for an intimate, candle-lit dinner that brought together a remarkable group of builders, thinkers, and believers for an evening that will stay with us for a long time.

We had the honor of hosting Raj Bhakta founder, investor, and a man whose life has moved through ambition, loss, silence, and ultimately, restoration.

Born between two worlds and shaped by both, Raj shared a story that did not follow a straight line. It was one marked by uncertainty, by waiting, and by a willingness to sit in the unknown even when no answers seemed to come.

One moment in particular stayed with us.

After stepping away from politics and searching for direction, Raj found himself alone on a 500-acre farm in Vermont, watching the seasons change, expecting clarity. Even something divine, to arrive. It didn’t. Instead, what came was something far less obvious: a struggling economy, an empty field, and eventually, an unexpected opportunity.

It was a reminder that purpose rarely arrives in the way we imagine.

Throughout the evening, Raj reflected on

1."The very moment that I was standing there with the champagne chilling and the wire at the bank, instead of popping my champagne and feeling happy, I felt the deepest emptiness than almost ever experienced in my life."

Raj had spent 20 years chasing fame, power, and fortune after being inspired by Napoleon as a kid. He appeared on The Apprentice, ran for Congress, and built multiple companies. When he finally achieved real financial wealth the last thing on his list he expected it to complete him. Instead it did the opposite, leaving him alone on a beach rethinking everything. This became the turning point that eventually led him back to the Catholic faith.

2."The answer is simple: let us practice our faith. Let us remember our creed. Let us remember that God himself came down as men and humbled himself to be as men to die for all of our sins.

After that crisis moment, Raj spent years working through logic and faith to arrive at what he believed was the truth — that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Catholic Church were real and demanded a response. His point here is that despite all the complexity of modern life and cultural decay, the solution isn't complicated. It's returning to the basics: Mass, confession, the sacraments, and holy matrimony. Simple in principle, but demanding in practice.

3."So long as the flame of revival remains alive in us, so long as we keep it going, so long as we fight, there is no setback that is final. There is no defeat that cannot be overcome."

Raj painted a sobering picture of Western civilization — declining birth rates, secularism, and what he sees as hostile forces gaining ground. But his closing message was deliberately hopeful. Drawing on Catholic history, he argued that the faith has survived worse, and that as long as believers keep practicing and passing it on, no cultural or spiritual setback is permanent.

What ultimately resonated most was the quiet consistency of his message: that restoration in business, in culture, and in our own lives is possible, but it requires patience, conviction, and a different definition of success.

The conversation that followed extended well beyond the table. What began as a talk became a shared reflection among people navigating similar questions. About ambition, faith, and what we are actually building toward.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening what it was.

If you couldn’t make it, we look forward to welcoming you at the next gathering!

Next Gathering — Awards Night

May 15, 2025 · New York City (exact location to be announced) · Black Tie

Our next gathering will take a different form. An evening dedicated not to a single story, but to many. Recognizing those who are quietly building, restoring, and leading with conviction.

Awards Night will be a moment to celebrate excellence, courage, and the kind of work that often goes unseen but shapes culture in lasting ways. Expect an atmosphere of elegance, recognition, and shared purpose a night that honors not just achievement, but intention.

Click here to join us! We look forward to seeing you there.

We would like to thank our sponsors!

Tridentine Brewing began the way the best things do - as a family hobby, passed down through generations. Founded by Jeff Alcorn and his sons Trevor and Cameron, the brewery takes its name from the Traditional Latin Mass, and its motto says everything: Braciare ad majorem Dei gloriam Brewing beer for the grater glory of God. What started in a kitchen, rooted in a grandfather’s wartime faith and love of country, has grown into a commercial craft brewery carrying that same spirit in every can. Faith, family, and country brewed into every batch. You can find out more about their story here.

Catholic Founders is run by my good friend Silas Mähner, and he's on a mission to help Catholics start and grow their businesses so that, through entrepreneurship, we can convert the country in the next 20 years. What sets Catholic founders apart isn't just faith as a backdrop it's the virtues. Prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance aren't just spiritual ideals; they're practical tools that shape how we build companies, lead teams, and serve customers.

Catholic entrepreneurship is about building businesses that are not only profitable, but genuinely good rooted in a moral framework that the secular world increasingly lacks. They have a weekly podcast and newsletter that explore these topics with top entrepreneurs like Alessandro Di Santo and distill those into lessons for you and me to take away. I highly encourage you to follow their podcast and newsletter and check out their peer group called the Catholic Founders Guild. You can more information here about his mission.

Founded in 1888, The Catholic Herald transitioned from a weekly newspaper to a monthly magazine in 2014, bringing in-depth Catholic journalism to a modern audience. As a follower of Fides you get a special discounted ‘3 months for $3 subscription! Sign up here to get your special discounted subscription! Click here to know more about them!

Papal Zouave International - Exclusive Book Launch with Fides. We’re excited to share a very special release with you. Crusader Before Congress, the latest book on Congressman Charles Tracey’s years as a Papal Zouave, was created as an exclusive project for Fides. This isn’t just a book launch — it’s a collaboration. The author developed this work specifically for our community, making it a truly unique piece you won’t find anywhere else in the same way. Discover the story behind it and be part of something special!

Felix Empanadas (Desert Sponsor) has been handfolding tradition since 2017, starting in Charlotte and now bringing their flaky, seed-oil free empanadas to New York's Lower East Side, Optimist Hall, The Alley, and soon Miami. Traditional or fusion, steak or sides every empanada is made the way it should be: by hand, with care, without shortcuts. The kind of food that reminds you that the simplest things, done well, are always worth it. You can find out more about their story here.

Founded in 2005, Roots Run Deep started by my good friend Antonio Motta who was one of our past speakers we invite you to experience the pleasure of Brazil! Was very kind to sponsor us with some of their Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. You can find more information here about their story.

Back in May 2025 Jacob Ciccarelli of Truthly shared at their talk at Old Saint Paticks theirCatholic AI app designed to empower people with instant, reliable Catholic answers to any question or problem. Now backed by clergy, evangelists, and influencers around the world, Truthly has grown to over 100,000 downloads and is partnering with dioceses, seminaries, and ministries to provide priests and religious free access to this powerful tool for evangelization. You can find more information about them here!

Bhakta Spirits, founded by Raj Bhakta after WhistlePig, is a revival-focused spirits house built around discovering and restoring forgotten barrels, traditions, and time. The brand began after Bhakta uncovered rare, century-old Armagnacs in France, inspiring a broader mission: to bring overlooked spirits and craftsmanship back to life with patience and purpose. Find more information here.