We are thrilled to host University of Mary's Monsignor James Shea as our very own speaker for this year's Gala!!  

Monsignor James Shea will share his wisdom regarding our vision of "Raising Saints and Forming Scholars," and its importance in our current culture.  Our decorative theme this year, "A Shower of Roses,"  will give homage to the HCCS Intellectual Society's book of the year, St. Thérèse of Lisieux's "The Story of a Soul."

Monsignor Shea, president of the University of Mary since 2009, became the youngest college president in the U.S. at age 34. A native of North Dakota and priest of the Diocese of Bismarck, he has a rich educational background, including degrees from the Catholic University of America and studies at Harvard and the Vatican. Monsignor Shea has served in various pastoral, educational, and leadership roles, including work with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity and on boards such as Saint John Vianney Seminary and the Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities. Monsignor Shea is deeply committed to the education and formation of young people.

Monsignor Shea is a well known Catholic author and speaker. Listen to the rave review of a recent attendee of Monsignor's address at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul: “My sister and I saw his big speech onstage at the Eucharistic Congress (last July), and it just knocked our socks off!” -Mona Wolney of St. John Neumann in Eagan.

It is with great excitement that we invite you to an evening inspired by St. Thérèse featuring the words and wisdom of Monsignor Shea on Friday February 13th, 2026 at the Albuquerque Country Club. Please fill out our form below to be first to know when tickets become available. Please save the date!