Boise Legatus members reflect on faith, science and the Eucharist

By James Scerbo

For the ICR

Members of the Boise Chapter of Legatus gathered May 21 for an evening of prayer, fellowship and a presentation by emergency physician Dr. Scott French, who spoke on Eucharistic miracles, the Shroud of Turin and the relationship between faith and science.

French, a board-certified emergency physician and member of the Magis Center advisory board, has spent years studying scientific research surrounding Eucharistic miracles and the Shroud of Turin. Drawing upon medicine, pathology

James Scerbo

and forensic science, he challenged attendees to consider how physical evidence can point toward deeper spiritual realities.

The presentation focused on several well-known Eucharistic miracles, including Lanciano in Italy, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Tixtla in Mexico and the more recent miracles in Sokolka and Legnica, Poland. French explained how investigators examining these events reported findings of human blood and cardiac tissue associated with consecrated hosts.

While emphasizing that science cannot prove the supernatural itself, French argued that science can examine the physical effects associated with extraordinary events. For him, the growing body of research surrounding Eucharistic miracles serves as a signpost directing people toward Christ and toward the Church’s teaching on the Real Presence in the Eucharist.

French also discussed the Shroud of Turin, which many Christians believe to be the burial cloth of Jesus. He described scientific and historical evidence that continues to generate interest among researchers and believers alike. Rather than presenting faith and reason as opposing forces, he suggested that the search for truth requires both.

The Shroud presentation, text, images and life-size post-scourging body of Jesus were so moving that 24 high-res photos of the exhibit were displayed at the January 2026 Legatus Summit held in Santa Barbara.

Dr. Scott French, an emergency physician, speaks about the Shroud of Turin at a recent Legatus meeting. (Courtesy photo)

One of the most memorable portions of the evening centered on Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager known for creating a digital catalog of Eucharistic miracles before his death in 2006.

French shared several reflections from Acutis on eternity, courage and the importance of keeping one’s eyes fixed on Christ.

Acutis once wrote, “Our goal must be infinite, not the finite. The infinite is our homeland.” That theme resonated throughout the presentation as French spoke about modern society’s struggle with despair, anxiety and loss of meaning. As a physician who regularly encounters suffering and mortality, he offered a perspective shaped by both medical experience and Catholic faith.

For many attendees, the evening became more than a discussion of miracles. It became a reflection on the human search for truth itself. Questions surrounding science, evidence, suffering and eternal life are not merely academic. They touch every person, whether in the workplace, the family or the broader culture.

The presentation also connected naturally with the mission of Legatus. Founded to help Catholic business leaders study, live and spread the faith in their professional and personal lives, Legatus encourages members to bring Catholic principles into the public square with conviction and integrity.

The evening began with opportunities for confession, the Rosary and Mass before members and spouses gathered for dinner and the presentation. Such events are a hallmark of Legatus, which combines faith formation, fellowship and intellectual engagement.

Joe Burke, Dr. Scott French and Ellen Burke (Courtesy photo)

Legatus strives to provide business leaders and entrepreneurs with faith formation and a community where they can build meaningful relationships with other Catholics running similarly sized organizations. Legatus is unique in offering events and membership to couples, allowing spouses to participate fully in chapter life. Monthly gatherings typically include prayer, the sacraments, a shared meal and presentations from distinguished Catholic speakers.

One of more than 95 chapters throughout the United States, the Boise Chapter continues to provide opportunities for Catholic executives and their spouses to deepen their faith while building lasting friendships with fellow Catholic leaders.

French’s presentation ultimately returned to a simple but profound claim: truth exists, faith and reason are not enemies and the Eucharist remains at the center of the Christian life.

For those gathered that evening, the discussion offered both intellectual engagement and a renewed appreciation for the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Church.

Call (734) 274-6400 or email info@legatus.org for membership details.