In an age where truth is under attack and conviction is labeled hate, faithful Catholic families and educators are responding with bold clarity. On May 22–23, 2025, the Courage Under Fire Gala will bring together nationally recognized voices in faith, media, and education for a two-day cultural and spiritual summit at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville.

The event benefits Regina Caeli Academy (RCA), a classical homeschool hybrid in the Catholic tradition that is not only preparing students for top Catholic colleges but also forming future leaders in virtue, courage and faith.

“Both our country and our world need strong, faithful Catholic leaders,” said Alissa Walsh, organizer of the Courage Under Fire Gala. “At Regina Caeli, we’re not only providing them with the education but also the formation to become men and women who will make a positive impact on society. Benedictine College, Franciscan University of Steubenville, the University of Dallas, and Ave Maria University consistently recognize the excellence of our students.”

Raising a Generation Formed in Truth

Regina Caeli Academy is the only nationally accredited homeschool hybrid offering classical education in the Catholic tradition. RCA’s mission — to train the mind to form the soul — is drawing growing interest from families, educators, and universities across the country.

Through the Courage Under Fire Gala, the RCA community invites others to join its mission by gathering in Nashville for Mass, women’s formation workshops, a national film premiere, a media summit, and a formal gala dinner with nationally known speakers.

These influential leaders will share powerful insights on overcoming fear, defending truth, and making a lasting impact. Attendees will be encouraged to embrace their calling with courage, conviction, and faith.

Featured Speakers

Attendees will hear from bold, unapologetic leaders who are not afraid to speak the truth and stand against the tide. Featured speakers include:

• Fr. Mike Schmitz
  Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Duluth and chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Host of The Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year podcasts, Fr. Mike is known for dynamic preaching and helping audiences connect timeless truths with today’s challenges.
• Kirk Cameron
  Actor, producer, and advocate for faith and family. Known for his role in Growing Pains, Cameron now creates inspirational films, including Fireproof and Lifemark, and hosts Takeaways with Kirk Cameron on TBN.
• Matt Walsh
  Best-selling author, cultural commentator and host of The Matt Walsh Show at The Daily Wire. Walsh wrote and narrated the acclaimed documentary What Is a Woman? and his latest film, Am I Racist? is the No. 1 documentary of the year.
• Michael Knowles
  Host of The Michael Knowles Show and best-selling author of Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds. A Yale graduate, Knowles is a leading voice on virtue, free speech, and education.
• Harrison Butker
  Three-time Super Bowl champion kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs. Known as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, Butker is a dedicated husband, father, and advocate for living with purpose and faith.

“Each of these speakers brings a unique voice and an unwavering commitment to truth, virtue, and courage,” Walsh said. “Their presence reflects the mission of this event: to inspire individuals to live boldly and build a culture rooted in faith and conviction.”

An Evening That Inspires Mission

At a time when cultural values are being challenged, the Courage Under Fire Gala seeks to equip individuals to stand firm in their beliefs and lead with integrity. The event highlights the importance of faith-driven leadership and the role of education in shaping future generations.

Proceeds from the event support Regina Caeli Academy and its commitment to forming students through a classical Catholic education, rooted in truth, tradition, and family.

“These men are not afraid to speak the truth and lead others to do the same,” Walsh said. “They stand firmly in faith and model the kind of moral clarity we need in every arena — from the family to the public square.”

Event Details

Thursday, May 22, 2025
Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tenn.

• 6–9:30 p.m. — Pre-screening of Triumph of the Heart
• 6–7 p.m. — VIP cocktail hour
• 7–9 p.m. — Pre-screening film
• 9–9:30 p.m. — Q&A with the director

Friday, May 23, 2025
Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tenn.
Attire: Formal; black tie optional

Tennessee Ballroom

• 9–10 a.m. — Mass with Fr. Mike Schmitz (check-in at 8:30 a.m.)
• 12–1:30 p.m. — January Donovan: The Art of Being a Woman (open to all guests)
• 12–1:30 p.m. — Media Summit (networking for influencers, producers, podcasters, news outlets)
• 12–3 p.m. — VIP Lounge
• 4–5 p.m. — Private VIP event with Fr. Mike Schmitz
• 4:30–5:30 p.m. — Photo op and meet-and-greet with speakers

Presidential Ballroom

• 5:30 p.m. — Doors open
• 6–8:30 p.m. — Gala dinner and speeches
• 8:30–11 p.m. — Whiskey and cigar after-party (invite only)

Limited Tickets Available

Tickets are on sale now. VIP packages include exclusive access to private receptions, premium seating, and speaker meet-and-greets.

To purchase tickets, visit: www.CourageUnderFireGala.org
For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, contact: info@courageunderfiregala.org

About Courage Under Fire

Courage Under Fire is a national initiative dedicated to strengthening families, upholding moral values, and inspiring the next generation through faith, education, and cultural leadership. Through compelling speakers and transformative discussions, the gala equips individuals to live with faith, courage, and conviction in their daily lives.