BALTIMORE, MD, August 19, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Father Leo Patalinghug has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Father Patalinghug has established a distinguished career marked by innovation, service and leadership within both religious and culinary spheres. Since 2021, he has served as the founder of Grace and Grub Food Group, where he manages a food truck and restaurant space in the Baltimore area. In this capacity, he is committed to hiring individuals emerging from prison systems or disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to learn valuable skills and reintegrate into society. His efforts extend beyond business operations, as he regularly celebrates Catholic Mass, often traveling globally to conduct services and lead pilgrimages. He is also known for his popular, inspirational and motivational presentations and also as a keynote speaker helping to raise funds for various charitable organizations.

Since 2017, Father Patalinghug has been the founder and director of Plating Grace, an organization dedicated to bringing families back to the dinner table. Through this initiative, he emphasizes the power of shared meals to unite families and bridge communities. His ministry began with serving food to those facing food insecurity and gained national attention following his appearance on the Food Network's "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" in 2009. This exposure propelled his mission onto a global stage, allowing him to further promote dialogue around faith and culture through various media platforms.

Additionally, since 2017, Father Patalinghug has held the role of founder and chairman of the Plating Grace Foundation. This organization focuses on supporting individuals from marginalized communities by equipping them with culinary skills and fostering personal growth. One of his most meaningful achievements occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when he distributed food to the homeless alongside a staff member with a challenging background. Witnessing the transformative impact of simple acts of kindness, such as sharing a meal, remains a significant accomplishment in his career.

Central to Father Patalinghug's mission is the belief that food holds profound power to do good, the guiding principle behind the Plating Grace Foundation. In keeping with this mission, he established the Olive Mass to honor the hospitality industry, observing that while the Catholic Church recognizes other professions — medicine with the White Mass, law with the Red Mass, and civil service with the Blue Mass — the contributions of hospitality workers have long gone unacknowledged.

The name reflects the industry itself: just as olives of varied colors and shapes yield pure gold when pressed, those in hospitality offer a selfless gift that brings people together. For Father Patalinghug, this is the essence of harnessing the power of food for good, illustrated most simply by sitting down to share a meal, a gesture rooted in the Latin origin of the word "companionship," meaning "with bread."

Beyond his professional titles, Father Patalinghug's professional journey is further distinguished by his fellowship at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America. He was also a member of Chefs For Peace, reflecting his commitment to promoting religeous unity through culinary arts. His expertise as a professional chef since 1999 has enabled him to cook for high-ranking church and government officials, underscoring his reputation in both religious and culinary circles. In addition to his culinary achievements, he holds two third-degree black belts in martial arts and received a scholarship in performing arts early in his career.

Father Patalinghug's academic background is extensive and foundational to his multifaceted work. He earned an STL (Sacred Theological Licentiate) in Mariology with a pontifical licentiate from the Pontifical Institute Marianum in Rome in 2001, graduating summa cum laude. His degree focused on priestly formation while he lived at the Pontifical North American College in Rome in 1999. He also holds an STB (Sacred Theology Bachelor) in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1998. He was ordained a priest in 1999.

Prior to his graduate studies, Father Patalinghug earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from The Catholic University of America in 1994 and a bachelor's degree in political science and government, as well as writing minor in journalism, from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in 1992. He is an alumnus of Mount St. Joseph High School, graduating in 1988.

Father Patalinghug's civic engagement includes recognition as Outstanding Filipino Youth and receipt of the Asian Journal Award in San Diego. His creative projects are equally notable; since 2012, he has hosted "Savoring Our Faith" on EWTN, a television show that connects religious experiences with culinary traditions. He also hosts the "Father Leo Show" on YouTube, a podcast offering balanced Catholic perspectives on contemporary issues.

As an author, Father Patalinghug has published six books beginning with "Grace Before Meals" in 2007, each contributing to ongoing conversations about faith and culture under the tagline "dishing out faith, culture, and commentary." His story was featured in "Plating Grace: How Fr. Leo Patalinghug turned Filipino roots, faith, and food into a global ministry." Additionally, he is recognized as a motivational speaker who addresses diverse audiences worldwide.

Outside his professional commitments, Father Patalinghug was a martial arts instructor and a high school speech and debate coach. He is also known for his acting, singing and dancing skills. He is passionate about traveling and engaging with people from various backgrounds. Looking ahead, he aims to develop strategic partnerships and expand his outreach by speaking to organizations across different sectors, including secular groups, and delivering keynote addresses for major corporate companies. He remains dedicated to presenting religion in an approachable manner that resonates with broad audiences while continuing to foster dialogue around faith, culture and community connection.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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