She Doesn't Want to Create a "Ripple Effect"

The sad backlash of this entire dust up over President Obama being invited to speak at the Notre Dame commencement in May is that sadly, the deserving Dr. Mary Ann Glendon who was to have received the Laetare Medal at that same commencement has declined because in her own words . . .


A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision—in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops—to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.

Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops’ guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame’s example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.

You can read her entire letter to Fr. Jenkins (as it appears on First Things.com) here.


Unfotunatly, rather than leave the Medal unawarded this year, Fr Jenkins has already stated that they will "regift". I am just wondering if there is anyone who is truly pro-life who will be willing to take the dias with the President? I seriously doubt it, for the same reasons as Dr. Glendon found it impossible to do so.

I only wish that President Obama would realize the harm he is doing to the body of Christ and find some state emergency that will keep him away from Notre Dame on the day of commencement, for the greater good. Yeah, like that is likely to happen.

Pax