 |
Former Ambassador Bows Out of Notre Dame Ceremony |
 |
 |
Prayer-Soldier writes ""On 27 Apr 09, “Newsweek” reported that Mary Ann Glendon, a former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, declined to participate in the commencement exercises on 17 May 09 at the University of Notre Dame. Glendon cited the growing controversy over the invitation to President Obama to be the commencement speaker to the 2009 graduating class.
Glendon was to receive the Laetare Medal at the ceremony. The medal, established in 1883, is awarded to an American Catholic to recognize outstanding service to the Catholic Church and society. The inscription on the medal is, “Magna est veritas et prevalebit," meaning "Truth is mighty, and it shall prevail.” The medal is the oldest and one of the most prestigious awards presented to American Catholics.
In a letter to university president, Fr. John Jenkins, Glendon explained, “...as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree. This, as you must know, was in disregard of the U.S. bishops' express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions "should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles" and that such persons "should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions."
Glendon's comment was in reference to President Obama's positions on issues such as embryonic stem cell research and abortion that are in direct contradiction with the Church's deeply held beliefs as to the sanctity of life. Glendon commented, “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.”
Previous recipients of the Laetare Medal include such notables as Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan and President John F. Kennedy. Glendon's declination to receive the award is perhaps the most notable demonstration of the concern demonstrated over the invitation for President Obama to be the commencement speaker.
As of 30 Apr 09, more than 348,000 have signed a petition to Fr. Jenkins to ask that the invitation to be rescinded. Despite daunting criticism, to include statements by more than two dozen Catholic Bishops, it is unlikely the invitation will be withdrawn.
After learning of Glendon's actions, the Life Issues Institute, announced that they will present Glendon with the group's prestigious "Hero at Heart" award. As reported on LifeSiteNews.com, the award is presented to “individuals who demonstrate outstanding courage or compassion on behalf of innocent human life.”
According to LifeSiteNews.com, the Institute's Executive Director, Bradley Mattes, said, “Ambassador Glendon has demonstrated courage and grace in declining this prominent honor. Her action has demonstrated the critical need for all of us to stand up for innocent human life in the face of a pro-abortion president. That's why she's a Hero at Heart." Previous recipients of the award include Congressman Henry Hyde and former Kansas Attorney General, Phill Kline.
Glendon's decision was highly criticized by Danielle Crittenden in the Huffington Post. Crittenden stated in her article that Glendon's decision was an example of, “....burying one's head in the sand. Here we have yet another example of religious conservatives opting out of engagement with the larger political culture, even that within their own church.” Crittenden went on to write, “Glendon's words suggest that Obama may be president but he is not HER President, or the Catholics' president -- a highly divisive and anti-democratic sentiment.”
Crittenden's comments point to the choice placed before American Catholics within the current political environment. Should Catholics hold truthful to their beliefs and their faith, they are considered anti-democratic.
“What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:36-38 "
|
|
|
Posted on Thursday, April 30 @ 22:17:24 MDT by drbonebrake
What is Social Bookmarking?
|
|
|
|
| "Former Ambassador Bows Out of Notre Dame Ceremony" | Login/Create an Account | 0 comments |
|
| | The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| No Comments Allowed for Anonymous, please register |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related Links |
|
|
|
Article Rating |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
