I congratulate former the US Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon for her decision to decline Notre Dame’s Laetare medal.
She has set a good example at a serious moment of decision for Catholics in the United States.
As the cultural war becomes more closely fought in the public square, we need strong examples of how to live faithfully our public Catholic identity.
Amb. Glendon might have chosen to receive the award and probably could have done so with a good conscience. She could have chosen to speak. However, this gesture on her part was probably the very best she could have made.
She refused to be objectified by the administration of Notre Dame, instrumentalized as "balance" to President Obama.
She refused to be a Catholic token on the podium of a "Catholic" University.
WDTPRS sends out regards to Mary Ann Glendon and thanks her for her witness to our Catholic identity in the public square.
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Not that Ambassador Glendon needs any further awards or commendations, but it would be nice if the Bishops’ Conference gave her a strong sign of support at their next meeting.
For our part, I think it would be a kind gesture to offer a “Hail Mary” for the intention of this woman who has done so much to stand up for fidelity at Our Lady’s University – and Ave for Ambassador Glendon!
Major kudos fo Ambassador Glendon for refusing to be the orthodox window dressing for Fr. Jenkin’s actions.
Good for her! What an example!
It took a lot of courage for her to do what she did. Now I wonder whom Father Jenkins will choose to take her place for the Laetare Medal? First of all, who would want to be considered the “runner-up” winner? Secondly, whoever it is, will he or she be of the same mindset of Father Jenkins and company, who see no problem with President Obama’s presence and only exacerbate an already bad situation? I wonder if Notre Dame shouldn’t just skip the Laetare Medal this year?
I stand in awe of such courage and selflessness.
Ambassador Glendon is an extremely fine lady and an excellent spokesman for the Faith. As a former diplomat she knew she was being used in a most
craven and cynical way, and said, enough is enough. I don’t know who ND will find to accept the Laetere Medal now since its value has been seriously degraded
by Father Jenkin’s shoddy actions. Tom
A class move by a class act. NDU will find someone to award it to. Jenkins refuses to be wrong and to pass on awarding it this year would, in his mind, give his enemies a victory. The hope we have in squelching this NDU nonsense is that the 8.5 million (so far) in withheld donations will get the Board’s attention and to recover $$ they will can Jenkins.
It’s so edifying and a blessing to see a Church member bearing witness to the truth directly in the face of untruth. Ambassador Glendon is serving as a living walking catechesis (as we all should through our actions). The pedagogy of right action in the face of wrong doing is something we need desperately and don’t see often enough. Conversely, the doings of the president of ND have served as an anti-catechesis for Catholics everywhere. I think that’s what is so insidious about prominent Catholics who act in direct opposition to the authority and teaching of the Church which is the authority and teaching of Christ himself. Wherever our eternal destiny is going to be, we will have most likely ended up taking along other souls with us.
I don’t think it’s coincidence that, following the election of BXVI, opposition to the pusillanimous policies of “Catholic” universities begins to arise.
A mediocre football team and now the row over honoring Obama doesn’t help the ND fundraising.
It’s a shame that she won’t get the Laetare, because she certainly deserves it. But I applaud her refusing to be a foil for President Obama. Good for her.
Now, that is a lovely lady with integrity.
Every Catholic is called upon to give an example of witness to the world in his daily life. It is cheering to see a prominent Catholic doing just that. She will reap her reward in a full measure brimming over.
Now THAT’S INTEGRITY! What a Lady and an example!
Today I sent this courageous Lady a message from my office through her Harvard’s e-mail address.
This woman is an example for us men and peculiarly for the priests, bishops and cardinals
A gutsy move.
While she may not care about any more appointments to any government panel or position, but she’s sure to face stiff payback from Obama’s allies.
That said, while she was never likely to be considered by Obama’s people for anything — not as long as they’ve got Kmiec on their speed-dial — she has actually made herself a little more powerful than before in relation to them. They may not want to acquire her goodwill; but she’s made it a little more valuable to them than it was before. So, while it cuts directly against conventional wisdom, it’s actually a smart move, politically.
She acted at the right time, to maximum effect.
I actually feel sorry for Fr. Jenkins, it keeps getting worse and worse for him. This whole thing has turned out to be a real disaster for him. Even some of his folks who would not get too upset about Obama as a speaker, per se, have got to be upset that Father Jenkins has pulled all this down on Notre Dame.
I was overjoyed when I heard on Fox news that Mary Ann has declined this honour. This action may speak louder than many signatures protesting against the university honouring Obama.
Father Martin Fox,
I am a double-domer and I don’t feel sorry for Father Jenkins at all. He brought this on himself. He knew, or should have known, what the USCCB had
to say on this subject. He’s coming across as just another arrogant, academic. I suspect he will be replaced because his actions have cost Notre Dame
in terms of reputation (unless one is a left-wing loon like Father McBrien) and financial support.
Tom
The action of one saint can overwhelm that of a legion of evil doers.
Thank you Lord for giving us good examples.
Sadly, she is now being subjected to small-mindedness such as this:
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/lifestyles/x718275792/Suzette-Martinez-Standring-Glendon-was-the-wrong-recipient-anyway-of-the-Laetare-Medal