Mary Ann Glendon refuses to accept Laetare Medal from Notre Dame

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Fr. John I. Jenkins / Mary Ann Glendon

South Bend, Ind., Apr 27, 2009 / 11:55 am (CNA).- Less than a month before Notre Dame’s Commencement, the former Vatican ambassador Mary Ann Glendon has written President Jenkins to refuse the university's Laetare Medal, rebuffing his claim that her acceptance speech would somehow “balance” the event.

Mary Ann Glendon, a pro-life feminist and Harvard professor, today released an open letter to Notre Dame President John I. Jenkins, in which she told Jenkins that she could not speak alongside President Obama at the May 17th Commencement exercises.

In her letter, Glendon related that she was initially “profoundly moved” at the news that she would receive Notre Dame’s coveted Laetare Medal. After hearing the news, she said she quickly began crafting an acceptance speech that she “hoped would be worthy of the occasion.”

In March, Glendon said that she received a phone call from Fr. Jenkins informing her that she would not be giving the commencement speech, but that instead President Obama would fill that role. Upon learning of the change of plans, Glendon said that a “task that once seemed so delightful” had now been “complicated by a number of factors.”

The first factor Glendon mentioned was her work as a “longtime consultant” to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which caused her to become “dismayed” that Notre Dame “planned to award the president an honorary degree.” This action, she said, would “disregard” the U.S. Bishop’s “Catholic’s in Political Life” document.

Glendon also rebuffed the idea that the teaching “seeks to control or interfere” with a Catholic institution's “freedom to invite and engaged in serious debate whomever it wishes.”

The former Vatican ambassador also took exception to Fr. Jenkin's “talking point” that awarding the Laetare Medal to her would “balance the event.” Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop John D’Arcy also criticized Jenkins’ “talking points” by calling them “wrong” and a “flawed justification.”

“A commencement,” Ms. Glendon wrote, “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.”

She also worried that Notre Dame’s decision is having a “ripple effect” that is encouraging other Catholic institutions to ignore the U.S. Bishop’s teaching.

“It is with great sadness, therefore, that I have concluded that I cannot accept the Laetare Medal or participate in the May 17 graduation ceremony,” she concluded.

President Jenkins responded to the criticism by saying Notre Dame is “disappointed” with Glendon’s decision and that the university intends “to award the Laetare Medal to another deserving recipient.”

Notre Dame said they will make the “announcement as soon as possible."

Comments: 60

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Catherine Kennedy
moorabbin victoria australia 05/11/2009 04:43 AM EST

Maryanne Glendon to be the person in charge of running Notre Dame suggestion give that Fr Jenkins some seriuos counselling, another job or send him back to school to learn the basic tenets of the Catholic faith!
Now Ms Glendon here has the moral integrity
Maryanne is true to the faith on the pro life issue
not a sycophantic panderer to the pro abortionists who all so lap up life and then use their own lives to work against the innocent voiceless defenceless unborn, our future , the next generation.
Che brava encore Mary Ann
what great names you have too
Mary the mother of our lord
st Anne too a prominent saint
You dont need any awards from such fickle people at Notre Dame Mary Anne, as you so convincingly stand on your own Catholic faith
well done to you from so many pro life people that like you too so respect the right to life of the unborn! Thanks for respecting the unborn over any award
for that you deserve many honors, not Obama who has turned his back on the unborn!
there is no honor in that at all!
Deserting the most vunerable of all doesnt say much about anyone so Obama shouldnt be speaking at Notre Dame, let alone getting any award
he Obama has no credibilty at all on the pro life issue!

Published by: psalm
Detroit/MI 05/05/2009 05:00 PM EST

Virgilijus Kaulius,

"Our role is not to attack a sitting President for "our" doctrinal reasons"

In case you haven't been paying attention, 50 million innocent lives have been destroyed by abortion. This is an evil that can be known by any thinking person. You need not be Catholic to see the obvious.

"Naked Public Square is NOT conditioned on OUR mere opinion! And an opinion it is"

Please clarify. It's my opinion (and that of any clear thinking person) that killing children in the womb is a grave evil. Multiply that evil 50 million times....and YOUR opinion of this is?

Published by: Joan Scibetta
Santa Cruz, California 05/01/2009 10:12 AM EST

Thank God for Mary Ann Glendon. I wish her letter to Father Jenkins would be published. It exemplifies her reasons and the world needs to know them.

Published by: Michael
Lake Jackson, TX 04/28/2009 09:33 PM EST

Virgilijus of Vancouver - The Catholic Church is not being triumphalistic when it proclaims the truth. And in case you haven't been following along, the admonishment has been toward ND and Fr. Jenkins, not President Obama. Finally, the Church's teaching regarding abortion is not uniquely a doctrinal issue requiring divine revelation to understand. That abortion is wrong is known through reason and natural law, which is precisely why the Church can rightfully challenge even non-believers on this issue. So, quite the contrary - the only SAD behavior I see here is ND's and Fr. Jenkins' disobedience to truth and Obama's promotion of killing unborn children. Yes, what a sad state of affairs.

Published by: Douglas Cook
Madison/AL 04/28/2009 05:10 PM EST

Mary Ann Glendon's courageous action brings memories of St. Joan of Arc. We don't burn at the stake but we do try to sear our humanist/Catholic? Faith in to the minds of true Catholics. The use of false doctrine such as “the Church's stand on life is not resolved” is a lie! To call those who are devout Catholic's "Right Wing!, Gasp! is stunning! Church doctrine and teachings are all right and conservative, very conservative, example: no homosexual "marriage", no abortion and no female priestesses, divorce not allowed.
Dr. Glendon’s actions are a perfect example of one who defends her faith. As a kid growing up in the 40’s and 50’s Notre Dame was the best example of Catholic, but today it wants to recognize and reward an individual who is the antithesis of Catholic! Notre Dame is a perfect example of our church’s weakness. That is to go along to get along with politicians in hope that government project funds for the weak and poor among us will get funding. This is made to sound like charity but government funding “charity” is not charity.
If Obama had been turned down by Notre Dame because he does not represent the basic beliefs of this once great Catholic learning institution there would have been uproar for not having the “messiah” speak to the fold. But it would be a perfect example to all that we will stand and defend our faith! Our religion trumps politics! After all the Sacrament of Confirmation makes us all “Soldiers of Christ” and isn’t this exactly M

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 04/28/2009 03:34 PM EST

May the grace of Our Lady of Nortre Dame shine on Professor Mary Ann Glendon. YOU ARE TRULY AN EMBASSADOR OF HOPE!!! What is a medal worth? Tim in Washington D.C. and Niles in San Francisco, have you forgotten to mention that the White House demanded Lord Jesus be hidden for view when your president B. Hussein Obama spoke at Georgetown University? Do you even have the heart for Lord Jesus?

Published by: Alphonsus
Ottawa, Canada 04/28/2009 02:35 PM EST

Mary Ann Glendon's integrity and deep Faith are truly a beacon for the rest of the Catholic world. May her example inspire our bishops and clergy to be more bold in their stance against the modern culture of death. I fully agree with Susan's suggestion (see comment on April 14, 2009 at 2:14 pm) that all graduating students show their support for Ms. Glendon by not attending the commencement ceremony, and requesting that their diplomas be mailed to them instead. Then Mr. Obama will have the audience he truly deserves at Notre-Dame University. Ms. Glendon's courage and integrity remind me of our own pro-life Catholics here in Canada who received the "Order of Canada" and then returned it when it was granted to Dr. Mortgentaler, the father of abortion in this country. God bless Catholics who love the Faith and stand up for it with courage and love.

Published by: Michael
Lake Jackson, TX 04/28/2009 02:18 PM EST

R.P. Harrison from Elk Grove Village states that the Church's teaching on abortion is "a doctrine that is by no means settled in the Catholic Church." Will the ignorance never end? Even most non-Catholics know that the Catholic Church unequivocally opposes abortion and calls it a moral evil.

As for Niles from S.F., does Pope Benedict, the late Mother Theresa or Pope John Paul II make you proud to be Catholic, or do only dissenting and disobedient Catholics make you proud? BTW, God does not bless disobedience.

Published by: Amy P.
Michigan 04/28/2009 02:14 PM EST

Tim in DC..last I checked, the recently former president, Mr. Bush, was also "persona non-grata" at similar events at similar institutions who disagree with HIS beliefs. The hypocrite here is you, not the uhm.."Right-Wing Extremists"..thanks for the over-used label by the way..how inventive..

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 04/28/2009 01:37 PM EST

I can always guage how wonderfully faithful a Catholic is by the number of evil minions that crawl out to have their say against their actions. The fear of hell is very real for the imposters. God Bless Mary Ann Glendon!

Published by: Joannie
Nashville, TN 04/28/2009 08:53 AM EST

An important note to CNA-- I don't believe it was ever UofND's intention for her to give the commencement address-- she delivered it in 1996, and that is what she was referring to in her letter. It is not as if UofND took it away from her in March or something.

We need more women like Mary Ann Glendon. She is a woman of class and poise and is unafraid to stand up for the truth. It is not that she has "succumbed" to "siliness" but that she has taken a stand for the Truth of Christ in a country that is become so "open-minded" their brains have fallen out and so "tolerant" that they no longer stand for anything.

Published by: Dee
Fairfax, Va 04/28/2009 07:51 AM EST

If Fr. Jenkins can rescind the invitation which was first given to Mary Ann Glendon to give the commencement speech he can certainly do the same to Mr. Obama who clearly does not represent Catholic values. Bravo, Ms. Glendon for your action. This Catholic greatly admires you!

Published by: James Maher
Ireland 04/28/2009 06:11 AM EST

Your correspondent, Tim, from Washington is wrong1 This isn't "a particular issue" - it's a life and death issue i.e. Life itself, and goes to the very core of our being,

I compliment MAG in her stance and hope that more, and more, of Christian leaders will speak out and protest.

Published by: Virgilijus Kaulius
Vancouver, B.C. Canada 04/28/2009 02:42 AM EST

Rate: Bad

I remains disconcerted at the sick Triumphalism of Catholic leadership in "our" times: I thought we learned something from our excesses from the Middle Ages et al.?!

Our role is not to attack a sitting President for "our" doctrinal reasons: That is not justified theologically! It's time Catholicism grew up and behaved as a "community builder" of the New Millennium and not a community destroyer, which is just too easy to do!

I pray Jesuit Discernment be better understood in grave matters as these when our presence in The Naked Public Square is NOT conditioned on OUR mere opinion! And an opinion it is!

What a sad state of affairs: we remain our own worst enemies! Who needs Satan when we behave like this ourselves as Catholic: SAD!!!

Published by: Craig - Australia
Australia 04/28/2009 12:50 AM EST

Randy says: "Imagine if . . . we all stood up for the teachings of the Church. Our society wouldn't be in the mess it's in today." Spot on Randy! - the people behind puppet Bush would have had a much harder time interfering all over the world to make the millions they've walked away with - laughing!

Published by: mary m
Shawnee Mission/KS 04/27/2009 10:49 PM EST

Bravo Maryann!
Those who are averse to "right wing Catholicism"
(whatever that means) may congratulate themselves for conspiring with a pro abortion president:
GO JOIN ANOTHER CHURCH!

Published by: Mary M
Shawnee Mission/KS 04/27/2009 10:43 PM EST

Bravo MaryAnn!!!
Oh, and the rest of you who "call for balance"
GO JOIN THE EPISCOPALIANS! You don't belong in the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH!!!

Published by: David C Roberts
Rushville, IN 46173 04/27/2009 10:33 PM EST

I applaud Mary Ann Glendan's decision. I have been trying to tell Fr Jenkins for weeks that he made a very bad mistake. Now I read on Lifenews that it has cost the university 8.2 million dollars in donations

Published by: Wally
Enfield/CT/USA 04/27/2009 10:28 PM EST

God bless Mary Ann Glendon... Praise the Lord!

Published by: Niles
San Francisco CA 04/27/2009 10:15 PM EST

Rate: Bad

Just how long did Madame
Ambassador wait to decline the award???
"Oh, ye hypocrites" or,
to paraphrase:
"Oh, ye of selective faith" !
God Bless President Obama
& the United States of America!
May Our Blessed Mother
guide & protect Fr Jenkins
& the whole Notre Dame
Community; they make me
proud to be a Catholic
Christian!

Published by: Rev. Deacon Avaletalia M Hunkin
Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago, American Samoa-USA 04/27/2009 10:07 PM EST

If the Roman Catholic Church teachings and traditions are seriously affected by Notre Dame's decision or action, they ND should be banned from teaching the Catholic prinsiples and anything subject pertains to the Catholic Faith. ND should no longer call a Catholic university.

Published by: Fr Sean Coyle
Philippines 04/27/2009 09:35 PM EST

Tim, the particular issue happens to 47,000,000 pre-born American human beings, about 17,000,000 of them African-Americans, whose lives have been legally snuffed out since Roe v Wade through the ultimate from of child abuse and who will never have the chance to be present at a commencement ceremony or to vote. Mr Obama, Mrs Clinton and Mr 'Rosary beads' Biden are now exporting this murderous policy to other countries. I don't recall the citizens of countries outside the USA being given a vote in the November elections.

I do recall learning in kindergarten in Ireland, 'Thou shalt not kill'.

God bless Mary Ann Glendon for her faith-filled backbone.

Published by: Bryan Siler
Puyallup/WA/USA 04/27/2009 09:19 PM EST

Thank you Mary Ann Glendon for your decision to uphold the teachings of the church. I think she deserves the Laetare medal even more now for living out her Catholic belief.

Published by: Ann Joseph
Belton, Texas 04/27/2009 09:05 PM EST

In response to "Tim" above, it is Mary Ann Glendon who has "strength of character" and Fr. Jenkins who is the "bully".Being pro-life is not "right-wing". It is RIGHT.

Published by: Robert Matzinger
Taylor/MIchigan/USA 04/27/2009 08:34 PM EST

Thank goodness we have Ctaholics of the stature of Ms Glendon to stand up and be counted for the beliefs of our church! Father Jenkins is wrong when he believes that commencement exercises at Our Ladys University is a time to debate "our" Catholic beliefs and award an honorary degree to the worlds foremost abortionist!

God bless Ms Glendon for her courage to do what is right!odMclendon

Published by: G Fry
Saint Louis, MO 04/27/2009 08:23 PM EST

One of the comments below maintains that Dr. Glendon is silly for refusing the Laetare medal. He is wrong. She is simply being principled and authentically Catholic. Abortion on demand, embryonic stem cell research, the conscience rights of Catholic health care workers, and the purveyance of abortion overseas by USAID is far from silly and far from merely "particular" issues. All of these issues strike at the very essence of human rights and the proper regarded to be afforded to human beings, especially the most marginalized. Moreover there can be NO SUCH THING as a Catholic fundamentalist because the our belief in sacred tradition. Hence, inform yourself, learn something new and lasting, and don't condescend to a person's principled stand. If Obama had an ounce of class he would not speak at Notre Dame because he does not believe in its basic belief and principles.

Published by: Margie
Manhasset/NY/USA 04/27/2009 08:13 PM EST

Mary Glendon has every right to accept or reject the Laettare Medal. She is standing by her principles and is making a strong statement to Fr. Jenkins by refusing it. Good for her.

Published by: Mark
Edison/NJ/USA 04/27/2009 08:10 PM EST

God bless you Mary Ann Glendon. The life of just one unborn child is worth more than a million medals. It is unimportant that people honor you. What is important is that you honor God and do his will.

Published by: Mark Manno
Taichung, Taiwan 04/27/2009 07:26 PM EST

I really feel sorry for Fr. Jenkins. His well-meaning but ill thought-out proposal to honor President Obama is causing him no end of problems. I have to say that Ms. Glendon's position gives me a sense of hope for the future of Catholic higher education.

Published by: richard anderson
phoenix, az, usa 04/27/2009 07:21 PM EST

Our Lord's Divine Mercy at work! Pray for conversion of hearts---that those blinded by secular ambition will put their "Trust in Jesus" & not a particular political party's agenda.

Published by: Seán Rian
Missoula, Montana USA 04/27/2009 06:47 PM EST

It seems to me that Glendon is declining the Laetare Medal because she is being upstaged by someone she does not like; wow, how Christian she must be.

Published by: Robert Lockwood
Lafayette, CA 04/27/2009 06:38 PM EST

GOOD ON YOU MARY ANN! Now what we need is for some football recruits to announce they are going elsewhere as they thought they were going to a Catholic College and now know differently. I would love to be at the demonstration carrying a sign U.S.C. IS MORE CATHOLIC THAN N.D. GOD BLESS THE TROJANS!

Published by: bjcass
mooresville,nc 04/27/2009 06:33 PM EST

Mary Ann Glendon is a lady of courage and commitment.It`s unfortunate that her action will have no impact on Father Jenkins in what is clearly a bad decision that has already diminished the celebratory atmosphere that should surround a graduation.

Published by: Chris
Saint Louis, MO 04/27/2009 06:09 PM EST

Dr. Glendon is a consistent Catholic who is unambiguous in her defense of the faith and the importance of the Church's mission to defend human life, which is NOT just one issue, but tens of millions of issues; for each human life murdered through this industry touches all those whom that one unique life could have touched, whether the two of us or all those graduates. Perhaps what people do not realize, is that to be pro-abortion means that you are willing to say to everyone born after 1973 that you are equally fine with their mother's choice to have murdered them in the womb as with her choice to allow them to live. Why should these students feel forced to honor a man who would have been complicit in their murder? A man who is just as content to have never seen them live -let alone graduate- as to see them alive? For the White House to use the word "inclusive" in their response is nothing less than hypocritical, if not condescending; especially when this man allowed the 'conscience clause' to fall by the wayside and promised to sign the FOCA which would force pro-lifers of any faith or of no faith to commit murder. No choice or inclusivity there, my friends!

Published by: R.P. Harrison
Elk Grove Village, IL 04/27/2009 05:22 PM EST

Rate: Bad

Mary Glendon has made a foolish decision she will regret later. Her opposition to speaking on a platform with President Obama will ultimately detract from her place in academic history. She chooses to cast her lot beyond the pail on a doctrine that is by no means settled in the Catholic Church. Instead of maintaining her poise as an open minded thinker, she chooses to side with those who will be proven wrong in the end.

Published by: Eamonn Gavin
Dublin, Ireland 04/27/2009 05:11 PM EST

This is excellent news. Thank God there are still some people who are prepared to not only think the right thing, but actually have the courage to DO it. Like many other modern organisations, the Catholic church is today short of real leaders. Ms. Glennon is a great example of courage, principle and leadership.

Published by: Dr. Guy Di
Chicago, Illinois 04/27/2009 05:09 PM EST

It is good that Ambassador Glenon refuses to be used so Father Jenkin's and so called "Catholic" University Administrators who only honor their vow of obidence to the DNC and not the Holy See. Tim from DC should realize that receiving an honorary degree is an endorsment of views that are opposed to Catholic Teaching. At the same time Jenkins refuses to meet with traditional and orthodox students. So much for "balance" by the left wing thugs Tim from DC seems to worship!

Published by: Bruce
Wash dc 04/27/2009 04:58 PM EST

God Bless Mary Ann for her faith and good heart. Maybe "Tim" should rethink his liberal way and find the real truth and faith.

Published by: Bob Penzkover
Rock prings, WI. USA 04/27/2009 04:53 PM EST

God Bless Mary Ann Glendon. She is a warrior for Our Lady, when a consecrated priest forgets that he is standing in the person of Christ. Now we have two Marys who said "yes" to God and "no" to Satan. We all need to pray for the good, faithful, Catholic students of Notre Dame. I think OUr Lady will take care of Jenkins.

Published by: Nancy Easto
Oak Creek, WI, USA 04/27/2009 04:47 PM EST

MARY Glendon's reward far exceeds the tarnished, useless one from ND. She is to be applauded and remembered. Bless her.

Published by: kathy
chicago 04/27/2009 04:36 PM EST

This is such wonderful news. May we all follow her courageous example.

Published by: Patricia Downing
Throop, PA. USA 04/27/2009 04:32 PM EST

God blss you for your courage!

Published by: Jane Ducharme
Windor, Ontario, Canada 04/27/2009 04:17 PM EST

Congratulations, Mary Ann Glendon. You are the voice of reason in this whole debate, and you are our Catholic heroine. I am beginning to think President Jenkins just doesn't get it.........the murdering of children supersedes all other considerations. If we, as Catholics, cannot agree to have integrity in this matter when, oh when can we agree on anything??????

Published by: BOB ALBERT
Jacksonville fla 04/27/2009 03:40 PM EST

Thank you Mary Ann for not speaking at N/D I love catholic"s like you GOD BLESS

Published by: Kevin Keane
Bartlett/IL/USA 04/27/2009 03:39 PM EST

I am perpetually amazed at the ignorance of those who tout abortion as "just one issue". Have they ever seen a dismembered unborn child? Many of these people are outraged over one terrorist being waterboarded to save innocent lives or over the clubbing of baby seals, but the dismemberment and murder of hudreds of thousands of innocents is "just one issue" - pretty sad - and stupid. Thank you Professor Glendon!

Published by: Charles
Kirkland, WA 04/27/2009 03:36 PM EST

Is being against abortion "Radically Right Wing"?

Abortion is murder, murder of an Innocent human being is never right.

What is Radical is thinking that abortion is just another issue, especially when you are Catholic.

STAND FIRM in the Catholic Faith!

Published by: HOPE F.
VA/USA 04/27/2009 03:27 PM EST

Thank God for Catholics of strong faith, like Mary Ann Glendon.

Oh, please Tim from D.C., sure other presidents have spoken at Notre Dame, but what other ones have promoted abortion so strongly,in the first days of his office, and stem cell research - he has been promoting murder from day one! He certainly has no respect for Pro Life, nor for the Catholic Church teachings! So why is a "Catholic" University awarding him special honor??

God help us!

Published by: Michael
Lake Jackson, TX 04/27/2009 03:24 PM EST

Tim - Notre Dame is not being hijacked by right wing "Catholic" fundamentalists... the issue is not between conservative or liberal, right- or left-wing, etc. The issue is between right and wrong, between orthodoxy and heterodoxy. Fr. Jenkins knows good and well that he is in the wrong, but in his obstinacy he is merely digging in his heels deeper.

Published by: Nancy
Parkland, FL, USA 04/27/2009 03:05 PM EST

Good for you Mary Ann Glendon, you did the right thing which is always better than receiving a medal.

Published by: peg moore
detroit, mi 04/27/2009 02:42 PM EST

Unfortunately some of your readers do not understand the churches teachings. There is no such thing as right or left wing catholism. That is political which has nothing to do with God. Obedience is an attribute of Christ. The churches teachings are not up for debate!!

Published by: Scott
South Bend 04/27/2009 02:41 PM EST

Way to go Ms. Glendon! Perhaps you can recommend to Fr. Jenkins some of values and principles classes that you teach. Thank you for standing up and doing the right thing. Now, to the Catholic who wil be invited to receive the award: will you have the same courage? Or will you be content as "2nd fiddle"?

Published by: Warren Anderson
Victoria, BC, Canada 04/27/2009 02:40 PM EST

Prof. Glendon's actions are exemplary. She has chosen the better part, i.e., she has chosen to be faithful to Christ and His Church. Too many universities have surrendered their Catholic identity for the sake of approval from a society oriented to a culture of death. The real bullies are those Catholics(-in-name-only) who, having surrendered their dignity for the sake of worldly success, attempt to impose their misguided agenda on faithful Catholics who struggle each day to live the faith, a struggle made more difficult by the scandal and confusion caused by disobedient Catholics.

Published by: Susan Gubicza
Canada 04/27/2009 02:14 PM EST

I applaud Ms Glendon for standing up for the teachings of the Church. I also think the many students who are to be there for their graduations, should decide not to be present either, and phone Fr. Jenkins to send out their diplomas in the mail instead. Obama is not worthy of an audience at all. Everyone must send a very clear message.

Published by: Dr. Thomas
Lucente 04/27/2009 01:57 PM EST

This neither a right or left wing issue...murder is always wrong regardless of the political affiliation..Fr. Jenkins is lacking fortitude and is a disgrace to Catholics and other Christians who see abortion for what it is....not an issue to be debated...just as genocide or slavery cannot be merely an issue. Cudoes to Ms. Glendon...since the annoucement of ND to give and abortionist an award I have voted with my wallet. Not one dime to Catholic higher education until it becomes again Catholic in word and in deed! My ebvelope stayed empty last Sunday.

Dr. Thomas B. Lucente

Published by: Larry
Arkansas 04/27/2009 01:09 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Mary Ann Glendon has made the right decision and should be applauded. Fr. jenkins continues to show his disregard for those who are being murdered through abortion, the Bishops and the Roman Catholic Church.

Published by: Raymond F Dunne
Monroe Twp, NJ, USA 04/27/2009 12:58 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

God bless you Mary Ann Glendon for standing up for life. You did the right thing.

Published by: Tim
Washington, DC 04/27/2009 12:40 PM EST

Rate: Bad

I encourage University of Notre Dame and Fr. Jenkins to continue their practice of engagement and not allow themselves to be hijacked by right wing "Catholic" fundamentlists. When did the President of the United States become "persona non grata" at Catholic venues merely because of a postion he espoused on a particular issue? Surely past US presidents have attended at or spoken at commencements of other Catholic colleges or universities and their presence has not raised such an uproar. It's sad that a woman of Ambassador Glendon's accomplishments would succumb to such silliness, though am glad the ND has the collective strength of character to stand up to right-wing bullying.

Published by: Terrence T. Hagen
Downers Grove, Illinois 04/27/2009 12:37 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Proud of her. Maybe Fr. Jenkins can learn something about "principles" from her.

Published by: Randy Hale
Winter Haven/FL/USA 04/27/2009 12:36 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Imagine if the rest of us Catholics were as courageous as Ms Glendon and we all stood up for the teachings of the Church. Our society wouldn't be in the mess it's in today.

Published by: Joyce Kauders
Aberdeen, MD, USA 04/27/2009 12:27 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Thank God that Fr. Jenkins' plans to "balance" the event are not working out according to his will. There is no doubt in my mind that Mary Ann Glendon is worthy of the Laetare Medal if based on no other consideration than her refusal to accept it under the black cloud of that beloved University's President's actions.

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