Notre Dame Boards receiving 300,000 signatures against Obama honor

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Notre Dame President Fr. John Jenkins CSC

Vespers Address to Priests, Seminarians, and Deacons at Notre Dame
A Marian prayer of Cardinal John Henry Newman
Meeting with a group of disadvantaged young people of the rehabilitation community of the University of Notre Dame in the Church of the Sacred Heart in Sydney
Address of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger at the Beginning of the thankgiving mass for the 25th anniversary of the Pontificate of John Paul II

Manassas, Va., Apr 29, 2009 / 05:11 pm (CNA).- Today the Cardinal Newman Society is delivering the first 300,000 names of Catholics who have signed their petition opposing Notre Dame’s decision to have President Obama deliver its commencement address and grant him an honorary degree.

The Cardinal Newman Society, whose mission consists of “renewing and strengthening” America’s 224 Catholic colleges, started the petition at NotreDameScandal.com to oppose President John Jenkins’, C.S.C., invitation to Obama on the grounds that it violates the U.S. Catholic Bishop’s teaching on Catholics in Political life.

Since the petition was started, nearly 9,000 people per day have added their name to the list, resulting in the current total of 344,000.

Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees and Board of Fellows are set to meet this Friday, May, 1 at a previously scheduled meeting. The Cardinal Newman Society said binders containing 64,000 double sided pages were sent via FedEx to Father Jenkins and the entire Board of Trustees and Board of Fellows.

To date, 50 U.S. bishops have advised Notre Dame that their decision was flawed and some have even called for the invitation to be retracted. Yet, the Cardinal Newman Society noted that “only the Notre Dame Trustees and Fellows have direct authority over Father Jenkins.” The organization sees the meeting as its “best hope for an end to this scandal.”

The Cardinal Newman Society called for Catholics to “pray” for the Trustees and Fellows “charged with safeguarding Notre Dame’s Catholic identity.” The Board of Fellows contains 12 members, including 6 Holy Cross priests, while the Board of Trustees contains 38 mainly lay members.

Other copies of the petition are reportedly being sent to Archbishop Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education; Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican ambassador) to the United States; Francis Cardinal George, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); Bishop John D’Arcy, of Fort Wayne-South Bend, who presides over Notre Dame; and Bishop Robert McManus, Chairman of the USCCB Education Committee.

Comments: 31

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Francis Moore
Dublin, Ireland 05/18/2009 06:07 AM EST

I thought that Honorary Degrees were presented to people, who had achieved something. What has Obama achieved? He was not a wet week in the Senate and achieved nothing, because he spent most of his time campaigning for the White House. Similarly, he has not been a wet week in the Presidency and the latest news in the financial media is that the U.S. may lose its triple A financial rating (the first time since 1917), because of its honendous levels of debt and borrowing. So why is being honoured at this early stage of his Presidency? He does not even merit the Order of Lenin (Third Class)!

Published by: Nan Siep
FL 05/05/2009 07:04 AM EST

It's unfortunate that Fr. Jenkins' mess appears to be a case of Catholics against Obama when it's actually a case against a Catholic University practicing heresy over and over. Inviting Obama to speak at commencement is the the last straw. These heretical universities have got to get it right or stop claiming to be Catholic, which gives them automatic prestige. Obama merely got the invitation. Fr. Jenkins caused the melee by sending it. Why is he still in that job? Doesn't he have a superior? Methinks Fr. Jenkins has a hidden secret agenda anyhow.

Published by: A. Varni
Woodland Hills,Ca. 05/02/2009 10:05 PM EST

If the graduating class chooses to receive their diplomas in the mail, a strong message will be heard.

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 05/01/2009 12:32 PM EST

Mr. and Mrs. Mary and John Bellino. You can go to the website of [Notre Dame Scandal] and sign the petition yourself. May God bless you!!!!

Published by: bjcass
mooresville,nc 05/01/2009 08:17 AM EST

Patrick of Boardman,Oh.
Our President has set in motion a series of Executive Orders that will INCREASE abortions...that`s a fact.Try to stay focused on evidence,not what you want to believe.If you do that,you will experience the painful reality that our new President represents a culture of death and is unapologetic for his position.

Published by: Craig B. McKee, ND '80
Hong Kong 04/30/2009 10:25 PM EST

UNlike these 50 bishops, President Obama does not have the luxury of running a one issue country. For those who took the time to listen to his April 30 TV press conference, he clearly explained his position and it is NOT being portrayed accurately here.

Published by: D. OBrien
Rio Rico, AZ, USA 04/30/2009 05:26 PM EST

300,000+ signatures?
That is why we have the term "ignorant masses". Go Irish!

Published by: Margaret
Baltimore MD USA 04/30/2009 04:37 PM EST

I say way to go with the 300,000 signatures that Notre Dame got.
I hope they get the message to cancel Obama from their campus.

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 04/30/2009 04:31 PM EST

Mr. Gerry Wasilewski, I am with you. Besides the a small numbers of bishops, most of them don't think 348,000 faithful Catholics' up-roar is important. It is the USCCB's "Faithful Citizen" workshop that lead 54% of the Catholics to vote for OHB because the false ground of common good. Many priests and bishops are preaching the gospel of judas in our Church. Rev. Jenkins is one of them. I would not refer him as Father.

Published by: Craig - Australia
Australia 04/30/2009 04:19 PM EST

Well said Patrick!
"The Cardinal Newman Society started the petition to oppose invitation to Obama on the grounds that it violates the U.S. Catholic Bishop’s teaching on 'Catholics in Political life.'
As if the CNS will concede it does not apply to President Obama! How simple is it? "CATHOLICS in political life" - he's not. 300,000+ signatures does not make a misguided view correct.

Published by: Peter
Nampa, ID 04/30/2009 04:02 PM EST

In essence this, to me, is our (Catholics) taking a stand at the Alamo,win or lose the battle, it is our test from God asking Catholics "who do you choose?" "who do you stand by?" Our response may determine the future life of the Church in the USA.

Published by: Maso
Marseille France 04/30/2009 04:01 PM EST

Patrick,
Narrow mind is the classic insult to those who stand on the never changing principles, teachings and dogmas of our holy Mother the Church. The Catholic faith doesn't vary according to the last trends and fashions: The current issue at stake isn't about how to make a choice about the different ways to handle the financial crisis, it is about millions of innocent LIFES since abortion is a MURDER. Every day 500 babies who certainly had no other wish than to live are slaughtered because a blind power said they are not babies but only an aggregate of cells, a definition that is a soft pillow to make the narrow minds sleeping well.

Published by: Bill Vinet
Kaneohe, HI, USA 04/30/2009 03:34 PM EST

Inviting pro-abortion President Obama to Notre Dame to receive an honorary law degree is truly a grave scandal.

Published by: TimJ
U.S.A. 04/30/2009 02:49 PM EST

Yes, Bishop John D'Arcy of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese has authoity over what happens theologically at Notre Dame University. The superior of the Holy Cross Fathers, under whose auspices Notre Dame University operates, has direct authority over Father Jenkins, a member of the Holy Cross Fathers. We can ask the question, "Why have only 10 Holy Cross priests publicly expressed their disapproval of President Obama giving the commencement address and receiving an honorary doctoral degree? Are the other Holy Cross priests giving their support of Obama by their silence? Are their a major rift among the priests of the Holy Cross Order?

Published by: Logic
Florida, USA 04/30/2009 02:26 PM EST

Dialogue?? This is a one-way commencement speech. Obama is being given a platform to speak to the students that the Catholic parents spent a fortune on their education that should be Catholic. To give Obama a platform and honorary degree is an absolute mindless assult on one's Soul. It is a first-class betrayal, therefore, scandalous and a sinful thing to do. The bishop has the authority to stop this agregious act,invitation given to Obama, by Father John Jenkins. I would hope that he, the bishop, will exercise his authority.

Published by: Larry
Cincinnati, OH 04/30/2009 02:19 PM EST

Patrick,
Your argument fails to take into account that a commencement address is NOT the proper forum for "dialogue & debate." It also fails to acknowledge that the US bishops have expressly forbidden Catholic universities from giving honors to politicians whose policy so blatantly opposes Catholic teaching on a key issue. The crux of problem here isn't Obama's position on abortion, but Fr. Jenkins' blatant failure, as the president of the most prominent Catholic university, to follow the clear directives of the magisterium, including his own bishop. And his attempt to use the same directives to justify his actions is so twisted that it would warrant a grade of "F" from any competent professor of logic.
Catholic institutions can and should encourage and participate in reasoned dialogue and debate, but OUTSIDE of commencement ceremonies and platforms for receiving honors. And Catholic institutions should NOT bestow honors on politicians who support and promote actions that the Catholic Church defines as intrinsically evil.

Published by: Bill
Ringtown/Pa/USA 04/30/2009 02:01 PM EST

Could you please clarify exactly who is responsible for Notre Dame? I think that the Bishop in whose Diocese a University is located has authority over the President of said college. Also I recall John Paul II having had some things to say about Catholic Universities!!

I read recent remarks by Fr. Jenkins in which he lavishes praise on President Obama as being “a great orator”. I recall Jesus talking about another great orator whom He said was “the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning”. Also Fr. Jenkins is quoted as saying “I think it’s unfortunate that the great event of President Obama coming to this campus has been a little clouded by that controversy,” meaning abortion and life. Give me a break! Church teaching is very clear on abortion and no controversy in the teaching itself. This kind of stupidity on the part of a highly visible representative of the Church (Fr. Jenkins), and the lack of a firm and united response by the Local Bishop and his Brother Bishops (yes there are 50 Bishops who have come forward and publicly condemned Fr. Jenkins decision – it should be 100% of U.S. Bishops as well as the Universal Church. The Church teaches the truth and the last I checked Scripture (God’s Word), Magisterium (Teaching Office of The Church) and Sacred Tradition (passed on by The Apostles), are given to us to safeguard and uphold truth. Bishops please safeguard Truth.!!

Published by: Roberta
woodbury,mn.usa 04/30/2009 01:53 PM EST

I cannot believe the comments of some of these so called CATHOLICS. Our Beloved President does not like abortions,if you listened to you would have heared."we need to educate our young women and it is a moral issue".Stop being so pious. Do you attend Mass on Sunday? How Christian are YOU?President Obama has every right to speak if he was invited to do so. You are not "GOD" so you have no right to JUDGE. Think like a adult. Please

Published by: Leilanionu'uanu Lee
Hawai'i 04/30/2009 01:33 PM EST

So many disgruntled Catholics in this world. Aren't all of you glad you have this forum to voice your petty, narrow minded views? If you are so holy and religious, why don't you just pray about this silly matter that you're so passionate about and leave it there in God's hands. May God bless President Obama and the University of Notre Dame!! How I wish I could be there to hear him speak.

Published by: Gerry Wasilewski
Boiling Springs, PA USA 04/30/2009 12:20 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

I understand about 50 U.S. Bishops have publicly denounced N.D. for its invitation to Pres. Obama and the intended bestowal of an honorary law degree. (How ironic is it that this man-made LAW imposed Roe vs. Wade on our country?) I wonder why the other 200 plus bishops have not also proclaimed God's law as transcendent. Is it any wonder that Caholics are confused and troubled and that so many voted for Obama?

Published by: Beth Lovett
Milford, PA USA 04/30/2009 11:45 AM EST

Rate: Excellent

To invite pres. Obama a sworn pro obortionist to Notre Dame is a gross insult to all who love human live
DEMAN retraction of invite

Published by: esmee
usa 04/30/2009 11:43 AM EST

Jenkins seems to care more about prestige than about the Catholic Faith or even Jesus the Christ Himself!

Published by: Jay
Premont, Texas 04/30/2009 11:40 AM EST

How can the Board of Trustees and Board of Fellow have direct authority over Fr. Jenkins? Did I miss something in the CCC. Or did Fr. Jenkins and Boards tear out specific pages pertaining to Authority by the Bishop
and start their own church? Isn't this akin to Fr. Luther's actions defying Authority 492 years ago? Let's pray that Fr. Jenkins will do what is right not what is popular!

Published by: Paul Ameye
Sterling Heights/Mich/USA 04/30/2009 10:13 AM EST

Here's an opportunity for Daniel to defend his faith despite what King Nebuchednezzer and the World thinks.

Published by: Patrick
Boardman, OH USA 04/30/2009 08:45 AM EST

Rate: Regular

Isn't dialogue necessary in the world? Isn't lack of such the cause of bigotry and hate? Are we the same narrow minded bigoted Church that insisted that the earth was the center of the universe? That persecuted others for their views? Didn't we kill others for heretical views? Obama has pledged to take action to decrease unwanted pregnancies thereby reducing abortion potential. Oh, how intelligent people simplify complex issues. Is the character assassination of a fellow Christian with different views than you a good thing? Wonderful! Is it something to be proud of? What suffering simplification can bring. Walk a mile in my moccasins, brothers and sisters, before you judge my actions, my intentions, my character, my love. The character assassination of a good man. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Is this man Obama from the axis of evil or is he really the Christian he claims he is? Is he the hope of the suffering middle and lower class Americans, even though he doesn't appear to be in lock step with the Catholic Church, nor is he a member? Is every Catholic doctrine a litmus test for a non-Catholic to speak at ND? What narrow mindedness! Will Obama speak on his abortion views at Notre Dame? Will he propagandize or will he give some inspiration to a class going into a very dangerous world. I am really embarassed with the actions of supposedly educated "Catholic" people. Are we returning to a closed minded mentality.

Published by: Mary and John Bellino
Cumberland, ME. 04/30/2009 07:53 AM EST

We wish we could sign the petition! Can you add our names because you certainly have our permission!!!!

Published by: j. cullina
white rock, bc,canada 04/29/2009 11:49 PM EST

What person or persons initiated the choice of President Obama to be the commencement speaker?

I doubt if one person made the decision.

..."while her LOYAL sons(daughters)go onward to victory."

Published by: Lynn
Carbondale, IL 04/29/2009 11:28 PM EST

May Good prevail and Our Lady be avenged.

Published by: Robert Matzinger
Taylor/Michigan/USA 04/29/2009 10:06 PM EST

Perhaps this petition we signed will shake up (and wake up) our so called leadership at our leading Catholic university into understanding how outraged many of us Catholics are at their total disregard of a fundamental Catholic belief! What kind of a Catholic school are we? When will our leadership stand up for the Catholic values of Father Sorin?
Father Sorin would be so disappointed in all of us that we have let his school, Our Lady's University come to the point where we honor the worlds foremost abortionist!

Published by: Mark
Edison/NJ/USA 04/29/2009 06:50 PM EST

Keep on signing. Stop King Herod obama's slaughter of the young.

Published by: David Fox
Foley 04/29/2009 06:21 PM EST

It's easy to see why Christ Church's have so much trouble trying to get together,when His Church has people in authority who put their own agenda before Christ. They divide instead of unite.

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