South Bend, Ind., May 2, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The University of Notre Dame may step in to save the financially troubled John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., which has been suffering under economic strain since its opening in 2001.
A university spokesman confirmed to the Detroit Free Press Monday that the university was asked about the role it might play in the center’s future and was analyzing the situation.
Msgr. William Kerr, the center’s director, confirmed Monday through a spokeswoman that talks are taking place.
“We are negotiating with Notre Dame, but he can’t say anything more,” John Paul II Cultural Center spokeswoman Sandy Peeler told the Free Press.
The John Paul II Center is a little-visited museum located behind the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and adjacent to Catholic University of America. An initiative of Cardinal Adam Maida, it opened in 2001 and is currently operating in the red.
The center is currently being underwritten with $40 million from Catholics in metro Detroit through the archdiocese, which loaned $17 million to the center to cover operating deficits and has guaranteed a $23-million mortgage on the center.