Pelosi and Sebelius are examples of Trinity's Catholic education, president claims

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The Trinity – Catechism of the Catholic Church
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Washington D.C., May 19, 2009 / 11:29 pm (CNA).- The President of Trinity University, Patricia McGuire, who at the school's Sunday commencement described pro-life critics of Notre Dame's decision to honor President Obama as "Catholic vigilantes” and "grand inquisitors," pointed to the pro-abortion politicians Nancy Pelosi and Kathleen Sebelius as good examples of the education provided by the Catholic university.

During her remarks at the Senior Luncheon on May 15, McGuire told the graduates of the Catholic university that "you will have a stunning opportunity to take a public leadership position that will also test your courage and conviction in ways you cannot imagine right now." "When she sat in this very dining hall 47 years ago, I’m quite sure that Nancy D’Alesandro didn’t imagine that she’d be Speaker Pelosi, one of the most important political figures at this moment in our national history. When she sat here 39 years ago, I’m sure that Kathleen Gilligan never imagined that one day she’d be called Secretary Sebelius at Health and Human Services," McGuire surmised.

According to the Trinity University president, "what motivated each of these Trinity leaders was a passion to make a difference in the public square. I’m sure that each, on a daily basis, has had to deal with issues they never learned about here at Trinity --reform of the health care system, the need to bailout the banks, the challenge of restarting the economy, the perilous condition of social security, the use of torture as a covert national policy, the future of the Supreme Court, the acute and sustained pressures from both right and left to develop law and policy over the central issues of the beginning and ending of life itself."

"How do Nancy and Kathleen and our other graduates know how to work through these hugely complicated issues?" McGuire asked.

"The whole point of a Trinity education is NOT that you leave here on graduation day with all of the answers. Of course not. The whole purpose of this great educational enterprise is that you will know how to analyze the questions, recognize the questions that you must ask without apology; that you will know how to distinguish the truth from mere puffery or outright deceit; that you will have the courage to be the voice that shouts out when all others are silent."

"You will not always be right; you will make mistakes. But mistakes are the risk of a life of action; you are called to the life of action, of advocacy, of assertive leadership on behalf of your families, communities and nation," McGuire said.

Comments: 51

Subscriber comments:

Published by: felix
ondo/ondo/nigeria 06/08/2009 10:13 AM EST

even the former president "w.Bush" believes in the teaching of the church than the so called who call themselves to be catholic:pelosi and sebelius.am from nigeria, there is an adage says:the fellow who that has a head does not have a cap and vice-visa.meanning ex-president who is not a catholic believes in the teaching let alone a fellow that was born and grew with the faith.the problem the country has is that an AVERAGE AMERICAN believes in PRESTIGE than GOD.he can do anything to get the PRESTIGE,even if it goes against the will of GOD.i believe something need to be done in area.thanks

Published by: Diane Trombley
Troy, MI ,USA 05/22/2009 04:35 PM EST

President McGuire is correct when she says, "You will not always be right." "You will make mistakes." Pelosi, Sebelius and McGuire are not and they did.

Published by: Mark
Powhatan 05/21/2009 09:35 AM EST

Gee, the Homeland Security folks think i'm a right wing extremist and now McGuire calls me a grand inquisitor; "Blessed are you when peope curse you and revile you for My namesake." I must be doing something right.

Published by: Tom Kildea
Mt. Laurel, N.J., USA 05/21/2009 12:01 AM EST

Trinity is not helping the Blessed Mother in Her fight with the devil for th USA.

Published by: steve abril
TAMARAC, FL.. 05/20/2009 06:42 PM EST

hmmmm?? ms. mcGuire does'nt reference God once.. This is NOT a catholic university...there God is too small...... please remove your catholic idenity miss president. your not catholic, just feminist.

Published by: Beverly
Caney,KS 05/20/2009 05:49 PM EST

They evidently forgot to teach thier students the basics of Catholicism which include obedience to the Holy Father. If I was president,I would be ashamed to publish that they graduated from this college

Published by: Joel Torczon
Bakersfield, CA USA 05/20/2009 05:28 PM EST

I can only thank President McGuire for making my job of finding the right Catholic college for my young sons to attend when the time comes. I certainly won't have them make the "mistakes" Pelosi and Sebelius have made and will be sure to cross off Trinity U. and any other "Catholic" colleges who tell their prospects that their school is not really Catholic from the list.

Published by: Dave
Gun Barrel City,TX USA 05/20/2009 04:14 PM EST

It saddens me to think that this prattle is being taught at so many allegedly "Catholic" universities. The nation, and especially the Church, has no need of more Pelosi's and Sebelius'.

Published by: Kam
Pa. 05/20/2009 04:12 PM EST

Patricia McGuire, obiviously is not a true Catholic. She only uses the name in her life.

Patrica MGuire, just doesn't get it. Who cares about those kinds of examples of Nancy or Kathleen when your 'Soul' is sold out to the devil?? What good are they? Nothing!! No fancy titles can get you into Heaven, Patricia!

Patrica, being a Catholic is to follow our Lord, Jesus Christ, and God's laws AGAINST murder of the unborn, Patrica!!

In Jesus Name,
Kam. Loyal CATHOLIC!
"I am Pro-Choice too,-I just choose-LIFE!"

Proud to be Pro-Life!

Published by: JOHN
ann arbor mi usa 05/20/2009 04:04 PM EST

I get BAD vibration from this and I don't think the good Lord will care for it either! Pelosi and Sebelius I think at this point the both of them are just CATHOLIC WANT-A-BE'S. They want this if it only suits them no matter what the CHURCH says!!!!!!!!Yes I'm a life long Catholic and a Knight of Columbus member and FOLL the CHURCHS TEACHING!!!!!!!

Published by: K Karls
Bismarck/ND/US 05/20/2009 04:03 PM EST

When, many years after graduation one finds oneself in conflict with both natural law and the successor of St. Peter, and then defiantly and proudly proclaims it, it is more than a mistake. It is a tragedy; and one bears responsibility for those they mislead. Ms. Pelosi, Ms. Sebelius, Ms. McGuire: do yourselves a favor; if you can't find within yoursleves the humility to acknowledge the teachings of Christ as pronounced by His Vicar, resign .

Published by: Sue
Buffalo, New York 05/20/2009 03:53 PM EST

Well, there's another "Catholic" school I won't send my children to. That woman is a heretic.

Published by: Michelle McCafferty
Gulf Breeze/Florida/US 05/20/2009 03:53 PM EST

Then how is a life of action with regards to Right to Life issues considered vigilance and inquisition? A life of advocacy for the most vulnerable of our polulation is worthy of honor and praise.
I guess that my University of Florida education has prepared me for living out my Catholic identify better the "Catholic" education of Ms. Pelosi and Sebelius.

Published by: maryellyn
West Chester, PA, USA 05/20/2009 03:21 PM EST

I have always believed it was the mission of Catholic educational institutions to prepare their graduates to take the Gospel into the world. Sadly, theyare failures.

Published by: Miguel Espinoi
Boquete, Republíc of Panama 05/20/2009 03:09 PM EST

With this kind of leadership in our Catholic Universities, we dont´t need enemies.

Published by: Sister M. Jeananne Sutton, RSM
Omaha, Nebraska, USA 05/20/2009 02:57 PM EST

I see a real failure in your educational system. Aren't your students taught about the intrinsic evil of killing innocent human beings in abortion?

Published by: john
ny usa 05/20/2009 02:45 PM EST

Question is a table a lump of wood? a car a lump of steel? a baby with a beating heart a lump of flesh? I think in order to reach common ground we have to use our common sense

Published by: ADAM
GRAND RAPIDS, MI, USA 05/20/2009 02:41 PM EST

So Trinity University President is happy that two puplic servants defiantly go-against Church teaching throughout their careers? And wishes more students would do the same? The local Ordinary must be so proud.

Published by: Nan Siep
FL 05/20/2009 02:18 PM EST

Is this woman actually proud of these graduates?

Published by: David F
Idaho 05/20/2009 02:10 PM EST

Another Catholic University President who is defending and lauding the education system that is producing public officials who advocate for Anti-Catholic positions and continue to promote the culture of death.

What are they teaching at these "Catholic" universities that forms graduates who hold their faith hypocrisy center stage.

If you want to go to a secular university, then feel free to go. Parents don't send their children to Catholic universities to have them be secularized.

Published by: Michael
Lake Jackson 05/20/2009 01:51 PM EST

Wow!... Pro-abortion politicians Nancy Pelosi and Kathleen Sebelius are good examples of the education provided by the Catholic university? What an amazing indictment. In fact, does this not actually prove the point of faithful Catholics (and all pro-lifers for that matter) that certain 'Catholic' universities have failed to properly form consciences; and what's more, the presidents of these universities don't themselves have properly formed consciences to be able to even discern the problem. Patricia McGuire should be fired for making such a moronic statement... the epitome of asinine.

Published by: Andrew Nelson
Columbia, SC USA 05/20/2009 01:10 PM EST

Truth comes from Jesus Christ. And He has left us the Church. Pride has taken root with many Catholics, who have no problem with disobedience to the Church. She says that you need to have courage to shout when all others are silent. And at the same time, she degrades pro-lifers who are shouting, when most Catholics are silent on the issue of abortion. I guess shouting is only acceptable when it is her so called truth.

Published by: John
Baton Rouge/LA/USA 05/20/2009 01:09 PM EST

Was Pope Paul VI right on the money when he mentioned that the smoke of Satan had entered the church? This woman is 180 degress out of synche with Catholic teaching, like most "Catholic" administrators in the news. Excomminicate them ALL, allowing them back IF they will understand and teach Catholic truth.

Published by: Francis J. Donovan
Hicksville, NY, USA 05/20/2009 11:39 AM EST

Trinity is not a Catholic College. When I read this piece, I could no longer hold back my opinion that the greatest mistake that America made was giving women the right to vote. Here is a list of women political leaders that peddles the pagan belief that a woman should have the right to kill a child if she doesn't want it. If that is the product produced by Trinity they should change their name,it is a misrepresentation.

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 05/20/2009 11:38 AM EST

Miss Patricia McGuire, Your Trinity University is a school of Politics, not a school of good will and services. Your school produced two very distinctive woman politians that shame us all. I am sure the Trinity University also advocate in murdering innocent babies and promote condoms as a way to reduce pregnancies. What a mean and rebelious spirit woman you are!

Published by: Joseph Aubin
Plattsburgh,N.Y. 05/20/2009 10:55 AM EST

Presidcent
Mc Guire. is a disgrace for, making the remark fasvoring Pelosi and Sebelius.
Who ever elcted her to be head of a so called Catholic College ?

Published by: myles keogh
Fort Riley Kansas 05/20/2009 10:49 AM EST

What does it say about this supposed "Catholic" university when the University's leadership is "proud" of graduates like Pelosi and Sebelius?

Disgraceful!

Published by: prayerwarrior4Jesus
Uvalde, TX, United States 05/20/2009 10:43 AM EST

"what motivated each of these Trinity leaders was a passion to make a difference in the public square." Oh, Pelosi and Sebelius are making a difference! But, in my opinion, in a most destructive way. Anyone who promotes the killing of innocent children in their mothers' wombs, as these two women do, are complicit in murder. There is a prayer which I pray from a little prayer book entitled "An Hour With Jesus" which says, "May no one be less good for having come within my influence. No one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble for having been a fellow-traveler in our journey toward Eternal Life." Does this describe these women. I believe not! We must pray for these women and others like them, who allow themselves to be used by the evil one. This includes Patricia McGuire who gushes over Pelosi and Sebelius as if they were noble, sincere and kind. Their actions prove otherwise! Good and holy role models they are not! Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us! Lord Jesus, have mercy on us!

Published by: Annonymous
TX 05/20/2009 10:27 AM EST

Note to self: Don't send kids to Trinity University in Washington.

Published by: Therese
California 05/20/2009 10:22 AM EST

Isn't it sweet that they pat each other on the back as they approve "waterboarding" of the unborn by saline injection? (A form of abortion). Such total blindness as to what they are dong.

Published by: Brother Thomas Athanasius
Syracuse, NY 05/20/2009 10:10 AM EST

"The whole point of a Trinity education is NOT that you leave here on graduation day with all of the answers."
I would say that she's making the case that the whole point of a Trinity education is that you not leave there a Catholic.

Published by: steven
CA 05/20/2009 10:08 AM EST

I advocate the immediate shuttering of any Catholic University that is not in line with Our Church!

Published by: Radomysl Twardowski
Bismarck, ND, USA 05/20/2009 09:44 AM EST

What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?
Mt 16:26, Mk 8:36

Published by: william richter
saginaw 05/20/2009 09:32 AM EST

In these end times the church is being divided. We must pray for these poor lost souls. They know what they do. People in position of power have fallen the farthest.
They are are blinded by the antichrist.

Published by: Robert Matzinger
Taylor/Michigan/USA 05/20/2009 09:30 AM EST

Both of these women are the type of people that president Obama favors most: pro-choice! And even better than that, they "claim" to be Catholic! In this way he belives he can continue to garner the "Catholic vote" and the "pro-choice (baby killer) vote!" AS Catholics, we must recognize Obamas strategy to divide us, and encourage us to reject our Catholics beliefs and our very faith itself to join him in a totally secular world of no values! This is a war for our very souls!

Published by: JLS
Riverside, CA, USA 05/20/2009 09:03 AM EST

So this college has risen to the great heights of teaching how to betray God, while Catholic. What a brilliant achievement.

Published by: Johnnnie
Beaumont,Tx USA 05/20/2009 09:03 AM EST

Goat or Sheep.Which one will Jesus refer to them as?

Published by: Arline
Daytona Beach. FL 05/20/2009 09:01 AM EST

It is my distinct hope and prayer that Trinity University along with their president, Patricia McGuire, is totally dropped from the Catholic List of colleges and will not receive any monies thereof. They are a disgrace to our True Catholic Faith,have become secular and should be treated as such.

Published by: Merton Rodger
Sunland, CA usa 05/20/2009 08:56 AM EST

So many so called catholic colleges are now doing satin's work.
they chase after the world, not Christ. Their's is a faith that makes Jesus puke.

Published by: Helene
Ontario Canada 05/20/2009 08:53 AM EST

Would it be asking too much that presidents of Catholic colleges actually believe and uphold what the Catholic Church teaches? Ms McGuire should not be heading a Catholic institution of learning. She has obviously sold out to the secular humanist mindset of the world. Because she can influence the young minds of her students she is putting their souls at risk. Meanwhile the slaughter of millions of unborn children continues. Citing Nancy Pelosi and Kathleen Sebelius as examples is scandalous. In this culture of death the real examples of courage are the faithful clerics and lay people who defend life in season and out. God help us all.

Published by: Dianne
St. Louis, MO 05/20/2009 08:42 AM EST

This is what is wrong with our Catholic universities and our society as a whole. It's not the conviction of your beliefs and the ability to remain true to them that is valued, but the rise to political power and fame. Prestige is valued over truth and conviction.

Published by: Larry
Arkansas 05/20/2009 08:28 AM EST

If I really believed that "Nancy Pelosi and Kathleen Sebelius as good examples of the education provided by the Catholic university", I would never give another dime to Catholic Schools.

Patricia McGuire's statements are outrageous. They deny everything taught by our Bishop's and the Catholic Church on the right to life.

Published by: Marianne
NY 05/20/2009 08:18 AM EST

But how will they know how to "distinguish the truth from mere puffery" unless they are taught both sound philosophical principles as well as the truth of the Catholic faith? Both Pelosi and Sebelius have sold out to the culture of death. It takes no courage in Washington today to be on the pro-abortion side. It would take a lot of courage to speak out for protecting the lives of the unborn. Political expediency, that's all they base themselves on.

Published by: Karen
Akron, OH USA 05/20/2009 07:06 AM EST

Why does Patricia Maguire insist on membership in a Church whose teachings she detests? If she's looking for a democratic church, or a feel-good-about-my-sin church, or a design-it-myself church, she's come to the wrong place. Apparently, she feels she knows better than the Holy Spirit how best to guide a church. Maybe she should start her own.

Published by: christine
usa 05/20/2009 07:01 AM EST

notice how the shining darkness uses truth to distort ???
anyone paying attention to this university president, can clearly see the "agenda" she is so loudly proud of and promoting with such intensity... her rhetoric is all based on the deceptive side of politics....Please allow me, a humble little housewife voice, to loudly scream back, with all due respect, that Ms. McGuire is in grave erroneous error ! her agenda and that of Pelosi, Sebelius are cloaked in deception. i for one, am so done with serpentine semantics !
God bless us, everyone ! SMILE !

Published by: kathy
chicago 05/20/2009 07:00 AM EST

If I were a graduate of Trinity I don't think I would shout it from the rooftops. This woman is a nut! Outright deceit? Calling pro-life folks "Catholic vigilantes" certainly smacks of that!

Published by: Mike
Scranton, PA 05/20/2009 06:58 AM EST

Hmmm...I actually couldn't agree more that Pelosi and Sebelius are good examples of the education provided by catholic universities. This is not meant to be a compliment.

Published by: Marie
Georgia 05/20/2009 06:45 AM EST

That does not speak well for the "Catholic" education they received at Trinity. If these are examples of Trinity graduates to be proud of, someone needs to take a second look at what they're teaching.

Published by: STEVEN SINISE
TRUMBULL/CT/USA 05/20/2009 06:15 AM EST

Patricia McGuire is a prime example of what is wrong at a lot of Catholic univ.Two hold those two womem up as good examples of a good education is a scandal by itself.At least she should have told the seniors that they would well educated Catholics.I believe that Trinity has lost its Catholic identity AND HAS EXCEPTED POLICTICAL LIBERALISM.

Published by: DAVID LARSEN
Scituate Mass. USA 05/20/2009 12:36 AM EST

The Catholic and Protestant Christian concept when Ms Pelosi was young and to this day,was that ones faith was supposed to be kept separate from any real solutions of any political,scientific,social or intellectual issue of debate. "Religion was a personal "Thing" not the "Thing"of everybody so "Keep it to yourself"! Complicated issues couldn't be settled then or now by"Religion"so find solutions without this,because it is an inhibiting factor and there is no fact in it.
It seems that other countries ,especially the Religious ones of the mid east,cannot understand why our country is so "Secular". They often refer to the United States as the devil of the world a people without morals or any Faith,inhuman. In all this time our political leaders haven't been able to grasp any of this because faith based initiatives haven't been a part of their agenda.
Only Popes Benedict and John Paul ,before him and Rev Billy Graham understood the value of Faith and Reason as intellectual initiatives in solutions to finding a true an more permanent solution,for the possibility of peace in negotiations.
Catholic institutions must teach the fundamentals of the Faith,as in the Catechism, as fundamental as any other intellectual endeavor like Math and the sciences.

Published by: Alcee Duplessis
United States 05/20/2009 12:23 AM EST

Talk about dumbfounded. I can hardly read Ms. McGuire's comments with any degree of credulity. From the get go she has missed the boat. She says, and I quote, "you will know how to distinguish the truth from mere puffery or outright deceit". The truth is that any endorsement of abortion is far from the truth. It is rather either mere puffery or outright deceit. Stop playing games and be honest with yourselves. The truth is before your very eyes, why do you not want to see it?

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