Small university, founded on the Catholic tradition, unleashes against ND critics

News Resources Tools Columns Documents ACI Group

Contenidos del sub-menu

Comments: 58

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
Vespers Address to Priests, Seminarians, and Deacons at Notre Dame
The Trinity – Catechism of the Catholic Church
Speech of Pope Benedict XVI at President Shimon Peres' Residence

Washington D.C., May 18, 2009 / 07:30 am (CNA).- Patricia McGuire, President of Trinity University in Washington D.C., accused pro-lifers protesting Obama's speech at Notre Dame of being "Catholic vigilantes" that are turning back the clock to pre-Vatican II times, when supposedly the Church had no respect for academic freedom.

Speaking on Trinity's campus in Northeast Washington, McGuire devoted almost all of her speech to the controversy surrounding the decision of Fr. John Jenkins, President of Notre Dame, to honor President Barack Obama despite having the strongest pro-abortion record of any previous President.

"A half-century of progress for Catholic higher education is at risk of slipping back into those insular, parochial pre-Vatican II days," when, according to McGuire, "academic freedom was not valued within the Catholic Church."

"The real scandal at Notre Dame today is not that the president of the United States is speaking at commencement," McGuire said. "The real scandal is the misappropriation of sacred teachings for political ends. The real scandal is the spectacle of ostensibly Catholic mobs camping out at Notre Dame for the specific purpose of disrupting the commencement address of the nation's first African American president."

"This ugly spectacle -McGuire continued- is an embarrassment to all Catholics. The face that Catholicism shows to our new president should be one marked with the sign of peace, not distorted in the snarl of hatred."

McGuire continued, "The religious vigilantism apparent in the Notre Dame controversy arises from organizations that have no official standing with the church, but who are successful in gaining media coverage as if they were speaking for Catholicism. . . . They have established themselves as uber-guardians of a belief system we can hardly recognize. Theirs is a narrow faith devoted almost exclusively to one issue. They defend the rights of the unborn but have no charity toward the living. They mock social justice as a liberal mythology."

This is not the first time McGuire has taken a stand against pro-life Catholics and has said to be "proud of having a plaque hanging in my office that says: 'Well Behaved Women Don't Make History'."

After the nomination of Trinity alumna Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, McGuire was requested by several alumni to distance the university from Sebelius' strongly pro-abortion views.

McGuire responded in her blog saying that "the tactics of vilification, condemnation and excommunication will only serve to distance politicians from any faith expression, and to make the general electorate even more wary of any candidate who is Catholic. We need to return this discussion to the high moral ground of teaching persuasively, not lobbing hate mail."

"Trinity," she continued, "is, indeed, proud of the achievements of Nancy Pelosi and Kathleen Sebelius (both alumni at Trinity.) Our pride in their achievements in reaching some of the highest public offices in our nation's history does not mean that we agree with all of their political positions. We obviously disagree on the matter of abortion policy where we affirm the Church's teachings. But there are many other policy positions where their political decisions and Church teachings align quite well."

Trinity University was originally founded in 1897 as "Trinity College" by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Currently, Trinity enrolls some 1,700 students in degree programs.

Visit our Notre Dame photo gallery: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/obama_notredame/

Comments: 58

Subscriber comments:

Published by: psalm
Detroit/MI 05/22/2009 07:56 PM EST

Sam from Texas,

What the heck are you talking about? What is this "hate" you are ranting on about? Where specifically does the Church and it's Bishops teach or promote "vile bigotry" in the fight against abortion?

Obamma's message was "encompassing?" You're joking right? His message was hollow feel good fluff. It's sad and alarming how many people fall for his nicely packaged words without looking at the truth of his actions. Obama radically supports the killing of unborn children. You want to deny this? No amount of feel good speeches can cover up the truth of Obama's radical support of abortion.

The arguments supporting abortion are weak, irrational, and morally bankrupt. Abortion is indefensible and any clear thinking person can see this. That's why pro-abortion activists try and confuse the issue by name calling or creating a false argument of "choice."

Published by: CHRISTINE
SOUTH AFRICA 05/21/2009 02:22 PM EST

GUESS WHO'S WHO !!! .. THE NEW "HEROD" [BABY-KILLER} WHO SAYS A BABY WHO SURVIVES AN ABORTION ATTEMPT ON ITS LIFE MUST STILL BE PUT TO DEATH!!!! ..AND THEN THE NEW "PONTIUS PILATE" [THE COWARD RUNNING MATE] WHO SAYS HE KNOWS ABORTION IS WRONG BUT IS AFRAID OF LOSING HIS 'CHEAP POPULARITY'WITH THE DEMONCRATS... AND LO AND BEHOLD !!!.. ALONG COMES THE "NEW JUDAS!!!"...STRANGE HE HAS THE SAME INITIAL!!!... ONE IS EITHER A [TRUE] CATHOLIC OR NOT [PSUEDO]... THERE IS NO IN-BETWEEN.!!!!!! CHRISTINE MACARTNEY from SOUTH AFRICA.

Published by: RooForLife
USA 05/20/2009 01:54 PM EST

cont>>>
The prolifers there aren’t extrememists, extrememists kill or maim others to get others to do what they want. What hate and bigotry are you talking about.? At least, one third of all abortions are black unborn babies, so how does hate come into if we want to save ALL unborn babies from being killed through abortion?

Published by: RooForLife
USA 05/20/2009 01:53 PM EST

Published by: sam
irving,Texas 18/05/2009 08:37 AM EST
Rate: Bad
Very well said. The loser in this debate is the church ultimately.Obama came and just like christ,compassionately laid out a way forward to confront this problem,,which none of the extremist ideologues are able to do.Its shocking that even bishops and priests who ought to teach and guide are misleading many catholics to embrace hate and vile bigotly in the name of defending life.Abortion in the world is a reality,bad as it is and strong minded people are needed to come up with the best ways to confront it.Obama's message was encompassing and appealing to all on this issue.The 'prolifers' looked bad and hateful.The extremists need to be called out for the hatemongers that they are,before they start bombing innocent people who dont agree with their distorted views.May God bless Obama and all those that seek harmony in the society.

Jesus would NOT have given Obama an honorary award and it isnt hate to stand up for the unborn. In the bible it says to stand against injustice or we sin. Abortion, the MURDER of the most innocent of our society is a great injustice!!! The Church is NOT the loser in this debate because Obama wasn’t at Notre Dame to debate on the issue of abortion. You and others like you are the ones that are misleading. I imagine you arent even Catholic so you should not be commenting on what goes on in the Catholic Church unless you actually know what the Catholic Church teaches!!!

Published by: Niles
San Francisco, CA 05/19/2009 09:10 PM EST

Sam from Irving TX,
Thank you! I could not
have said it better! To quote
my retired Archbishop,
John Quinn who sent a most
cordial letter to Pres Obama,
I send "great blessings" to you,
Fr Jenkins , Dr McGuire,
Scty Sebelius and my own
US Rep, Speaker Pelosi. You all make me proud to be
a Catholic & an American !

Published by: GM
Houston/Tx/USA 05/19/2009 04:07 PM EST

That the obscure Trinity College, never heard of it prior to this article, and Notre Dame claim to be Catholic is laughable. They are no more Catholic than Harvard is Protestant.

Published by: D. Smith
No..Calif. 05/19/2009 01:52 PM EST

Patricia McGuire: perhaps the powers that be at yours and Fr. Jenkins "places of enlightenment" should be seriously audited. What are you feeding our young and vulnerable? They are lacking discernment in God's teachings. And you are responsible. YOU, dear woman, are lacking!

Most of us want to know how much the Catholic Church has to do with the operation of these universities that practice cafeteria religion.

It is very apparent that some authority needs to be brought to bear against what you are shoveling.

Published by: guerrero paciente
Mesa, AZ 05/19/2009 11:55 AM EST

For a gal who thinks "well-behaved women don't make history" she is sure is taking the respectable line, supporting the baby-killing establishment rather than the 'disruptive' champions of the voiceless!

Published by: mike
Mayfield/ky/usa 05/19/2009 11:42 AM EST

Do we know if Ms. Mcguire professes to be Catholic? And if so, what does her bishop think about her inane comments??

Published by: sabby
elmont ny 05/19/2009 07:49 AM EST

How did people like patricia mcguire that have such a disdain for the church's teaching on abortion rise to such honored positions?It is Mcqiuire that is a disgrace and a poor excuse for a catholic. Something needs to be done to "CLEAN HOUSE"and send these lukewarm intellectuals that are misdirecting our youth to secular universities where they beling.

Published by: james & Anne Maher
Ireland 05/19/2009 07:14 AM EST

Sorry, Patricia, but you're so wrong! Maybe being surrounded by academia has nullified your sense of being Catholic but, all around the world, catholics are rising up against the liberal, secular, relativistic "train" that's coming down the tracks!

There's a war raging and nowhere is it more obvious than in America where it's most abortion-friendly President ever is in the White House.

For far too long Catholics have been apathetic, watery and complacent about the tenets of their Faith. Thankfully, at last, unity, resolve and focus has returned to it.

As your Archbishop Chaput said recently "we need to stand up and be counted!" and it's up to people of position, like Patricia Mc Guire, to lead the way.

Published by: lh
McKinney, TX, USA 05/19/2009 06:04 AM EST

Abortion is a crime against humanity.

Published by: William H. Phelan
Madison NJ 05/18/2009 09:02 PM EST

Isn't Mrs. Pelosi an alumna of Trinity?

Published by: Monty Ortiz
Montrose, Co, USA 05/18/2009 08:55 PM EST

The author of the statement on Ms McGuire plaque apparently doen not know about Mother Teresa, does Ms Mcguire?

Published by: Martin
Spokane, WA 05/18/2009 07:11 PM EST

Truth took a day off at Notre Dame this Sunday and in its place not only false ideas were paraded before the students as truth but also many those ideas if practiced by the students are fatal for a free society.

A university’s only reason for being is the pursuit and discovery of truth. Unfortunately many so-called catholic colleges and universities today are not Catholic by this definition. They have taken on the mantra of secular humanism with a utilitarian aspect that comes out of moral relativism; hence the inability to see the hierarchy of truth with the right to life taking precedence over all other human rights.

Madam president your comments about these Catholics who defend our most basic human right which comes from God, the right to life are nuts!

Published by: Dave
Gun Barrel City, TX USA 05/18/2009 07:06 PM EST

There is Obama's 'truth' and the Church's TRUTH. Unfortunately, Notre Dame, Trinity University, among many others cannot discern the difference, nor do many who call themselves Catholics. Mr. Obama, to quote St. Josemaria Escriva "You say that you have a great respect for the truth. Is that why you always place yourself at such a respectful distance from it"?

Published by: Sara
Elkhart, IN 05/18/2009 06:58 PM EST

The videos, newsclips, and newspaper stories being circulated only show a small portion of those that came to campus to take a stand for the unborn. Those people do look a bit extreme and, truthfully, I don't believe they will change hearts that way. In fact, that is exactly what Bishop Darcy requested not to happen.
There was however a peaceful and prayerful statement made by students and members of the class of 2009 in Eucharistic Adoration, mass, a rally, rosaries, and a prayer vigil. Hundreds joined them to stand up for life in all of its forms put together by the group ndresponse.com . That is where the story is...that is what isn't being shown. Fr. Pavone pointed out during the closing rosary that the battle has been won...it is up to us to stand and pray and be counted.

Published by: John
IL 05/18/2009 06:30 PM EST

McGuire and those like her are sorry examples of anything remotely Catholic. Being Catholic does NOT mean to throw one's faith out the door or to water it down so that it no longer means anything. It is because of people with no spines and backbones...like McGuire, Fr. Jenkins and countless others, that their universities are no longer recongnizably Catholic...or even Christian for that matter. Just because your university has a religious name doesn't mean it has a religious base. These people destroy the Church from within and then complain when others stand up for it. Pathetic!

Published by: Malcolm
South Africa 05/18/2009 04:59 PM EST

Just to let you know as a fellow Catholic I am with you and your Bishops and hold to the authority of our Church. You are in our prayers.

Published by: Lynn
Carbondale, IL 05/18/2009 03:46 PM EST

Catholic identity in this nation is in trouble because it is no longer counter cultural....secular relativism; "What is truth?"--has crept in through compromise & the desire to be accepted. Vatican II has been highjacked by those wanting to promote selfish agendas that Christ did not initiate. If a University does not stand for objective truth in the end; why have a debate? It's a totally worthless endeavor otherwise.
So many Catholics are deceived; the Way is narrow & few find it. Beware of the herd-mentality & become part of the remnant.

Published by: mark
New Zealand 05/18/2009 03:24 PM EST

"Well Behaved Women Don't Make History". No. they don't make man's history. They make God's story."Well Behaved women" end up in heaven. Not so well behaved, maybe not.

Published by: anthony
rochester,ny usa 05/18/2009 02:49 PM EST

This DAME is an absolute DISGRACE to Catholicism. The lowest place in hell is reserved for those like her and Jenkins who bring disgrace to Holy Mother Church's Doctrine. Remember at Fatima : Yhere will be division in the Church, the Holy father will suffer greatly--Bishop against Bishop Cardinal against Cardinal,Priest against Priest. Looks like Our Lady was right. Get out your Rosaries, stock food and water and get ready for a great Chastisement.

Published by: JR
owego, ny, usa 05/18/2009 02:39 PM EST

I am shocked that the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church was mocked by Obama.....dialogue about abortion? He walks this earth because his young, single mother did not abort him. Instead chosing to marry his father and give birth. Yet, he states that if his own daughters make a "mistake" they need to have the option of abortion to dispose of it. The truth is he was given a chance at life, just as every unborn baby deserves. Shame on him for taunting true Christians about dialogue. And shame on any Catholic willing to overlook those glaring facts and applaud him.

Published by: Theresia Lawrence
San Antonio,TX USA 05/18/2009 02:34 PM EST

In this controversy, the opposition is not against the person of President Obama, but of a position he advocates. Abortion is not just a "Catholic issue" --- it is a moral,ethical, human dignity issue. He says we should do all we can to prevent abortions, then why has he permitted our taxpayers money to fund international abortions in countries that for the most part do not want abortions, yet to receive our aid, they must accept our conditions --- accept legalized abortion. So, there seems to be some discrepancy in our Presidents words and actions. If an institution professes to be Catholic, then it is assumed that it promotes the Catholic perspective and belief on all issues. If Notre Dame was not one of the leading Catholic educational institutions of our country, it could be understood why an invitation would be offered to someone who does not support the Catholic stance on life. The problem is not disrespect for our President, the problem is disrespect for our Catholic, moral and ethical position against abortion.

Published by: Brendan Bradley
Ireland 05/18/2009 02:27 PM EST

"Obama came and just like christ,compassionately laid out a way forward to confront this problem,which none of the extremist ideologues are able to do" Sam, for heaven's sake think again! If you think for one minute that Obama is genuinely intent upon finding ways to stop or reduce abortions, then you've been taken in. He was playing both sides of the street at ND and that can't be done with abortion. If pro abortionists suspected even for an instant that Obama would actually act on his vague pre election promise to lower the number of abortions (by eliminating its social causes? correct me please, Sam, or anyone else, if I'm wrong) they would be jumping all over him. But that's not happening, nor is it ever likely to happen.

Published by: Dr. W. Luckey
Front Royal, VA 05/18/2009 02:19 PM EST

Allow me to remind the Trinity President that Academic Freedom relates to professors in the classroom, not to public speeches, which amy always be protested. Also, her interpretation of Vatican II is typical liberal nonsense. Nowhere in those documents is it allowed to reject Church teaching--as ND shows itself ready to do.

Published by: Phil
Blasdell, NY, USA 05/18/2009 02:13 PM EST

For Patricia McGuire to lamblast Catholics who are standing up for life if a tragedy! What she can't see is that Obama is just as much a murderer as the person who cuts up the babies in the womb. He has a smiling face and so Patricia thinks he should be greeted with the same smiling face. I would imagine that McGuire would also have criticized any Catholics who vociferously protested Hitler when he was killing the Jews. Obama is no different; yes he is, he is responsible for killing more humans than Hitler.

Published by: Peter
Orlando/FL/USA 05/18/2009 01:57 PM EST

The "Sacred Congregation of Rites" - "Accessory to Sin" clearly defines the gravity per the planned action of ND and Rev. Jenkins here.

Canon Law will address this action as defiant to the statement by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, "Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a New Millennium".

Published by: Leanne
Fredericksburg/VA/USA 05/18/2009 01:35 PM EST

Are there any genuine Catholic universities left? Academic freedom does not, and has never meant, freedom to completely ignore Catholic teaching. Academic freedom means that students are free to explore any and all issues in the classroom. An invited commencement speaker is not involved in debate with students in the classroom. By reducing this to an issue of academic freedom, Ms. McGuire dismisses the concerns of those who fight for genuine social justice beginning with the most vulnerable in our society. She is unable, or unwilling, to confront the arguments of those who do not share her views. This is, indeed, a very sad chapter in the history of the Catholic church in the United States.

Published by: livefortruth
San Diego 05/18/2009 01:30 PM EST

There are only a few "Truly" Catholic Universities in this country. We have a new one here in San Diego. JPII University. Come check it out. Stuebenville is another one. And maybe one or two more and that is it basically.

Published by: Greg
Loretto, TN 05/18/2009 01:18 PM EST

Since 1973 countless aborted babies are crying out for someone to stop this madness, I am choosing to be among the souls that wasn’t “nice” to their executioners. How does one dialogue with mass-murderers, President McGuire?

Published by: Robert
Indianapolis 05/18/2009 01:05 PM EST

And SHAME on the 26 or so members of the association of Jesuit universities that made little public comment other than to say they "privately" lent their support to Fr. Jenkins. As a Fordham University graduate, I am ashamed, embarrassed, and refraining from financial support of my alma mater from henceforth until I hear her confession of this sin.

Published by: Doug
Portland OR USA 05/18/2009 12:42 PM EST

One is hardly a vigilante when they support the teachings of the Church. The false assumption is that those that disagree with abortion are all violent
fanatics.

Another false assumption is that up until Vatican II Catholic education languished for centuries. Ms. Maguire ignores the fact that the Church founded the university system that the world uses today. There has always been tension between town and gown both in secular schools and Church schools.

Vatican II was never intended to overturn the teachings of 2000 years. In fact the vigilantes are those that used Vatican II to become their own Popes and to attempt to mold the Church to conform to their transitory beliefs.

Ms. Maguire did get one thing right when she used the term narrow faith. The road to heaven is a narrow path, and there will be many Catholics that will find that they were not on the path when they are judged upon their deaths.

Ms. Maguire let me give you a phrase to replace "snarl of hatred",...the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Published by: Xavier Romero ND '80
Woodstock, GA USA 05/18/2009 12:40 PM EST

What does bestowing an honor on someone have to do with “academic freedom” ?

What happened at Notre Dame this weekend had nothing to do with "academic freedom". It had everything to do with giving a political figure a platform and honor at a commencement ceremony to further a political agenda. Fr. Jenkins made that perfectly clear in his laudatory introduction.

This is not “academic freedom”, it is anarchy.

Are “Catholic” universities now free to invite anyone regardless of their stance in the name of “academic freedom” ? Should the University of Munich have invited and bestowed an honor on Adolph Hitler ? Should Georgetown University invite Charles Manson to speak and receive an honorary degree ?

The pro-life demonstrators at the University of Notre Dame this past weekend, were merely following the leave of Bishop John D’Arcy, Cardinal Richard George, the entire U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and supporting the clear authority of the Catholic Church, including the 2004 instruction to Catholic institutions not to give platforms or honors to people clearly and openly opposed to the Church’s moral principles.

Institutions claiming to be “Catholic” should follow the Catholic Church’s guidelines

How disingenuous for Fr. Jenkins to claim he is Catholic and pro-life, yet, according to the Cardinal Newman Society, he is a member of the board of directors of a blatantly pro-abortion, pro-contraceptive organization which targets Africa with its policies.

Published by: Greg Camp
Arlington Texas USA 05/18/2009 12:39 PM EST

Mother Mary, Notre Dame, didn't look very respectable and wise when she took a stand for life.

Published by: Dennis Babson
Grass Valley CA USA 05/18/2009 12:19 PM EST

McGuire says: "They defend the rights of the unborn but have no charity toward the living." Catholics understand that the unborn are "living." No wonder she's struggling w/ her faith.

Published by: Craig B. McKee, ND '80
Hong Kong 05/18/2009 12:02 PM EST

Rate: Bad

The protestors had absolutely no right to disrespect the President of the United States nor the moral authority to spoil an otherwise happy graduation day for the ND Class of 2009. Look at the video clips being circulated on national news and you tube. Do they realize how foolish they look and sound? Who could take any of their arguments seriously?

Published by: dancingcrane
San Diego/CA/USA 05/18/2009 11:59 AM EST

It's easy to speak sweet words of tolerance between both sides, when you are the one getting your own way.

As long as their ability to murder is unimpeded, abortion supporters are free to dismiss the pro-life position. After all, if they don't want an abortion, they don't have to have one, right?

And if those 'hateful' pro-lifers don't back down, shut up, and let the abortionists murder at will - and then use the baby parts for scientific gain, if they so choose - then they are clearly the bad guys.

The lines are being drawn so clearly. That's a good thing. Better to know who our friends are, than assume, and get stabbed in the back. The rot in our culture is not only being exposed, but is enthusiastically displayed.

As a country, we survived the Dred Scott decision of 1857, which made black people legally non-persons. A biting irony, that our first black president doesn't know that he's on the wrong side of history.

The reckoning will come, either within history, or outside of it. We all have to die sometime. And there is no appeal from that merciful Judge.

Published by: Jean-Pierre Chacon
Miami, FL, USA 05/18/2009 11:49 AM EST

Dear Marinko:

"...but now am disillusioned and at the crossroads? It might be a time for me and my family to look for spiritual support elsewhere?"

If you know what you have in the Catholic Church, then where could you possibly go?

You have the REAL PRESENCE. What else is there?

You have the one, true Church, which Christ promised to be with until the end of times and which the gates of hell would not prevail against it. It is the pillar and foundation of Truth. We have the fullness of Truth.

Do not let anyone or anything keep you from the Eucharist.

We are a Church of sinners and saints. Remember the parable of the wheat and the weed. In the end the weed will be separated from the wheat....

God bless and stay strong in the Faith.

Published by: Andrew Nelson
Columbia, SC USA 05/18/2009 11:40 AM EST

To say pro-lifers are only one issue and don't care about the living is a snide comment. And she is complaining that pro-lifers are narrow minded, look in the mirror. Also, when it comes to social justice, I think it is the Christian responsiblity not the federal government. When did Jesus ask the Roman Empire to help the needy? It was the Jews who he was telling to help the less fortunate. Just as he exhorts us to do the same. And I can't think of anyone less fortunate than an innocent baby, who in the womb is violently snuffed out. Liberal social justice wants the charity to come from the government without the gospel. It is always easier to say what should be done with money that is not yours. Too many people are looking to the government to solve all their problems instead of turning to our Lord.

Published by: Jean-Pierre Chacon
Miami, FL, USA 05/18/2009 11:38 AM EST

I guess this lady is feeling the guilt for her school's producing two of the worst examples of Catholic education. What are they teaching there if Nancy can't even get basic Catholic teaching right when she put forth St. Augustine as a defense for her position on abortion?

She doesn't want academic freedom, she wants academic license. I wonder if she knows the difference? One deals with teaching the Truth, the other deals with teaching whatever you want, whether it is true or not. Where is true academic freedom practiced today? In the secular institutions that our "fine" Catholic Schools are tripping over themselves to emulate?

I watched the whole thing and Fr. Jenkins sounded like a cheerleader for Obama's policies during his long-winded introduction.

Of all the achievements of Obama that Fr. Jenkins mentioned, he didn't mention the overturning of the Mexico City Policy and the funding of embryonic stem cell research. He didn't mention either that Obama will in short order nominate an abortion advocate to the Supreme Court.

Dialogue...Obama will be happy to dialogue with you all day long. Actions speak louder than words.

It is time that the money changers be cast out of the temple.

Published by: Jacqueline Kruger
Florham Park, NJ 05/18/2009 11:30 AM EST

The Church must evaluate Catholic Universities as to whether or not they are truly "Catholic" and following the teachings of Christ and the Church.
Patricia McGuire should be ashamed of the product of Trinity Univeristy, Ms. Pelosi who has erroneously quoted the teachings of the church on national TV, who continues to receive Communion after being told what the Church teaches, who is defiantly promoting abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research & cloning,same sex marriage, etc. and who currently is proving that she lies. Similar attributes can be applied to Sebellius Are you still proud Trinity.....Ms McGuire?
My suggestion is that Trinity remove itself from all Catholic identity and while a secular university remove itself from all forms of not-for-profit status. If you want to be secular..hop to it!

Published by: Matt
New York, NY, USA 05/18/2009 11:07 AM EST

How does such a person become president of a Catholic college? Would she have said the same thing about protesters against slavery or nazism? If not, what's the difference? Either you believe arbortion is inherently evil, like slavery, or you don't. She should resign or be fired!

Published by: Warren Anderson
Victoria, BC, Canada 05/18/2009 11:01 AM EST

Engage, yes. Dialogue founded on the truth, yes. Honouring an individual whose sinister anti-life agenda is diametrically opposed to God and Church? - absolutely not! Clearly, those who stand for nothing will fall for anything (including Obama's slick, soft sell of the culture of death). Those who will not defend the Church's mission should have the decency to pack up and go.

For those unwilling to recognize the face of evil in an agenda of hatred toward the unborn and the innocent, you have my prayers. When you stand before the living God, let's see you try to explain away your sophistry and capitulation with evil to a jury of millions of unborn children murdered in a society whose members heaped accolades on the agents of the policy which led to their deaths.

It is patently true, especially in our day, that the Church's worst enemies (dissenters, heretics) come from within Her own ranks.

Published by: Maryanne Leonard
Westlake Village, CA/USA 05/18/2009 10:52 AM EST

Do we have to be nice to the president just because he's black? I hope he starts being nice to our little unborn babies just because they're alive. And stops supporting their murders.

Published by: Leonard
San Antonio/TX/USA 05/18/2009 10:46 AM EST

Now we have people like Ms McGuire whose announcements lead the reader to ponder whether she too received honorary degrees…which would at least explain her ridiculous spout. She comes off as having a hated for pre-Vatican II times, but I’d like to remind her that most of the Saints and Church Doctors (who are more intelligent and holier than both her and I) were formed in the pre-Vatican II time of the Church. By her statement it is apparent that she couldn’t have possibly been educated by a reputable instructor on the Documents of the Vatican II Council.
I’m curious as to what her definition of ‘academic freedom’ encompasses when speaking solely regarding a Catholic Institution. If I pay top dollar to send my children to a Catholic School, I’m sacrificing for a reason and one of the most important reasons (if not the top reason) is because my children are supposed to be exposed to lessons in an environment which will strengthen their Catholic knowledge and zeal. They must foster positive Catholic vocations and not shield their eyes when counter-programs and false teachings are brewing in their midst. Obama’s appearance had nothing to do with ‘academic freedom’ so I have no idea why she even mentioned it.
I’m glad that Ms McGuire is on record as President of Trinity University speaking on behalf of their Institution and applauding alumnus Nancy Pelosi and Kathleen Sebelius, because I have 2 children who are now in HS and so I can scratch both schools from the list.

Published by: Leonard
San Antonio/TX/USA 05/18/2009 10:46 AM EST

It’s difficult to explain my disappointment in the decision of the University of South Bend to invite Mr Obama to be the commencement speaker and honored with a law degree from an institution of higher learning which was popularly recognized as a Catholic University. May I remind you that a law degree is supposed to be bestowed upon individuals who protect the rights of ALL human beings? This action is obviously scandalous which is evident through the responses of our Bishops, priests, laymen as well as our non-Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ. When an 80 year old Catholic Priest is arrested and treated like a common criminal on the grounds of a so-called Catholic Institution for bearing a cross on his shoulder and singing praises to Our Lord as well as substituting his voice for those who are snuffed out in their mothers’ wombs and have no voice, I’d say there is extreme scandal taking place.

Published by: David
South Bend/Indiana/USA 05/18/2009 10:34 AM EST

Same old tired arguments. I guess abolitionists and civil rights protestors were vigilantes too?

The hypocrites and fifth columnists are coming out of the woodwork and finally revealing themselves for what they are.

Those who stand for life, those who stand for the freedom of the Catholic voice in the academic debate were those on South Quad, not those in the Joyce Center. Those who serve the silencing of the Catholic voice in the academic debate, those who want to divide and conquer the Church, those who serve the master of this world were collected in person or spirit in the Joyce Center on Notre Dame’s campus yesterday afternoon.

Published by: bjcass
mooresville,nc 05/18/2009 10:31 AM EST

Ms.McGuire confuses academic freedom with unlimited license to spew whatever venom she wishes to launch.Trinity can ignore the magesterium and remove its` Christian symbols and proudly teach on as a secular college.Exercise that option or bring in a President who holds our faith with respect,not the clear contempt of Patricia McGuire.

Published by: ND alum
Dayton/Ohio/USA 05/18/2009 09:44 AM EST

Rate: Bad

Bravo, Patricia McGuire! Only when Catholics understand that the way forward is through respect and extending our hand, as Notre Dame and Fr. Jenkins did with their invitation to Obama, and not self-righteous brouhaha in the name of God, will we ever see grace in our world!

Published by: Harry
Riverton WY, USA 05/18/2009 09:20 AM EST

Catholic vigilantes? How about exercising our faith (and obeying God's Commandment) by standing up for the most defenseless members of our society!

Slither back into your hole wo-man!

Published by: John
Tinley Park/IL/US 05/18/2009 09:14 AM EST

Can you feel the love? I know it's a cheesy analogy but when we point one finger at others three are pointed back. Let's pray that passion is motivated to move on towards truth not personal agendas.

Published by: Larry
Arkansas 05/18/2009 09:13 AM EST

Terms such as "academic freedom" and "Open minds, open hearts" are being used to confuse the issue. Notre Dame gave a degree to the most pro-abortion President in our history. This was a slap in the face to our Bishops and to the Church as a whole. Fr. Jenkins and the Board MUST be held accountable.

Published by: JLS
riverside, california, usa 05/18/2009 08:48 AM EST

McGuire says, "They have established themselves as uber-guardians of a belief system we can hardly recognize", which is exactly the problem the devil had regarding Jesus.

Published by: sam
irving,Texas 05/18/2009 08:37 AM EST

Rate: Bad

Very well said. The loser in this debate is the church ultimately.Obama came and just like christ,compassionately laid out a way forward to confront this problem,,which none of the extremist ideologues are able to do.Its shocking that even bishops and priests who ought to teach and guide are misleading many catholics to embrace hate and vile bigotly in the name of defending life.Abortion in the world is a reality,bad as it is and strong minded people are needed to come up with the best ways to confront it.Obama's message was encompassing and appealing to all on this issue.The 'prolifers' looked bad and hateful.The extremists need to be called out for the hatemongers that they are,before they start bombing innocent people who dont agree with their distorted views.May God bless Obama and all those that seek harmony in the society.

Published by: Marinko
Texas 05/18/2009 08:24 AM EST

Catholic institutions of higher learning are failing us all in name of “academic freedom”. I witnessed my Roman Catholic faith under boots of the Communism in Eastern Europe through 70, 80 and 90s to see it decay in recent years in America. As somebody who lived for years in seminary I kind off understood why the bishops hands where tied in pedophilia cases, but now am disillusioned and at the crossroads? It might be a time for me and my family to look for spiritual support elsewhere?

Published by: Chris Faddis
Winston-Salem, NC, USA 05/18/2009 08:06 AM EST

And Yet another Catholic College President shows her true colors. This is not an issue of academic freedom - the platform of a commencement speech is not the same as a classroom. The commencement speech is a platform - it is giving your backing to support the words of the person who comes to speak. Academic freedom applies to the classroom and the Church has gladly stepped aside in that arena. Case in point is that people like this woman and Fr. Jenkins who continually deny the strong words of their Bishops and even Pope Benedict.

Published by: Michael
Nashville/TN/USA 05/18/2009 08:05 AM EST

Isn't she doing here exactly what Obama spoke against, turning the other side into "a caricature"? She says the protest is "religious vigilantism" from those "who have no official standing with the church," but what about all the bishops who condemned the decision to invite Obama? They do have official standing; are they vigilantes? It appears Fr. Jenkins and ND are only the tip of the iceberg in this problem of unfaithfulness to Catholic teaching by formerly faithful universities.

ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):


NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:

PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:

* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.

ADVERTISING
CNA does not necessarily endorse these advertisers. Please proceed with discretion. If you feel that a website announced has inappropriate or offensive content, please send it by e-mail to catholicna@catholicna.com