Winona, Minn., Jul 11, 2004 / 22:00 pm
A Catholic university, located in the Diocese of Winona, issued a statement, declaring that it is free to choose who it will honor, regardless of the local bishop’s recent statement to the contrary, reported the Winona Daily News.
Bishop Bernard Harrington of Winona issued a statement, announcing that the U.S. bishops have decided that Catholic communities and institutions should not grant awards to or bestow honors on those who do not adhere to Catholic Church teaching, such as those who support abortion.
In response, the president of St. Mary’s University, Br. Louis DeThomasis, felt it was necessary to clarify the relationship between the university and the diocese.
The diocese doesn't own or control Saint Mary's University; rather, it is sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Br. DeThomasis said.