Mary Ann Glendon has refused the invitation to be honored at Notre Dame. This is huge. Read her letter.
Now that’s what I call dialogue! It seems to me that she was dissapointed that Notre Dame was using her presence there as coverage. This does two things. It keeps the story alive just as it seemed to be dying and it puts the focus back on Father Jenkins who made the terrible decision to invite Obama.
The fact that she took so long to make this decision indicates that this was not an easy decision for her and it was not a reactionary response but a calm and deliberate one.
How sad that the former Ambassador to the Vatican doesn’t feel that she can attend the country’s most well known Catholic University. That alone says so much. Glendon went from “profoundly moved” at the thought of receiving an honor from Notre Dame to “great sadness.” I think we can all understand why.
By Mary Ann Glendon
Monday, April 27, 2009, 9:32 AM
April 27, 2009
The Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President
University of Notre DameDear Father Jenkins,
When you informed me in December 2008 that I had been selected to receive Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal, I was profoundly moved. I treasure the memory of receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 1996, and I have always felt honored that the commencement speech I gave that year was included in the anthology of Notre Dame’s most memorable commencement speeches. So I immediately began working on an acceptance speech that I hoped would be worthy of the occasion, of the honor of the medal, and of your students and faculty.Last month, when you called to tell me that the commencement speech was to be given by President Obama, I mentioned to you that I would have to rewrite my speech. Over the ensuing weeks, the task that once seemed so delightful has been complicated by a number of factors.
First, as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree. This, as you must know, was in disregard of the U.S. bishops’ express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions “should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles” and that such persons “should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” That request, which in no way seeks to control or interfere with an institution’s freedom to invite and engage in serious debate with whomever it wishes, seems to me so reasonable that I am at a loss to understand why a Catholic university should disrespect it.
Then I learned that “talking points” issued by Notre Dame in response to widespread criticism of its decision included two statements implying that my acceptance speech would somehow balance the event:
• “President Obama won’t be doing all the talking. Mary Ann Glendon, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, will be speaking as the recipient of the Laetare Medal.”
• “We think having the president come to Notre Dame, see our graduates, meet our leaders, and hear a talk from Mary Ann Glendon is a good thing for the president and for the causes we care about.”
A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision—in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops—to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.
Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops’ guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame’s example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.
It is with great sadness, therefore, that I have concluded that I cannot accept the Laetare Medal or participate in the May 17 graduation ceremony.
In order to avoid the inevitable speculation about the reasons for my decision, I will release this letter to the press, but I do not plan to make any further comment on the matter at this time.
Yours Very Truly,
Mary Ann Glendon
HT First Things
Update: Cardinal Newman Society president Patrick J. Reilly issued the following statement:
“Mary Ann Glendon is one of the most accomplished Catholic and pro-life leaders of our time. In heroic fashion, she has willingly sacrificed an award that she richly deserves, as a casualty of Notre Dame’s choice to betray its Catholic mission. We urge Catholics nationwide to continue to pray that Notre Dame will end this scandal.”
Update II: Canon lawyer Ed Peters has more:
The evil that ND President Jenkins and his Board of Trustees committed has, Deus laudetur, occasioned one of the most striking displays of episcopal fortitude I can remember, mobilized hundreds of thousands of American Catholics against another quiet surrender to the Culture of Death, and effected notice to several once great Catholic institutions that it’s time, finally, to decide where they stand…
Update III: Father Raymond J. de Souza writes in the National Catholic Register: Father John Jenkins likely thought himself very clever. Professor Mary Ann Glendon just took him to school.
In declining to receive the Laetare Medal alongside President Barack Obama’s honorary doctorate of laws at next month’s commencement, Glendon has refused to participate in the shabby manipulation Father Jenkins attempted to engineer. It is a rare personage who could ennoble an award by refusing to receive it, but Professor Glendon has done just that. The Laetare Medal will now be known best for the year in which it was declined. Glendon chose, to use the apt words of Bishop John D’Arcy in this regard, truth over prestige…
Continue reading his excellent article here.
Update XVIVLVPVI: David Freddoso of The Corner reports that Notre Dame intends to give the award to someone else. But who else would take it now? David has an idea here.
April 27, 2009 at 6:30 pm
My money is on Doug Kmiec. That would be hilarious and consistent with the show that Ringmaster Jenkins and Co. have initiated. Or Britney Spears ….
April 27, 2009 at 6:44 pm
First of all, thank God for Mary Ann Glendon’s witness to the faith.
Kids may not see beyond their little party but the impact of honoring Obama during this event is grave. If you don’t get it by now, ask someone who does. Also, the students do not own the university even if you think you do. It is there at the service of the faith community, the Roman Catholic Church.
April 27, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I graduated from ND in ’08 and I likewise support Mary Ann Glendon’s decision.
@Anon ’08 — bring it. I double dog dare you. It’s not about politics, tough-guy. It’s about fidelity. There’s a difference and you’d better get savvy before it’s too late.
God Bless,
Ryan
April 27, 2009 at 6:59 pm
A round of applause for Mary Ann Glendon for backing up her faith and principles and relinquishing the glory which was meant to cleverly conceal an obvious mistake. Catholics in this time and place must fight for the faith and act in a manner that strengthens the word of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and our Catholic Bishops. Our Catholic faith is a precious gift – and there are those who are trying to destroy it. We must take Ms. Glendon’s example with the highest regard and follow her example.
April 27, 2009 at 7:02 pm
It appears that women have always been the strongest and the first to have the courage to support and defend the Catholic Faith, beginning with Mary Magdalene. Mary Ann Glendon is a woman we can all admire for her selflessness and intelligence. May God bless her abundantly. And when, Oh God, will institutions that insist on calling themselves Catholic be expunged from list of proven Catholic institutions. Does it take courage from the Bishops or from the Vatican? One can only continue to pray for this cleansing.
April 27, 2009 at 7:04 pm
As for the person above who asked “How many of you actually have anything to do with Notre Dame”. . . I do. Or did. God bless Mary Ann Glendon.
Chuck
Class of ’82
April 27, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I can see a possible future when Lucifer welcomes Father Jenkins to his eternal punishment. And Father Jenkins will reply that he’s merely there to dialogue….
I hope he avoids that possible future, and I’ll pray for him.
April 27, 2009 at 7:12 pm
I am not a graduate of Notre Dame, but I was invested in the Miraculous Medal many years ago. All I can say is God bless Mary Ann Glendon for her stand, and may the Good Lord give me such fortitude as hers.
April 27, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Anon 08- Who do YOU think YOU are? Having attended ND or not has NOTHING to do with what’s happening! As a devout Roman Catholic, I have every right to speak out.
And you nailed it with the statement that commencement is no place for dialogue… well DUH… that’s what everyone’s been trying to tell Fr. Jenkin’s who used that very phrase to justify why he invited Obama in the first place!!!
Everyone that has been to a graduation knows that the speaker doesn’t get up to debate, they get up to MONOLOGUE and unfortunately, if they have idiotic views, then that’s what we’re stuck listening to. How *ANY*one can justify having an anti-life politician not only be the speaker but also receive an honorary award at what is supposed to be a prestigious university is beyond logical reasoning.
Pax Christi,
DDW
April 27, 2009 at 7:26 pm
This is a true example of strength of character and standing by your convictions. God Bless Mary Ann Glendon!
April 27, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Cool lady. Thanks for being a real Catholic. Thank you for speaking your mind in a very kindly fashion. God Bless you.
April 27, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Truly a praiseworthy decision in the noble tradition of Elizabeth Anscombe.
April 27, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Good for her. I’m sure it was a difficult decision, but I commend her for making it.
April 27, 2009 at 10:47 pm
To Anon ’08: Shame on me? You need to grow up, son. You don’t even know me.
My friend who helps run Replace Jenkins has a daughter attending there right now and he’s seriously contemplating pulling her out – except she’s a faithful Catholic who is trying to restore authentic Catholic culture at ND. Something you should have fought for while in attendance.
As a Catholic, we have the right to talk about this issue – and when people like Mary Ann Glendon do the right thing, they are to be commended.
Your opinion, however, means little if at all anything since you’re not willing to put your name to your post.
April 27, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Glendon is wonderful, and it was a difficult decision for her, but God bless her it was the right one.
I feel it is oddly fitting that, before having read this, I picked up Lay Siege to Heaven, a novel about Catherine of Sienna…
April 28, 2009 at 12:37 am
Mary Ann Glendon is a game changer, as the pols are fond of saying now!
I just love those St. Thomas More moments when they come along.
April 28, 2009 at 2:38 am
WOW!! This was such good news and to witness such grace and courage… all I can say is WOW! God bless Mary Ann Glendon.
April 28, 2009 at 3:12 am
Absolutely wonderful news.
April 28, 2009 at 3:46 am
“Mary Ann Glendon is missing an opportunity to provide even more inspiration, to move an entire arena full of graduating students toward a life of greatness.”
there is no greatness if she is participating in leading souls into scandal and down the wide path on the happy dance to Hell.
“Shame on her, shame on all of you. Find something better to do with your time than to argue about something you cannot possibly understand.”
we understand, we understand Our Lady better than you, or appernetly Fr. Jenkins….Our Sorrowful Mother weeps for the souls falling into hell….espically the ones educated at a “Catholic” university, who lead others to scandal and breaking the 2nd commandment by using a holy name in vain!
S. Marie
April 28, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I fully support Mary Ann Glendon’s decision not to attend the commencement ceremony. She has my utmost respect! If only the majority of Catholics had her heart and courage, to stand up for our faith and its teachings, instead of cowing to popular culture and secular society. Mary Ann Glendon is a hero in my mind. Thank you and God Bless, Ms. Glendon!