Outrageous: Jesuit U. pays $85,000 to have rapper Ludacris perform on Friday

How do you normally spend your Fridays in Lent?

Fasting? Penance? Maybe a rosary or two?

Well, if you work at a Jesuit institution by the name of Fairfield University, you pay a rapper $85k to give a blowout concert:

On Friday, February 15, the annual Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) concert will feature Ludacris, the Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling performer who is at the top of his game these days in the world of rap music. Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges will perform at Alumni Hall on the Fairfield campus as part of his national tour, according to FUSA. [Source: Fairfield University's Press Release]

As CNS notes, Fairfield U. has managed to find and invite someone even the mainstream finds offensive:

In 2002, following criticism by Fox News Channel host Bill O’Reilly, Pepsi dropped Ludacris from its advertisements with an apology noting that “not all [artists] are compatible with our brands and what consumers have come to expect from us.” In 2006, talk show host Oprah Winfrey joined in the criticism of Ludacris for rap lyrics that “marginalize women.”

“If Ludacris is not compatible with Pepsi’s values and corporate image, why is he performing at a Catholic university?” Reilly asked. CNS has called upon Father von Arx to immediately cancel the production.

More drivel from the Fairfield U. press release, which presents Ludacris in his own words. Check it:

The Illinois native tells fans on his web site that he has evolved into a "more three-dimensional storyteller" on "Release Therapy." "Maturity is a beautiful thing. Going into the studio to make 'Release Therapy,' I felt like a wiser, more intelligent person. That was part of the vibe I wanted to bring across on the record, a more personal side that many have not seen. I know this is my fifth album, but I feel as though this is the first time I've ever exposed this much of myself. Like the film Crash, people can either love me or hate me, but they'll always respect me."

Sure, what's not to respect about a man who markets his music with album covers like this?

The name of this album is "Chicken-n-beer", which features track 13: "Hoes in my Room." Just a sample. I wonder if I should be relieved or concerned that he has since become more "three-dimensional in his storytelling"?

LifeSiteNews has coverage here, and calls on local Archbishop Lori of Bridgeport to do something. LSN has also provided contact information both for the Archbishop's office and Fairfield University.

I'm struggling to find the perfect adjective to describe all this.... oh yeah, this is the one:

Ludicrous.

("Meriting derisive laughter or scorn as absurdly inept, false, or foolish." - MW)