Papist Picture of the Day - 03/31/09

• Controversy: Between Wuerl and Burke, who is right on Communion?
• Pope-ing: Newt Gingrich came into the Church over the weekend
• *Breaking: Pope Sends Apostolic Visitors to the Legionaries of Christ*
• Update: Former Mayor withdraws application after "Internet blogs" voice concern
• Update: "Randall Terry Is Not the Spokesman for Catholic Orthodoxy"
• AmP Poll: What kind of reader are you?

Briefly-considered alternative to a conclave: seeing who wins the zuchetto catch.

[source: Reuters]

(This is post #4,800.)

Breaking: Cardinal George says Notre Dame Obama invite "Extreme Embarassment"

Personally unable to do anything - maybe. Personally unable to say anything? Nope:

Speaking as the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, this weekend Cardinal Francis George of Chicago said that the University of Notre Dame's decision to host and honor President Obama at their commencement ceremony this year was an "extreme embarrassment" to Catholics.

"Whatever else is clear, it is clear that Notre Dame didn't understand what it means to be Catholic when they issued this invitation," George told the crowd at a conference Saturday on the Vatican document Dignitas Personae. The conference was hosted by the Chicago archdiocese's Respect Life office and Office for Evangelization at the Marriott O'Hare hotel.

In a video obtained by LifeSiteNews.com (LSN) today, Cardinal George prefaced his remarks by noting that as USCCB president he does not have jurisdiction or authority over other bishops, but nonetheless has "some moral authority, without any kind of jurisdiction or any sort of real authority."

"As president of the U.S. bishops' conference I have to precisely speak for the bishops and not in my own name, as I could as Archbishop of Chicago," he added. (LifeSite)

In related news:

• Head of Holy Cross order asks Obama to rethink position on abortion (!)
• Bishop Walker of Sioux City, IA is in "surprise and anger"
• Bishop Rhoades of Harrisburg, PA weighs in as well

Sorry for the scant commentary. I am in-between things at the moment.

Tip: Fr. Euteneuer talks about exorcism on EWTN this Friday

AmP readers were very interested in my tip of last week about Matt Baglio's new book "The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist." This means you might also be interested in this news:

EWTN’s is going to interview Fr. Thomas Euteneuer about his new book on exorcism this Friday, April 3, at 8 p.m. ET. Fr. Euteneuer is president of Human Life International and an exorcist. His new book is called “Exorcism and the Church Militant” [I'm waiting for it to appear on Amazon]. Fr. Euteneueur has been in the news lately saying that Pope Benedict feels there is a greater need for exorcism today and that he desires more priests to be trained as exorcists."

Should be an interesting interview! You can watch EWTN online live, right here.

Between Wuerl and Burke, who is right on Communion?

My father Canon Lawyer Ed Peters attempts an adjudication:

I often tell my students, the answer to a canonical question is seldom found in a single canon.

Two prominent American prelates, Abp. Donald Wuerl of Washington DC and Abp. Raymond Burke of the Apostolic Signatura, are the lead figures in a significant disagreement over admitting certain pro-abortion Catholic politicians to holy Communion.

Wuerl basically believes that, under Canon 916, Catholics, including pro-abortion politicians, should determine their own eligibility for reception of Communion.

Burke argues that, beyond Canon 916, Canon 915 requires ministers of holy Communion to withhold the Eucharist from some pro-abortion politicians if they don't refrain from approaching on their own.

Both sides can't be right, and I suspect that the more compelling case is made by reading the two canons together instead of reading one to the exclusion of the other.

He sorts it out here.

Newt Gingrich came into the Church over the weekend

I've managed to be pretty discreet about it. Can't say the same for the rest of the Internet.

The UK Daily Beast has a fun slideshow of famous Catholic converts.

I was most surprised by Gary Cooper.

*Breaking: Pope Sends Apostolic Visitors to the Legionaries of Christ*

As predicted, the Legion website has published a press release this morning. This post will be updated constantly.

The press release consists of three things:

1) a letter from Director General Fr. Alvaro Corcuera, LC

2) a letter from Secretary of State Cardinal Bertone, saying that the Vatican will undertake a visitation of the Legion

3) a short Q&A of four questions written by the Legion

Here is the introduction posted on the Legion website:

"Rome, March 31, 2009. We wish to share with Regnum Christi members and friends two letters announcing an Apostolic Visitation to the institutions of the Legionaries of Christ. We also have included some questions/answers. This is the beginning of a process in which the Legion will fully and gratefully cooperate. We invite our readers to accompany us with prayers that this special help from the Holy Father will assist the Legion and Regnum Christi to love Christ and serve His Church."

[Read the 3 sections here.] [Read only the Alvaro letter.][Read only the Bertone letter.]

Catholic News Service coverage has little to add:

Details of the visitation were not made public in the announcement. Jim Fair, the order's U.S. spokesman, said the order knew little more than what the letter stated. "We know they're going to be visiting. We'll cooperate and prepare. But all we know is what's on the site."

No other press has picked up the story at this point. I doubt anyone else has anything to add.

update: Having had a chance to read the press release, I have a few questions:

• Why did it take three weeks after the Legion knew an apostolic visitation would be taking place for them to notify their members? Why was this statement clearly delayed for so long?
• Why did Cardinal Bertone not mention the Legion's charism? It has been the subject of much discussion recently and he did not take the opportunity of reassuring them.
• If the Holy See is so close to the Legion, why has it chosen to undertake an extensive visitation of all their institutions? Why is the gravity of this decision not acknowledged by the Legion?
• How does this apostolic visitation help the Legion - what are its goals? Apostolic Visitations have recently been called when organizations within the Church are feared to be incapable of fixing their own problems. What are the Legion's "current difficulties" if the only person at fault was Maciel?

[photo: CNA]

update 2 - George Weigel, in a Reuters interview:

"[he] said the investigation will have to discover who within the order was complicit in Maciel's web of deceit. Eventually the pope will have to decide if the Legionaries should be reformed or dissolved, he said."

update 3 - I found these comments on the press release by "Cassandra Jones" to be insightful.

Complete coverage and backstory here.

Former Mayor Williams withdraws application after "Internet blogs" voice cocern

A gratifying, but odd, Associated Press update (underlining mine):

"Former Mayor Anthony Williams withdrew his application to join the Order of Malta after members of the Catholic service society complained he shouldn't be allowed to join because he supports abortion rights and protections for gay unions. Williams's critics used Internet blogs to voice their concerns, but order president Noreen Falcone said anonymous postings with incomplete information were unfair to Williams and his sponsors."

1) Yes ... I was one of those critical blogs.
2) Yes ... Williams was totally unacceptable.
3) ... Has anyone heard of a non-Internet blog?!
4) ... well, of course anonymous postings are going to contain misinformation. But what about the on-the-record bloggers? Where they wrong, too? Obviously not. So be willing to take one on the chin when you deserve it.

Ruse: "Randall Terry Is Not the Spokesman for Catholic Orthodoxy"

Randall Terry is a bit persona non grata on AmP after setting-up Archbishop Burke last week.

Austin Ruse attempts to separate good from bad when it comes to this divisive character:

First things first: Randall Terry is a very talented guy. I am told he is a riveting speaker. He is utterly fearless. And he has a remarkable ability to project himself and his convictions into the mainstream press.

... [but] Randall Terry cannot be allowed to represent himself as the voice of Catholic orthodoxy. The press in its essential anti-Catholicism would much rather quote someone like Randall Terry than more responsible people like George Weigel or George Rutler or Michael Novak or Robert Royal or Jody Bottum or any one of dozens of important voices. The press love it that the P.T. Barnum of the pro-life movement is now front and center in defending the Catholic Church. (CNA)

Legion statement possible today or tomorrow

update: "Pope Sends Apostolic Visitors to the Legionaries of Christ"

The internet background chatter on the Legion situation has spiked significantly in the last 24 hours, and now numerous sources are claiming a statement will be released today or tomorrow. So check back if you have interest.

AmP Poll: What kind of reader are you?

The last AmP poll ("What do you think of Notre Dame's invitation to Obama?") received over 3,000 votes.

It strikes me that these polls are extraordinary opportunities to understand the AmP readership better - and thereby - serve you better in my blogging.

One question I sometimes struggle with in choosing my stories and style of reporting, is what kind of readership I have? Now don't get me wrong - I've always blogged about what I want - just take a look at my semi-regular posts on Dubai. Luckily us papists have plenty in common.

Nevertheless, I think this new poll topic is a way for me to begin getting a better picture in my head of what your background is on these issues:

As always, please feel free to use this poll topic as a jumping-off point for discussion. If you can't see this poll click here and scroll down until you find it.

Papist Picture of the Day - 03/30/09

• Dissent? "Condoms sometimes needed, Portuguese bishop says"
• Notre Dame: Two more bishops weigh in on ND decision
• Update: PDF Scan of Cardinal George's ND letter
• Video: "Following atheist trend, Britons seek 'de-baptism'"
• Notre Dame: Hadley Arkes makes a modest proposal
• Reviewed: DC to remain "green zone" for reception of the Eucharist by pro-aborts?
• Report: Cardinal George says he, USCCB have no jurisdiction over ND
• Outrageous: "Facebook users wage condom campaign against Pope"
• Stupid: Hillary asked "Who painted it?" when at Guadalupe
• Prayers: Columbus Bishop having amputation surgery today

No one gets to beat the Pope to the lunchroom.

[source: Reuters]

"Condoms sometimes needed, Portuguese bishop says"

Dissent?

A Portuguese bishop has said that people with AIDS must use condoms to prevent the spread of the disease, apparently contradicting Pope Benedict XVI, who said the distribution of condoms could endanger public health.

Speaking to journalists, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Porto Manuel Clemente said condoms in such cases are "not only recommendable, they can be ethically obligatory."

... He added that the people giving the pope advice "should be more learned." (AP)

Two more bishops weigh in on ND decision

Bishop Robert Lynch of St. Petersburg:

" ...it is a very prestigious platform to offer a President who is leading the battle for an expansion of abortion rights which may ultimately end up being unparalleled in recent history. Early “markers” are not encouraging in this regard but hope needs to spring eternal and while Notre Dame may have acted way too early and too generously, I am more alarmed that the rhetoric being employed is so uncivil and venomous that it weakens the case we place before our fellow citizens, alienates young college-age students who believe the older generation is behaving like an angry child and they do not wish to be any part of that, and ill-serves the cause of life...."

Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison:

"As for Obama speaking at Notre Dame, Bishop Morlino noted that President Obama is not a Catholic, and as President of Notre Dame, he would NOT have invited Obama to speak. But while Obama is not Catholic, he is still bound by the natural law of human reason, a concept that has not only escaped Obama, but the majority of Catholics in the pews who elected him President. "It's hard to hold President Obama accountable to a standard of understanding of the natural laws that most Catholics can't comprehend. We have to do a better job of teaching the natural law."

Ph/t: AmP reader Daniel.

Update: PDF Scan of Cardinal George's ND letter

Earlier this morning I blogged:

"I received a report which says Cardinal George's office is writing back to people who have expressed complaints about ND, saying that neither he nor the USCCB has authority in the issues."

Here now is a PDF scan of the Cardinal's letter:

The circling was done by the individual who scanned the document, I believe.

Video: "Following atheist trend, Britons seek 'de-baptism'"

Signs of the times:

Related article:

More than 100,000 Britons have recently downloaded "certificates of de-baptism" from the Internet to renounce their Christian faith.

The initiative launched by a group called the National Secular Society (NSS) follows atheist campaigns here and elsewhere, including a London bus poster which triggered protests by proclaiming "There's probably no God."

"We now produce a certificate on parchment and we have sold 1,500 units at three pounds (4.35 dollars, 3.20 euros) a pop," said NSS president Terry Sanderson, 58.

... De-baptism organisers say the initiative is a response to what they see as increasing stridency from churches -- the latest last week when Pope Benedict XVI stirred global controversy on a trip to AIDS-ravaged Africa by saying condom use could further spread of the disease.

"The Catholic Church is so politically active at the moment that I think that is where the hostility is coming from," said Sanderson. "In Catholic countries there is a very strong feeling of wanting to punish the church by leaving it."

Surely this would count as a formal act of defection, canonically speaking?

Hadley Arkes makes a modest proposal about ND

Hadley Arkes over at the Catholic Thing says, "So - you want debate? Fine - let's debate!":

As H.L. Mencken used to say, people ought to get what they want “good and hard.” If the university excuses itself in this instance with the claim that the president is coming to Notre Dame to have a serious conversation, well … let’s have that serious conversation. Notre Dame is amply supplied with people who can articulate the Catholic position on abortion and the taking of innocent life. Why not have a debate/discussion?

Read on. Arkes is that wonderful combination of right and fun-to-watch-being-right.

... about awfully important issues, too.

Reviewed: DC to remain "green zone" for reception of the Eucharist by pro-aborts?

An update on the Archbishop Burke saga from last week (here and here):

[Correction: Bishop of Arlington] Loverde said on Friday that individual Catholics must determine their fitness to receive Communion.

"If you are Catholic, you have the responsibility to think carefully about what it means to present yourself for Communion," he said. "You should present yourself for Communion when you are in harmony with the church's teaching, free of mortal sin and living your life accordingly, and not receive when you are not."

Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington, said Friday that the U.S. bishops overwhelmingly decided in 2004 to allow individual bishops to determine a Communion policy for their diocese.

Wuerl's policy is "to respect the pastoral directives and guidance given to a public official by his or her own bishop while the official is working in Washington, D.C.," Gibbs said. "That individual's bishop presumably would know the person and the situation best and, therefore, be in a position to make a judgment about or a request concerning the person's worthiness to receive Holy Communion." (Religion News Service)

A friend of mine has said that this solution in effect sets up a "Green Zone" for pro-abortion politicians to receive communion while in Washington DC despite what their hometown bishops may have decided.

Sebellius is coming....

Report: Cardinal George says he, USCCB have no jurisdiction over ND

Update - here is a PDF scan of the document in question.

I received a report which says Cardinal George's office is writing back to people who have expressed complaints about ND, saying that neither he nor the USCCB has authority in the issues. Cardinal George is the President of the U.S. Bishops. This would explain why we have seen no official statement from that body. For what it's worth.

Outrageous: "Facebook users wage condom campaign against Pope"

Science rarely restrains Stupidity:

Critics took to the social networking site Facebook to voice their fury over Pope Benedict's remark that condoms do not prevent HIV.

Thousands have pledged to send the pontiff millions of condoms to protest the controversial comment he made to journalists as he flew to Cameroon last week.

... "The clergy aren't supposed to have sex at all, but they are free to tell people how to conduct themselves? That's like a girl who wears no make-up as the CEO of CoverGirl," one member posted on the page, "Condoms for Pope Benedict XVI." (CNN)

Before they start trying to figure out international postage, they might consider reading (senior Harvard research scientist) Edward Green's op-ed in this Sunday's Washington Post: "The Pope May Be Right".

Carl Anderson of the Knights of Columbus comments: "We need more people like Dr. Green, who won't let politics color their objective judgment and more journalists who will pay attention."

Meanwhile the UK "Lancet medical journal [has] accused Pope Benedict XVI of distorting scientific evidence in his statement that condoms worsen the AIDS crisis. It said he should retract the comments.

Finally, through Zenit, a reference to "HIV/AIDS in Africa: What is the Science actually saying?".

Stupid: Hillary asked "Who painted it?" when at Guadalupe

Ladies and Gentleman - our Secretary of State:

During her recent visit to Mexico, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an unexpected stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and left a bouquet of white flowers “on behalf of the American people,” after asking who painted the famous image.

The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was miraculously imprinted by Mary on the tilma, or cloak, of St. Juan Diego in 1531. The image has numerous unexplainable phenomena, such as the appearance on Mary’s eyes of those present in the room when the tilma was opened and the image’s lack of decay. (CNA)

Maybe planning her acceptance speech for Planned Parenthood's Margaret Sanger Award distracted her.

Columbus Bishop having amputation surgery today - prayers requested

Columbus Bishop Frederick Campbell will have his left leg amputated below the knee Monday because of skin cancer, according to a letter released by the Catholic Diocese yesterday.

Doctors have diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma in Campbell, 65. He also has osteomyelitis, an infection, in multiple bones in his foot, and an open wound that will not heal.

Campbell told clergy of his upcoming surgery in a letter mailed Thursday. (Columbus Dispatch)

He is 100% expected to make a recovery and will be able to walk with a prosthetic leg in time.

Papist Picture of the Day - 03/29/09

• Tip: Perfect for Easter: "What Christians Believe" by Pope Benedict
• Flash: Dolan on ND decision: "They made a big mistake"
• Update: Cardinal DiNardo says ND decision "requires charitable but vigorous critique"
• Vatican: Papal spokesman Lombardi to resign in May?

Pope: "What an interesting modern Church you have ... and yet I can't help but notice your crucifix is missing something, or rather, someone... where did you put Him?"

[source: AP Photo]

Perfect for Easter: "What Christians Believe" by Pope Benedict

Credo for Today by Pope Benedict XVI. This strikes me as a perfect Easter present, especially to folks coming into the Church or being confirmed. And it's available for pre-order on Amazon a few days before.

It's on my reading list.

Flash: Dolan on ND decision: "They made a big mistake"

From the Deacon's Bench, the soon-to-be Archbishop of New York weighs-in during an interview taped today (video here):

"They made a big mistake ... in an issue that is very close to the heart of Catholic world view, namely, the protection of innocent life in the womb, [Obama] has unfortunately taken a position very much at odds with the Church." - Archbishop Timothy Dolan

Cardinal DiNardo says ND decision "requires charitable but vigorous critique"

This happened on Friday aftrenoon but I only had time to note it on AmP Twitter (see why you should follow me?).

Here is Cardinal DiNardo's full message in the Catholic Herald (underlining and bold mine):

In light of what I wrote above, I want to venture a comment on the recently released statement of the University of Notre Dame; that statement noted that the President has accepted an invitation to give the Commencement Address this year as well as receive an Honorary Law Degree. The news release then outlines the fact that a number of other Presidents have given the Commencement Address at Notre Dame and have thus highlighted, in effect, the university’s importance. I find the invitation very disappointing. Though I can understand the desire by a university to have the prestige of a commencement address by the President of the United States, the fundamental moral issue of the inestimable worth of the human person from conception to natural death is a principle that soaks all our lives as Catholics, and all our efforts at formation, especially education at Catholic places of higher learning. The President has made clear by word and deed that he will promote abortion and will remove even those limited sanctions that control this act of violence against the human person. The Bishops of the United States published a document a few years ago asking all Catholic universities to avoid giving a platform or an award to those politicians or public figures who promote the taking of unborn human life. Even given the dignity of Office of the President, this offer is still providing a platform and an award for a public figure who has been candid on his pro-abortion views. Particularly troubling is the Honorary Law Degree since it recognizes that the person is a “Teacher,” in this case of the Law. I think that this decision requires charitable but vigorous critique.

The petition, meanwhile, has surpassed 200,000 signers. Other developments of note:

• Rush Limbaugh spoke about the situation on his program on Friday. Here's the transcript.
• A CUA editorial bemoans: "We fear that thanks to a deaf administration which cannot see past its own narrow and constricting interpretation of a complex Catholic dogma, no similar day will dawn at this University. No hope lies on the horizon of a free exchange of ideas. And yet hope remains, just out of sight for every freethinking student here." [Oh please.]
• LifeNews: "ND President's Religious Superior Says Jenkins "Fulfilling Responsibilities" of President"

If you've already signed the petition, and want to do more, consider donating to Project Sycamore - "protecting the Catholic identity of Notre Dame". They have separate finances, and a proven track record of defending the Catholic identity of alma mater. See their "Notre Dame fund to protect human life."

Talk about a watershed moment.

update - you have to love Damian Thomspon: "This guy is awesome."

update 2 - AmP reader Jim clarifies about Project Sycamore/ND Fund to Protect Human Life:

"...it is my understanding that they are completely independent of each other. The former is an external alumni-led initiative. The latter is an on-campus initiative of the University's Center for Ethics & Culture.

Both are very worthy of donations! Especially the ND Fund to Protect Human Life which is working at the grassroots level on campus to change hearts and minds. "

Papal spokesman Lombardi to resign in May?

Damian Thompson at Holy Smoke picks up on some circulating reports:

The Pope's press officer, Fr Federico Lombardi, is to resign after Benedict XVI's visit to the Holy Land, according to Italian and German press reports.

Fr Lombardi, a Jesuit, presided over the mega-disaster of the Williamson affair. The Pope's decision to lift the SSPX excommunications was not his responsibility, but the Church's failure to anticipate the row and its grotesquely slow response to the worldwide row most certainly was.

Then he allowed a question about Aids, condoms and Africa to be asked aboard the papal plane, which the Pope handled with less than total assurance and clarity. Sorry to have to make that point, but the fact that the Vatican press office felt it necessary to tinker with his quotes afterwards is revealing, don't you think?

How about also addressing the Secretariat of State's involvement in these recent fiascoes?

update - related:

[David Gibson:] "Just as a bit of housekeeping, it seems that after changing some of Pope Benedict’s comments on condoms when he was in Africa–and prompting an uproar about the uproar–the official text is back to what the pope originally said on the plane to reporters. Why? Perhaps Fr. Lombardi told them to set it aright. Perhaps they are more confident that they can argue their case. Either way, here it is…"

Perhaps Fr. Lombardi got a talking-to, or whoever was responsible.

update 2 - context: Good analysis from Joan Desmond.

Papist Picture of the Day - 03/28/09

• Ongoing coverage of the Notre Dame Saga here.

Psssst! On the count of three, do a goofy face. They hate that!

[source: REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/Pool (VATICAN POLITICS RELIGION)]

Papist Picture of the Day - 03/27/09

• Hope: "Baby Boom with Patriarch Promise to Personally Baptize Babies #3+"
• Update: 3 Quick Notre Dame Updates
• Humor: LOL Pope Photo
• Sick: Hillary Clinton to receive Margaret Sanger Award from Planned Parenthood
• Update: Bishop Aymond on ND award: "does not live up to its Catholic identity"
• Breaking: US Bishops release statement ruling-out Reiki
• Outrageous: UK abortion clinics to advertise on TV for first time
• Open Letter: Dr. Janet Smith to Fr. Jenkins
• Video: Greek Orthodox Church Head compares Obama to Alexander the Great
• Cool: "British Museum finds relics of 39 saints after 100 years"

Wow!! Is that a bishop?? ... oh wait ... nope. T-shirt.

[source: REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ANGOLA RELIGION)]

"Baby Boom with Patriarch Promise to Personally Baptize Babies #3+"

I like ending the news week on a high note. It doesn't get much better than this:

The head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ilia II, came up with an astonishingly successful incentive to counteract the country's plummeting birth rate.

He promised to personally baptize any baby born to parents of more than two children.

The BBC reported that the results have been, in the words of the Georgian Orthodox Church, "a miracle," with the country's birth rate increasing by nearly 20% during 2008 - a rate four times faster than the previous year.

While Georgia was under the domination of the former Soviet Union, the Orthodox religion was all but suppressed in the country, but now the BBC reports that the Patriarch plays a very influential role in Georgian society, with many seeing him as the most authoritative figure in their lives. (LifeSite)

Imagine if American Bishops made that same promise to families in their diocese?

3 Quick Notre Dame Updates

This is more than a numbers game - it's about principles. This, however, is still discouraging to read:

"Seventy percent of the alumni letters opposed having Obama giving the speech, while 73 percent of student letters supported his appearance. Among the 95 seniors who wrote letters, 97 percent supported the president's invitation."

Fr. Sirico of the Acton Institute weighs-in on his blog:

"This is not a matter of abortion (I presume we agree on how evil it is); nor is it about free speech (you could have invited the president to a discussion for that). This is about coherence. You no longer know who you are as a Catholic institution.

It pains me to write this letter to you. I ask that you go before the Blessed Sacrament and look into your soul – the soul of priest – and reverse this decision before more scandal is brought to the Church."

Remember that Red Envelope campaign? Check out this redirection/development:

The (ND) students have begun a campaign of protest against Fr. John Jenkins, the president of Notre Dame. Their participation in a national campaign that will mail red envelopes to the White House has been changed to send the letters to Fr. Jenkins.

"This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion," read the envelopes. "It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world. This envelope was going to be sent to President Obama on March 31. However, as he is scheduled to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from Notre Dame on May 17, we ask that you deliver it to him on our behalf at that time."

Funny Foto: LOL Pope

Sent to me by AmP reader Paul.

Hillary Clinton to receive Margaret Sanger Award from Planned Parenthood

Honestly, I can think of few things more offensive than a "Margaret Sanger Award".

Glad to see our Secretary of State is bending over backwards to receive it:

Doing a rare domestic political event, and continuing the Obama administration's forceful, if understated alliance with abortion-rights groups, Hillary Clinton will receive an award from Planned Parenthood Friday night in Houston, the group says.

"The 2009 Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) Margaret Sanger Award, the organization’s highest honor, will be presented to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who has been a champion of women’s health and rights throughout her public service career," according to the release.

Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards is an old Clinton ally, and women's health was a central issue for her in the Senate. Her appearance, though, suggests she's raising her profile a bit beyond what had been, to date, a determined effort to keep her focus entirely on her new portfolio. (Politico)

Family Research Council forcefully (and succinctly) makes the case that it's outrageous for Hillary to accept such an award even if you disagree about abortion. Planned Parenthood engages is many illegal practices, and Margaret Sanger - its founder - was an evil eugenicist. And yet because of Planned Parenthood's financial ties and sympathetic ideology, the organization remains on the inside track of this administration.

Bishop Aymond on ND award: "does not live up to its Catholic identity"

Bishop Aymond of Austin, TX has added his episcopal voice to the debate over Notre Dame's invitation:

Statement regarding the University of Notre Dame

As was announced recently, the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., is presenting President Barack Obama with an honorary degree and have asked him to give the commencement address.

I, along with many other Catholics, express great disappointment and sadness that a Catholic university would honor someone who is pro-choice and who holds many values contrary to our Catholic belief.

In the midst of such a sad situation, as Catholics we must continue to be pro-life and to proclaim with even greater strength the values of Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

In my opinion, it is very clear that in this case the University of Notre Dame does not live up to its Catholic identity in giving this award and their leadership needs our prayerful support.

Ph/t: Aggie Catholics.

US Bishops release statement ruling-out Reiki

Catholic Culture gives us the brief:

In a document released March 25, the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops blasted Reiki, a practice developed in Japan in the late nineteenth century that has gained acceptance in some Catholic retreat centers and other institutions.

... The bishops add, “Some forms of Reiki teach of a need to appeal for the assistance of angelic beings or ‘Reiki spirit guides.’ This introduces the further danger of exposure to malevolent forces or powers.” [more from Catholic Culture or the MSM.]

Well, I guess it's a good sign when I first hear about something bad ... when the bishops publish a document telling me it's bad. But has anyone come across this stuff? I mean, what made it such a priority for the bishops?

update: from comments, it's evident to me that this was becoming a widespread abuse. thanks for the context, papists! please continue to keep me posted in the comment thread. this is a dangerous practice.

Outrageous: UK abortion clinics to advertise on TV for first time

You can't advertise cigarettes, but you can advertise mass murder:

Condom adverts could also be shown before the 9pm watershed. The Committee of Advertising Practice and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice is launching a 12 week consultation to gauge reaction to the plans.

The watchdog claims it is responding to Government calls for action to combat rising teenage pregnancy.

It would be the first time that pro and anti abortion services will be allowed to advertise.

However, those against abortion will be required to make clear if they do not refer women for abortion so that delays do not result in medical complications.

The move has been criticised by the church and pro-life groups. (UK Telegraph)

And also criticized by Ed West who says:

These abortion adverts are supposed to combat our teenage pregnancy rate, currently six times neighbouring Holland's, but will only have the reverse effect. The Government has already spent a fortune combating unwanted pregnancy these past dozen years, making abortion and contraception ever easier and looking surprised when the pregnancy rate fails to fall or even goes up. They're like General Melchett in Blackadder Goes Forth, sending thousands of men to their deaths in the hope that this time the "big push" will work.

It won't. If It didn't before, why will it work now? Alcoholics Anonymous have a saying: "If you keep doing the same thing, you'll keep getting the same result".

Forget condoms and abortion adverts: money spent on normal academic classes that instil students with self-confidence and teach them to think for themselves would bring better results. But that would mean the health establishment getting over its addiction to sex education.

Of course I think West's solution fall short. But it's far better than the one proposed by the UK government.

"Addiction to sex education." I hope people pick up that damning phrase.

Open Letter: Dr. Janet Smith to Fr. Jenkins

Dr. Janet E. Smith is the Fr. Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. She has granted permission for her letter to Fr. John Jenkins, President of Notre Dame, to be published:

"Dear Fr. Jenkins - Let me add my voice to those who are profoundly disappointed at the choice of President Obama as the commencement speaker.

The Notre Alumni Association has been putting out this statement [full text here]:

“The University does not support the President’s positions on specific issues regarding the protection of human life, including abortion and embryonic stem cell research. Our positions on these issues are firm and unwavering. The invitation to President Obama to be the Commencement speaker shouldn’t be taken as condoning or endorsing his positions that contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Rather, the University has invited the President to campus for what he’s done for racial equality, and for his stands on poverty, immigration, education, infectious disease, and seeking peace. These are causes dear to the heart of Notre Dame, and he has elevated these causes and made them his own.”

Father, I know that if someone like George Wallace had been elected president of the United States, no matter how much good he had done – no matter how many causes “near to Notre Dame’s heart” he had elevated, Notre Dame would not have invited him to be the commencement speaker nor given him an honorary degree. The world would not have believed that Notre Dame remained “firm and unwavering” in its opposition to racism. It would not have thought that Notre Dame was hoping to spark a national dialogue on racism. It would have thought Notre Dame had lost its mind and faith.

It truly is a scandal that Notre Dame has decided to honor President Obama. There is no reason that Catholics should believe that we can look to Notre Dame for leadership on the most controversial issues of the day, issues that involve the yearly killing of millions of the innocent. It is such a shame."

Video: Greek Orthodox Church Head compares Obama to Alexander the Great

Oh please, this is so November 5th:

Still waiting for him to cut the Gordian Knot of abortion. I pray he does.

But I don't have much hope he will.

"British Museum finds relics of 39 saints after 100 years"

Toooooo Coooool:

The new medieval gallery at the British Museum is full of beautiful images of saints in ivory, stone, gold and wood - but invisible to visitors, it also holds the bones of 39 real saints, whose discovery came as a shock to their curator.

The relics, packed in tiny bundles of cloth including one scrap of fabric over 1,000 years old, were found when a 12th-century German portable altar was opened for the first time since it came into the British Museum collection in 1902.

... at some point one [of the relics] was lost as there are 40 engraved names but only 39 saintly bundles.

[Full text & video at the UK Guardian.]

Oh no! There's a rogue relic floating around out there!

Papist Picture of the Day - 03/26/09

• Flash: Bishop Olmsted tells Fr. Jenkins Obama invitation "public act of disobedience to US Bishops"
• Report: Obama aid to put pressure on Vatican over Abp. Burke
• Picture: Hillary Clinton visitis Our Lady of Guadalupe
• Sacred Chant Music: 99 Perfectly Relaxing Songs for $0.99
• Flash: Abp. Burke clarifies he was misled about Communion interview agenda
• Tragic: "U.S. abortion, vasectomy rates rise as economy falters"

Due to a scheduling error, the Papal Mass was double-booked with a Boy scout convention.

[source: AP Photo]

AmP Poll: What do you think of Notre Dame's invitation to Obama?

For the latest posts, scroll down or click here and scroll down. Notre Dame scandal updates here.

As always, please feel free to explain your vote in the comment box and spread the word.

(if you can't see the poll - click here.)

Bishop Olmsted tells Fr. Jenkins Obama invitation "public act of disobedience to US Bishops"

Here is a screen capture of the letter that the Bishop of Phoenix Thomas Olmsted sent to Notre Dame President Father Jenkins yesterday (on the Feast of the Annunciation) and has now permitted to be published today:

These are very strong words from Bishop Olmsted, especially these two lines:

"It is a public act of disobedience to the Bishops of the United States."

"I pray that you come to see the grave mistake of your decision, and the way it undercuts the Church's proclamation of the Gospel of Life in our day."

Mike Phelan, Director of Marriage and Respect Life for the Diocese of Phoenix, introduced the letter this way:

"Due to the fact that the invitation by Notre Dame’s president, Fr. John Jenkins, to President Barack Obama to give the commencement speech at Notre Dame’s May graduation is a public act causing widespread public scandal due to the US President’s clear support of policies which fail to protect and even attack innocent human life, Bishop Olmsted has given permission to release the attached email text publicly."

And now you have it, too. My comprehensive coverage of the Notre Dame scandal is available here.

Welcome, new readers, don't forget to follow my Twitter updates and join the AmP Facebook Fanpage.

Report: Obama aide to put pressure on Vatican over Abp. Burke

A scoop from Austin Ruse at the Catholic Thing:

A reliable source tells me that someone representing the Obama administration is about to put pressure on the papal nuncio to the United States to get Archbishop Raymond Burke to be quiet. The Obama complaint is that Archbishop Burke, who is now head of the Apostolic Signatura in Rome, has supported another bishop in his chastisement of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius for her support of abortion.

The pressure won't work, of course. Burke is just too smart, and tough. But Obama and his representatives are coming dangerously close to interfering in internal Church matters. More than anything else, the free exercise clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution was intended precisely to protect religious bodies from meddling by the state, even covert meddling by the White House like this. Obama and his pet Catholics should back off – and fast.

This action was evidently planned even before Abp. Burke's Randall Terry interview on Communion.

Picture: Hillary Clinton visitis Our Lady of Guadalupe

AmP reader Sebastian says: "She prayed for the well being of the people of the USA. I guess she forgot to pray for the unborn Americans, sadly."

Here is a Spanish-language report of her visit (includes video).

Sacred Chant Music: 99 Perfectly Relaxing Songs for $0.99

I don't know about you, but for me it's been a very stressful week. Time to unwind with sacred chant:

Browse the available songs on Amazon here. One week only!

Flash: Abp. Burke clarifies he was misled about Communion interview agenda

I was worried about something like this happening. Looks like Randall Terry lied to Archbishop Burke about how his interview would be used, and Burke has issued a statement today to clarify:

ROME, Italy - In response to the March 25, 2009 press conference of Mr. Randall Terry in Washington, D.C., the Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke, Archbishop Emeritus of Saint Louis and Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, issued the following statement:

“Recently, Mr. Randall Terry and some of his associates visited me in Rome and asked to videotape an interview with me to share with pro-life workers for the purpose of their encouragement. The interview was conducted on March 2, 2009.

“Sadly, Mr. Terry has used the videotape for another purpose which I find most objectionable.

“First, Mr. Terry issued a media advisory which gave the impression that I would be physically present at the press conference during which he played the videotape, when, in fact, I was in Rome.

“Second, I was never informed that the videotape would become part of a press conference.

“Third, I gave the interview as a Bishop from the United States to encourage those engaged in the respect life apostolate, not as the Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

“Fourth, I was never informed that the videotape would be used as part of a campaign of severe criticism of certain fellow bishops regarding the application of Canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law.

“If I had known what the true purpose of the interview was, I would never have agreed to participate in it.

“I am deeply sorry for the confusion and hurt which the wrong use of the videotape has caused to anyone, particularly, to my brother bishops.”

Once again, this situation could have been avoided if Abp. Burke's assistants had done their homework. (News flash, people: USE GOOGLE.) After all, Terry advertised this DC press conference several days in advance ... and yet no one in Rome apparently took notice of the things Terry was claiming (Second news flash, people: USE GOOGLE to keep tabs on what the media is saying about your boss). Rome shouldn't be the last one to know.

I was surprised that Abp. Burke had consented to giving Terry an interview, but I naively presumed that Abp. Burke knew what he was getting into, and was aware of Terry's hardcore approach to pro-life activism.

That said, Abp. Burke is not taking back his words. He is taking back the way they were used by Terry.

update: Michael Sean Winters pounces on the opportunity to snipe Abp. Burke: "... the Archbishop does not retract the statements he made in the interview but he does voice regret at the way the interview is being used. That is what passes, in this age of moral relativism, for an apology."

No sir, yours is what passes, in this age of liberal journalism, for an attack.

Ph/t: Whispers.

"U.S. abortion, vasectomy rates rise as economy falters"

Absolutely heartbreaking:

Doctors in the U.S. are reporting an increased demand for abortions or vasectomies during the recession.

A pregnant woman in Oakland, Calif., told her doctor she walked to the medical centre in flip-flops and tears to save bus fare after her boyfriend lost his job. She was seeking an abortion to prevent what would have been her fourth child.

"This was a desired pregnancy — she'd been getting prenatal care — but they re-evaluated expenses and decided not to continue," Dr. Pratima Gupta told the Associated Press.

"When I was doing the options counselling, she interrupted me halfway through, crying, and said, 'Dr. Gupta, I just walked here for an hour. I'm sure of my decision.'"

In Illinois, Planned Parenthood said it performed a record number of abortions in January, many of them motivated by economic worries, said CEO Steve Trombley, who declined to give exact numbers. (CBCNews)

Abortion is not the answer to economic hardship. Many organizations provides help to women facing crisis pregnancies. Feel free to post links to them in the comment box.

I want to be very careful how I phrase this next question. I am not trying to make any sort of political capital out of this. I just want to raise the issue that Obama and the democrats made a huge deal during the election that they wish to provide tangible aid to women facing crisis pregnancies. I agree this is a very good thing (I disagreed that it is the only thing we can do to eliminate the scourge of abortion in this country).

That said ... what's happened to this priority? Are we aware of ongoing efforts by the Obama administration to supply aid to these women? Surely in a time when every conceivable industry is getting a bailout, funds should stop flowing to mega-abortion mills like Planned Parenthood (referenced in the article above) and start flowing to pregnancy counseling centers (which provide ultrasounds, immediate care and advice, and adoption alternatives).

Pope John Paul II famously said that "a nation which kills its own children is a nation without hope." Obama, of all people, with his administration and supporters, should understand what the pope is saying. Yes you can.

And if you reading this want to do something about this right now, support the ArborVitae women's and pregnancy help center in Ann Arbor, MI (right by the University of Michigan campus). I know some of the people involved there and, like many pregnancy counseling centers across the U.S., it's always in need.

Pope Benedict XVI creates new diocese in the Philippines

Yep, the pope can do this sort of thing:

Pope Benedict XVI has created a new diocese in the Philippines and named its bishop.

An article posted on CBCP Web site said the Pope elevated the Prelature of Libmanan in Camarines Sur and appointed Fr. Jose Rojas, 52, as its bishop.

... The Libmanan diocese has nearly 500,000 Catholics. It has 27 parishes and 51 priests.

Following the Pope’s order, the Philippine Catholic Church now has a total of 16 archdioceses, 52 dioceses, seven apostolic vicariates, five territorial prelatures, and one military ordinariate.

Cool - it's wonderful seeing the Church grow. The successor to Peter lives!

Update: Video/Transcript of Toronto Archbishop on the Legion

On Tuesday night Archbishop Thomas Collins discussed the situation of the Legion on the Salt and Light TV show. You may now watch the archived video here and read a 3rd-party transcript here. A sample:

So that whole thing has to be totally reviewed and cleaned up. And I would wonder too how a person could lead a double life, without the community being aware. I think certainly at the minimum there has to be a massive reordering of the Legionaries of Christ for the sake if nothing else of those good and true and wonderful Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi people, who have put their trust in this and have done great work for the Lord, and who have been betrayed….

I would say [the ones questioning their involvement in the movement] might consider leaving Regnum Christi, that would certainly be one thing, or priests in the order, good and faithful priests, I’m sure that many of them will consider leaving the order and starting fresh in an order or in the priesthood in a way that doesn’t have these real questions over it.

On the other hand, I think that the work they do is good. And the work they have done is good and they should be proud of that, but there’s something not just personal in Maciel, but this whole thing needs to be looked at. It just needs to be brought to the light...

I have no update to publish at present regarding the probable Vatican intervention/apostolic visitation.

"Vermont Gov. Will Veto Same-Sex "Marriage" Bill Passed in Senate"

Nice to see good news on homosexual marriage coming from the northeast:

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas said today that he would veto a bill the Senate passed Monday that would open the legal definition of marriage to include same-sex couples, reports the Associated Press (AP).

Douglas had indicated earlier that he thought the state's civil unions for same-sex couples were enough, and that he was against same-sex "marriage." (LifeSite)

Of course, this is a momentary pause in an ongoing conflict.

"White House Reacts to Obama-Notre Dame Debate"

LifeNews:

Reacting to the news that local Bishop John D’Arcy will not attend the event because of Obama's strong pro-abortion record, White Hose spokeswoman Amy Brundage shrugged off the criticism.

"Notre Dame is one of the first universities President Obama will visit as president and he is honored to address the graduating class, their families and faculty of a school with such a rich history of fostering the exchange of ideas," she said in a statement.

Brundage said Obama understands not everyone will agree with his pro-abortion views.

"While he is honored to have the support of millions of people of all faiths, including Catholics with their rich tradition of recognizing the dignity of people, he does not govern with the expectation that everyone sees eye to eye with him on every position," she added.

"[T]he spirit of debate and healthy disagreement on important issues is part of what he loves about this country," Brundage continued.

I wonder what is going on behind the scenes. A lot I'd imagine.

Anti-Catholic slur gets NY Palace Hotel boss fired

Couldn't happen to a nicer anti-Catholic bigot:

The manager of one of the city's most luxurious hotels was given the boot after ordering a Catholic employee to clean up his forehead on Ash Wednesday.

"Wipe that ------- s--t off your face," managing director Niklaus Leuenberger told a bell captain at the New York Palace Hotel on Feb. 25, sources said.

The unholy ultimatum ended up costing Leuenberger his job at the Palace, a swanky 55-story tower on Madison Ave. across the street from St. Patrick's Cathedral.

"As of Monday, March 23, Leuenberger is no longer employed by the New York Palace," hotel spokeswoman Teresa Delaney told the Daily News Tuesday.

The incident was deemed so severe, Christopher Cowdray, head of the London-based Dorchester Collection, which owns the Palace, flew here to hand Leuenberger the pink slip. (NY Daily News)

The hotel's lease is owned by the Catholic Church. *snap*

How did Obama at ND happen? Look to the "Land of Lakes"

Diogenes lets us know that the Obama invitation didn't come about overnight:

Notre Dame’s Fr. Hesburgh was the rebels’ alpha male who ceremoniously announced that Catholic colleges and universities should be independent of, and no longer submissive to the teaching authority of the Catholic Church in their teaching and research functions, if they wanted to be “effective.” Evidently, the Notre Dame trustees, and the bulk of its faculty wanted the school to be “effective”—that is, well thought of in the editorial pages of the New York Times. They accepted the terms of rebellion. The ties to the Church were kept in name only.

This was all clearly and piously set forth in the second sentence in the Land O’Lakes declaration:

To perform its teaching and research functions effectively the Catholic university must have a true autonomy and academic freedom in the face of authority of whatever kind, lay or clerical, external to the academic community itself.

The statement has become mere fine print over time after it was buried in the marketing flourishes of the university public relations machinery. It is, nevertheless, the academic version of Non serviam. At the very least, it leaves aside Catholic teaching on artificial contraception, embryonic research and abortion—the flash points for the current outrage. But beyond the hot button moral teachings of the Church, this declaration positions the entire corpus of Catholic doctrine as negotiable elements within the "academic community itself."

Papist Picture of the Day - 03/25/09

"...so then I made a comment about condoms not being the solution, and the MSM was all like, "Whoa! The pope's Catholic! Oooooo!" - AmP Reader Jen

[source: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini]

Front-group Catholics United slips into attacking Bishop D'Arcy

I have zero patience for Catholics United.

It's a front organization that abuses the name "Catholic" for anti-life interests, and is moreover funded by pro-abortion advocates like the billionaire George Soros, as others have exposed.

So I wasn't surprised to find out that their executive director Chris Korzen issued a press release today welcoming ND's decision to invite Obama.

It's not hard for Catholics United to think of ways to criticize orthodox Catholics of exploiting the faith for political ends ... because that's exactly what Korzen and company do. The difference is Korzen and co. (falsely and hypocritically) claim the other side is doing it.

So how do you prove which side is disingenuous? Simple enough: you wait for one side to slip.

And Korzen and co. just did.

Here's some of what he said:

As a Catholic, I am deeply disappointed by the knee-jerk opposition to Notre Dame’s decision to confer an honorary degree on President Obama and invite him to give the 2009 commencement address. President Obama’s appearance at Notre Dame will be nothing short of an honor for all Catholics.

Attacking Notre Dame is simply disingenuous and reflects a larger pattern of manipulation of the Catholic faith for political advantage.

Regrettably, the individuals leading the charge against Notre Dame are partisan operatives who routinely use a single-issue analysis to divorce the Catholic faith from its longstanding commitment to social justice and the sanctity of all human life.

Dan Gilgoff of US News & World Report thinks Korzen and co. were unprepared for the ND backlash, and (my take:) in their rush to inject their unique style of rhetorical-spin into the debate, made a misstep. Gilgoff asks:

The White House and liberal Catholic groups appear to have been caught off guard by the furor over President Obama's forthcoming appearance at Notre Dame. Catholics United, a progressive Catholic group with close ties to the White House, has just released a defense of Notre Dame and Obama's appearance there.

... [but did Korzen mean to] include the Catholic bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, who has blasted Notre Dame for hosting Obama [as a "partisan operative"]?

Until now, the new breed of progressive Catholic groups has been careful to avoid attacking the Catholic hierarchy, lest it appear that they're at odds with their own church. On Notre Dame, it looks like they're coming into conflict with church officials. Another sign of an action plan developed hurriedly, at the last-minute?

Actually, this is not the first time Catholics United has run afoul of the clear teaching of the Catholic hierarchy, especially on life issues. Alternately, having helped deliver the Catholic vote to Obama in last November's election, complacency might have brought with it sloppiness. Lying, after all, takes longer than truth-telling.

Nevertheless I would submit that duplicity on the scale practiced by Korzen and co. simply cannot stand up to sustained scrutiny. So yes, please Chris, continue sending out those press releases.

(And for once, perhaps Doug Kmiec made the smart move and decided to remain silent on this one.)

Abp. Burke in interview says pro-aborts are to be denied communion

Flash: Abp. Burke clarifies he was misled about Communion interview agenda

This is very newsworthy.

Terry Randall of Operation Rescue went to Rome recently and conducted an interview with Archbishop Burke, who is completely uncompromising in his interpretation and application of Canon 915. He hits the ground running:

"Mr. Terry: For the umpteenth time, I and the others are asking, under Canon 915 what should or should not be done?

Archbishop Burke: The Canon is completely clear, it is not subject in my judgment to any other interpretations. When someone is publicly and obstinately in grave sin we may not administer Holy Communion to the person. And that, basically, for two reasons: number one, to prevent the person himself or herself from committing a sacrilege, and secondly, to protect the sanctity of the Holy Eucharist. In other words, to approach, to receive our Lord in Holy Communion, when one insists on remaining in grave sin, is such a violation of the sanctity of the Holy Eucharist, so that Communion must not be given to people who are publicly, obstinately, in grave sin.

And that's just a start. Read the full transcript here.

Archbishop Burke will address the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on May 9th.

List of ND student groups opposing Obama invitation

Here's the honor roll:

Notre Dame Right to Life
The Irish Rover Student Newspaper
Notre Dame College Republicans
The University of Notre Dame Anscombe Society
Notre Dame Identity Project
Militia of the Immaculata
Children of Mary
Orestes Brownson Council
Notre Dame Law School Right to Life
Notre Dame Law St Thomas More Society
The Federalist Society at Notre Dame Law School

Here is their combined press release and statement. Their "about us":

In defense of the unborn, we wish to express our deepest opposition to Reverend John I. Jenkins, CSC’s invitation of President Barack Obama to be the University of Notre Dame’s principal commencement speaker and the recipient of an honorary degree. Our objection is not a matter of political partisanship, but of President Obama’s hostility to the Catholic Church’s teachings on the sanctity of human life at its earliest stages. Further, the University’s decision runs counter to the policy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops against honoring pro-choice politicians. We cannot sit by idly while the University honors someone who believes that an entire class of human beings is undeserving of the most basic of all legal rights, the right to live.

Additionally, Fr. Jenkins has put some of his students into a position of moral dilemma as to whether they can attend their own graduation. Many pro-life seniors, along with their families, now feel personally conflicted about participating in the commencement. The lack of concern for these devoted sons and daughters of Notre Dame, who love this University and the Catholic principles on which it was built, is shameful.

Agreed - who did the administration do this for?

Exclusive: Director of ND Alumni sends email to club leaders

I have received a copy of the email, which I post in full:

Dear Club Leaders:

As you know, the University recently announced President Barack Obama will be the principal speaker and recipient of an honorary degree at Notre Dame’s Commencement ceremony this May. President Obama will be the ninth U.S. president to be awarded an honorary degree by the University, and the sixth to be the Commencement speaker. Here is the press release about the announcement.

Many alumni, parents, and friends of the University have expressed their opinions about the selection of the Commencement speaker. We welcome their feedback and appreciate the passion the Notre Dame family has for Our Lady’s University.

As leaders of ND clubs, classes, and alumni groups, you may receive phone calls, e-mails, and letters from alumni, parents and friends regarding the Commencement speaker.

If alumni, parents or friends would like to express their opinions to the University regarding this issue , please ask them to send an e-mail to the Alumni Association at ndalumni@nd.edu . They will receive a timely response.

The Alumni Association also welcomes you to share your personal views on this issue, but requests that any communications be sent outside the structure and distribution lists of the Notre Dame club, class or alumni group that you represent.

Here are a few University observations about the selection of the President as the Commencement speaker:

The University does not support President Obama’s positions on specific issues regarding the protection of human life, including abortion and embryonic stem cell research. Notre Dame’s positions on these issues are firm and unwavering. The invitation to the President to be the Commencement speaker shouldn’t be taken as condoning or endorsing his positions that contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Rather, the University has invited the President to campus for what he’s done for racial equality, and for his stands on poverty, health care, immigration, education, infectious disease, and seeking peace. These are causes dear to the heart of Notre Dame, and he has elevated these causes and made them his own.

It adds special significance that the Notre Dame family will hear the Commencement address from our first African-American president, a man who has spoken eloquently on the issue of race in this nation.

That said, presenting a Commencement speaker with an honorary degree does not imply approval of all a person thinks or does. We recognize that the University has differences with the President on specific issues of protecting life, and we hope his visit to campus will provide an opportunity t o address our concerns in a dialogue that can deepen over time, and ultimately lead to better policies for protecting life. A policy that is never discussed is policy that is never changed, and we’re going to get more discussion on these issues because of his visit to Notre Dame.

Also, I want to mention that Fr. Hesburgh spoke last Friday evening (3/20) to a group of alumni, parents, and friends who had gathered on campus for the Academic Recognition Weekend. Someone in the group raised the question: what did Fr. Hesburgh think of the University’s announcement of Obama as Commencement speaker? “No speaker who has ever come to Notre Dame has changed this University, he explained. We are who we are. But, quite often, the very fact of being here has changed the speaker.”

Do we expect President Obama to reverse his stance on life issues after visiting campus? No, but we do expect that the national attention drawn to these matters by virtue of his being here will open up the conversation around these critical issues—and shed light on Notre Dame’s and the Catholic Church’s firm opposition to abortion and embryonic stem cell research.

Your devotion to Notre Dame is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support and all you do for Our Lady’s University.

For Notre Dame,
Charles F. Lennon Jr. ’61, ’62 M.A.
Executive Director, Notre Dame Alumni Association

Notre Dame news nibbles

A busy day here at AmP, so I'm switching on the stream-of-consciousness to fit all this in quickly...

Just checked - another 20,000 signatures on the petition ... past 120,000 now. My earlier outside estimate that the petition could pass 250k is now far too conservative. This is because the story has gone mainstream as I noted late yesterday. Just look at this updating Google News search. In the coming days, watch for a move to organize a live (peaceful) protest/march at the actual commencement in May.

I have been informed that a response from ND students will be forthcoming today - so stay tuned.

Don't forget to vote in today's new AmP Poll: "What do you think of Notre Dame's invitation to Obama?"

Coming-into-the-Church-on-Easter Newt Gingrich had this to say when the ND news broke:

"It is sad to see notre dame invite president obama to give the commencement address Since his policies are so anti catholic values" [on twitter, of course.]

Last night in Obama's white house press conference ... we witnessed total incoherence and tiresome double-speak when the question of embryonic stem cells came up. Dan Gilgoff has commentary (scroll down for the transcript of the exchange). Kmiec should be embarrassed about the position he took last week in an exchange with Robby George. Gilgoff moderated that debate and can't avoid agreeding with the side of reality (George, against Kmiec).

Thomas F. Roeser in the Chicago Daily Observer is imploring Bishop D'Arcy to consider employing the "nuclear option" of removing Notre Dame's Catholic identification (after D'Arcy announced he was boycotting the commencement exercises). I don't think it will happen in this case, but down the road ... next time .... somewhere else .... it's worth reading up on the possibility.

Over at The Catholic Thing, Fr. James Schall, S.J. talks about Charles Krauthammer on President Obama's embryonic stem cell decision. Only he's not talking about just him. Read it and see why. Good stuff.

I think William McGurn was just brilliant in his analysis of the situation in yesterday's Wall Street Journal.

If you're trying to find signs of hope, here's a little glimmer: "Several representatives of leading national pro-life groups held a meeting with President Barack Obama's top White House faith office staffer on Tuesday." However: "Pro-life groups aren't expecting much from Obama given his pro-abortion record." Still, we can at least try to hold him accountable to his promise of reducing abortions. Sadly, I think that's where we are at for now.

One last thought: it'd be very nice to top 700 twitter followers today. Yes it would. On busy days I'll tend to update twitter more often rather than spending the extra time for a full-out blog post. Like this one.

In the Mailbox - The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist

I received this title in the mail a few days ago - it's doing very well on the Amazon charts:

I offer the book upon the recommendation of my former professor Father Basil Cole O.P., who says the book is a "wake-up call" that "smashes the many myths created by Hollywood movies and other amateurs on the subject of exorcism and the role of the exorcist in the Catholic Church." That's high praise coming from Fr. Cole.

Be warned, however, that this subject matter is serious stuff and requires spiritual maturity to read.

Papist Picture of the Day - 3/24/09

• Day 4: MSM takes note of Notre Dame scandal (finally)
• Breaking: Bishop D'Arcy will boycott Notre Dame commencement
• Too cool: Arch. of STL will TXT U w/ New Abp. Deets
• Update: Archbishop of Toronto calls for Legion overhaul, "may be wise for some to leave"
• AmP coverage of fallout caused by Notre Dame's invitation to President Obama

Towards the end of the trip Msgr. Ganswein just *snapped* and started obsessively checking the pope's sleeves for microscopic pieces of lint....

[source: AFP]

Too cool: Arch. of STL will TXT U w/ New Abp. Deets

Or, in plain English, the Archdiocese of St. Louis is offering a service on its website which will send your phone a text message when their next archbishop is officially announced! (which, as I've been hinting, will probably be very soon). The archdiocese also tweets.

Too cool!

Ph/t: AmP reader Angie.

Day 4: MSM takes note of Notre Dame scandal (finally)

It took awhile, but the mainstream media is finally taking note of the Notre Dame scandal, aided no doubt by the tends of thousands of signatures gathered by the Cardinal Newman Society (and more by the minute).

Drudge recently posted this story with the headline: "Obama faces Notre Dame Catholic backlash..." and once Drudge picks it up, it's news. Numerous media outlets are posting their own coverage of the controversy.

{update - the story has also made the front page of FoxNews.com...

... told you the story would be big.}

This means we can now expect such enlightened commentary as this from the Atlantic's Marc Ambinder:

"Life, Taken For Granted: Given that President Obama went out of his way to give pro-life pastors a prominent place at his inauguration, aren't the demands of those who want Notre Dame to rescind its commencement invitation to Obama a little.... well... of course they're predictable...but mostly... uncivil? Also: aren't both side of the abortion debate more mature than this now? Shouldn't pro-lifers want as much contact with Obama as possible?"

First of all, that's a very ironic title, because most people who have life do in fact take it for granted. Second - let me get this straight: Obama invites a few folks who happen to be pro-life to his inauguration and that means the debate about life issues is over?! Third, isn't it a problem in the first place that pro-lifers have had so little involvement in Obama's administration? Pro-life Catholics shouldn't have to pander for face time.

Also: you will see this insinuation of Ambinder's repeated by others which basically goes "isn't it time to move on?" It's an extremely patronizing misdirection which dismisses debate without even attempting a response ... because they'd much sooner have us stay quiet. Consider for a moment: how much attention do you think the media would be paying to Obama's position on life issues right now if this protest wasn't taking place?

Flash: Bishop D'Arcy will boycott Notre Dame commencement

{updated post}

Catholic News Agency gives us Bishop D'Arcy's statement [my comments in brackets]:

On Friday, March 21, Father John Jenkins, CSC, phoned to inform me that President Obama had accepted his invitation to speak to the graduating class at Notre Dame and receive an honorary degree. We spoke shortly before the announcement was made public at the White House press briefing. It was the first time that I had been informed that Notre Dame had issued this invitation. [Fr. Jenkins did not give Bishop D'Arcy much warning at all. This fact goes far in explaining why it took several days for D'Arcy to respond. Also, Fr. Jenkins only informed the bishop after it was a done deal.]

President Obama has recently reaffirmed, and has now placed in public policy, his long-stated unwillingness to hold human life as sacred. While claiming to separate politics from science, he has in fact separated science from ethics and has brought the American government, for the first time in history, into supporting direct destruction of innocent human life. [This is an excellent, concise summary. Bravo!]

This will be the 25th Notre Dame graduation during my time as bishop. After much prayer, I have decided not to attend the graduation. I wish no disrespect to our president, I pray for him and wish him well. I have always revered the Office of the Presidency. But a bishop must teach the Catholic faith “in season and out of season,” and he teaches not only by his words — but by his actions. [Bishop D'Arcy has personally established the validity of conscientious non-attendance.]

My decision is not an attack on anyone, but is in defense of the truth about human life. [Right, this is not "us-vs-them" - it is about being uncompromising when it comes to issues as fundamental as defending innocent human life.]

I have in mind also the statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops in 2004. “The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” Indeed, the measure of any Catholic institution is not only what it stands for, but also what it will not stand for. [The implicit critique here is that ND can talk all it wants about honoring the President - it ought not to honor someone who supports anti-life policies like Obama does.]

I have spoken with Professor Mary Ann Glendon, who is to receive the Laetare Medal. I have known her for many years and hold her in high esteem. We are both teachers, but in different ways. I have encouraged her to accept this award and take the opportunity such an award gives her to teach. [The Bishop makes a valid distinction here when it comes to his participation as opposed to hers - but leaves Glendon ultimately free to make her own choice about accepting.]

Even as I continue to ponder in prayer these events, which many have found shocking, so must Notre Dame. Indeed, as a Catholic University, Notre Dame must ask itself, if by this decision it has chosen prestige over truth. [This line should ring in Fr. Jenkins ears - the local Bishop implies that ND is compromising its integrity for ill-gotten notoriety. That's never good.]

Tomorrow, we celebrate as Catholics the moment when our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, became a child in the womb of his most holy mother. Let us ask Our Lady to intercede for the university named in her honor, that it may recommit itself to the primacy of truth over prestige. [Amen.]

Meanwhile, the petition will soon pass the 75,000 signatures mark {update - the server is experiencing intermittent unavailability due to the high traffic - they are working on fixing the technical issue}.

important clarifications: Bp. D'Arcy did not say he will boycott the Graduation Mass (which is held the Saturday evening beforehand) - just the Sunday commencement exercises. His attending Mass could prove interesting in its own right, if notable Catholic supporters of Obama such as Doug Kmiec decide to participate.

open questions remain: will Notre Dame be able to find a high-ranking prelate to receive an honorary degree with Obama, as they have always done in the past? How will other invited Bishops respond when it comes to the question of attending the commencement? And finally, how will Mary Ann Glendon choose to make use of her acceptance speech for the Laetare Medal, should she accept?

Archbishop of Toronto calls for Legion overhaul, "may be wise for some to leave"

Sent in by a reader:

Tonight’s episode of Catholic Focus explores two controversial topics in a riveting and candid interview with the Archbishop of Toronto. Catholic Focus: State of the Church features Archbishop Thomas Collins speaking openly about the Bishops Richard Williamson fiasco, the Vatican’s need to overview its communications strategy and the prospects of dialogue with the Society of St. Pius X.

Then the conversation moves into the recent revelations about Fr. Marcial Maciel, the founder of the Legionaries of Christ who fathered an illegitimate child, misappropriated funds and appears to have some culpability in earlier claims of sexual abuse of young seminarians.

Archbishop Collins is forthright and persuasive in the interview, calling for an overhaul of the Legionaires and frankly admitting it may be wise for some priests and seminarians to leave the order.

Catholic Focus: State of the Church airs Tuesday, March 24th at 7pm and 11pm ET, with an encore presentation Saturday, March 28th at the same times.

[Source: Salt & Light Blog.]

I'll be unavailable to watch but hopefully someone else can provide us with a transcript.

update: on the Salt and Light TV website you can watch a live stream of their programming.

The episode will also be archived for viewing in the Catholic Focus section of their website by Thursday.

Waiting for two things to happen this morning

The new Archbishop of St. Louis might be announced, and Bishop D'Arcy is expected to publish a statement.

update 1: no archbishop appointment - some papist dissapointment. but stay tuned.

update 2: looking for the Bishop D'Arcy statement.... what a difficult-to-navigate diocesan website.

update 3: whatever else isn't going on, the petition is still happening - past 64,000 signatures.

I'm guessing we could see 100k or 250k+ signatures by May commencement. That's a big number to ignore.

Papist Picture of the Day - 03/23/09

• Updating coverage: Fallout from Obama's invitation to give ND Commencement
• Rumor: New Archbishop appointment for St. Louis imminent?
• New Bishop: Aux. Bishop Cordileone appointed to Oakland
• Picture: International Papist
• Also notable: Robby George challenges Doug Kmiec to Public Debate

"Why do people insist on calling them pink?! They're rose vestments!!"

[source: AP Photo]

You know you've made it...

... when Catholic Parish websites link to you on their sidebar, as does St. Joseph in Salem, Oregon.

Or, then again, maybe some enterprising webmaster decide to toss AmP into the mix. Either way, it's an honor (seriously) and a responsibility. I know that AmP has been mentioned in parish bulletins as well.

Bishop D'Arcy to Release Statement on Notre Dame/Obama Controversy?

update 2: OSV is reporting this statement of Bp. D'Arcy will be released tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, the petition has over 46,000 signers as of 10pm EST. Can someone say "Ignition Switch"?

Notre Dame spokesman Dennis Browntold the AP that the University is resolute in its decision.

New Archbishop appointment for St. Louis imminent?

I'm hearing independent reports that the next Archbishop of St. Louis could be announced tomorrow, or indeed - very soon. Whispers says the successor is "expected within days."

I'm also seeing a particular name rise to the surface in these various reports - which would be extremely exciting for me and good for the Catholic Church in America if he proves to be the one.

At any rate, if someone at Kenrick-Glennon seminary wants to contact me with an update, I'd be grateful.

St. Louis has had an Archdiocesan Administration (Bishop Robert Hermann) since Archbishop Raymond Burke was transferred to Rome last year.

update: no announcement today, but stay tuned....

Weigel, Schall, Garnett, others weigh-in on Obama invitation

National Review Online is hosting a symposium today entitled "A Moral Exemplar? Should the University of Notre Dame honor our most anti-life president?" with contributions from the likes of George Weigel, James Schall, S.J., Candace de Russy, Pia De Soenni, Richard Garnett, etc. Many notable quotes.

It's a mega-read.

Update: 20,000 sign ND petition, ND switchboards overwhelmed

As of 10AM, over 18,000 signatures have been gathered at http://www.notredamescandal.com/.

{update - 3,000 more have signed as of 12:00pm EST}

{update 2 - I'm told the petition is receiving 250+ votes every 3 minutes! CatholicVote.com is on board. }

LifeNews reports:

After LifeNews.com reported on the news, the switchboards at Notre Dame rang off the hook and eventually the volume of calls became too much to handle.

The voicemail message boxes for the university's president, vice-president, provost, assistant provost, and public relations director were all full by the end of the day on Friday. Operators suggested that callers try again today to reach top Notre Dame officials.

Papists, you are not alone in considering Notre Dame's invitation of Obama to be inappropriate.

AmP discusses ND scandal on SIRIUS XM's Catholic Channel

Sorry for the after-the-fact notice - I normally don't get much warning about these appearances myself.

Anyway, this morning I spoke with Greg and Jennifer Willits on their SIRIUS XM Catholic Channel show "The Catholics Next Door."

They were well-informed and we had an excellent conversation between the three of us. I believe the show will soon be archived as a podcast, for those who are interested. Check-out their website.

Picture: International Papist

During the early morning hours, while the over-all visitor and comment count may drop, the world board lights up with international AmP visitors, as this snapshot taken at 2AM EST reveals:

And yes, that's every inhabited continent represented. Call it a "Catholic" hat-trick. Avete, Papists!

Fr. Jenkins responds to criticism

In a Notre Dame Observer interview:

Jenkins made clear the University is not honoring the president for his stances on these issues, but for his leadership.

"The invitation of President Obama to be our Commencement speaker should in no way be taken as condoning or endorsing his positions on specific issues regarding the protection of life, such as abortion and embryonic stem cell research," Jenkins said.

These "crucial differences" in positions on the protection of life are not being ignored in extending the invitation to the president, Jenkins said, but rather can be used as a catalyst for dialogue. (More.)

I'll respond later.

ND to also give Mary Ann Glendon Laetare Medal

Take with one hand, wink with the other (underlining mine):

Mary Ann Glendon, former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, will receive the University of Notre Dame’s 2009 Laetare Medal. She will receive the medal, the oldest and most prestigious honor given to American Catholics, during the University’s 164th University Commencement ceremony May 17 (Sunday).

“Both as a public intellectual and as a diplomat, Mary Ann Glendon has impressively served our Church and our country,” said Notre Dame’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. “She is an articulate and compelling expositor of Catholic social teaching who exemplifies our University’s most cherished values and deserves its highest praise.” (ND Press Release)

It's going to be an interesting stage up there with Obama. Having served on the President's Council for Bioethics, Glendon probably won't claim abortion is above her pay grade. Ironic of Fr. Jenkin's to say that Catholic social teaching is Notre Dame's "most cherished value."

Aux. Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Diego appointed to Oakland

Sad news for San Diego, but great news for Oakland (and it doesn't necessarily put the kibosh on my hopes that he eventually gets tapped for Los Angeles):

The Vatican says Pope Benedict XVI has named a San Diego clergyman to be bishop of Oakland, California.
A brief statement by the Vatican's press office Monday said that Monsignor Salvatore Joseph Cordileone has been chosen for the Bay Area diocese.
Cordileone, who is 52, has been serving as an auxiliary bishop in San Diego since 2002.
He studied theology for four years at the North American College in Rome and later obtained a doctorate in canon law at Rome's Gregorian Pontifical University. (AP)

Young, orthodox, bilingual - Oaklanders are lucky to have him!

update: CNA adds a wrinkle that may explain why Oakland's vacancy was filled in an expedited fashion:

Bishop Cordileone will be taking over after Archbishop Allen Vigneron was appointed to lead the Archdiocese of Detroit in January of this year.
The speed of the appointment may be connected with the news that the interim administrator of the diocese, Fr. Dan Danielson was accused of blessing homosexual unions.

Whispers adds:

An especially outspoken supporter of California's successful Proposition 8 (the state referendum banning same-sex marriage), the star canonist who came home from Rome as an auxiliary in 2002 has become a national name in church circles both for his unstinting pro-life advocacy and, even more, his support for the Tridentine Mass.

Oakland has over 500,000 Catholics.

Ralph McInerny: " Notre Dame has forfeited its right to call itself a Catholic university"

I've said before that I think The Catholic Thing is one of the best-kept Catholic secrets on the Internet. Today they have published one of their most important pieces to date, an essay by the renowned Ralph McInerny, who has been a member of the Notre Dame faculty for over 50 years.

McInerny pulls absolutely no punches in this essay. In fact, it's one of the best modern examples of disdain being used in an appropriate way I have comes across. McInerny has disdain for the decision-makers at Notre Dame who have forfeited their Catholic identity and mission for secular acceptance:

The University of Notre Dame has officially and with much self-satisfaction invited President Barack Obama to address its 2009 graduates and to receive an honorary law degree. Not to put too fine a point on it, this is a deliberate thumbing of the collective nose at the Roman Catholic Church to which Notre Dame purports to be faithful. Faithful? Tell it to Julian the Apostate.

... the invitation to Barack Obama is far from being the usual effort of the university to get into warm contact with the power figures of the day. It is an unequivocal abandonment of any pretense at being a Catholic university. And it is in sad continuity with decades of waffling that have led with seeming inevitability to it.

... ... now we have come to the point where the University of Notre Dame is publicly excluding itself from allegiance to and acceptance of one of the most fundamental of Christian moral truths, mentioned explicitly in the Didache and again and again over the centuries. Abortion is an essentially evil act, both from the viewpoint of natural morality and from the explicit teaching the Church. There is no way in which an individual, a politician or an institution can finesse that fact.

By inviting Barack Obama as commencement speaker, Notre Dame is telling the nation that the teaching of the Catholic church on this fundamental matter can be ignored. Lip service may be paid to the teaching on abortion, but it is no impediment to upward mobility, to the truly vulgar lust to be welcomed into secular society, whether on the part of individuals or institutions.

By inviting Barack Obama to be the 2009 commencement speaker, Notre Dame has forfeited its right to call itself a Catholic university. It invites an official rebuke. May it come.

I am told we can expect other high-respected past and current members of the Notre Dame faculty to similarly strongly speak-out in the days ahead.

ND students submit letter asking Fr. Jenkins to challenge Obama

Notre Dame student Patrick Brown, from the AmP comment threads:

As a current student at the Our Lady's University, I can honestly say that many of us here are genuinely conflicted about Fr. Jenkins' decision to invite President Obama to speak at commencement this year.

On the one hand, we must respect the office of President of the United States, and it is an honor for our beloved campus to host the leader of the free world.

Of course, there is a substantial population, like myself, who can not and will not tolerate the Notre Dame imprimatur being given to someone whose views on the sanctity of life are so dramatically at odds with the position of the Church and the university.

Myself and eight other students, with more co-signing literally by the hour, have submitted a letter to Fr. Jenkins, asking to make a public, vocal statement that the university strongly disapproves with the President's actions. I invite you to read it on our Web site here.

God bless all of you who still wish the best for a university that was and hopefully will still remain one of the premier Catholic institutions in America.

On Facebook, I have found three active groups reacting to the news of Obama's invitation, at 9PM EST:

• Against: Protest Obama as Notre Dame's 2009 Commencement Speaker (418 members)
• For: We Will Be Honored to Have President Obama at Notre Dame (327 members)
• Against: Tell Notre Dame to Un-Invite President Obama (190 members)

update: David Gibson makes that case that Notre Dame students follow the national voting trends:

In a mock election before last year's real election, the Democratic ticket won 52.6 percent of the vote followed by the Republican ticket of Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin, which won 41.1 percent of the vote. A total of 2,692 undergraduates and graduate students voted.

Only 7.7% of them chose abortion as their most important issue (41.5% chose the economy).

So much for a discernibly distinctive Catholic character.

My full coverage of this developing story is being compiled here.

Papist Picture of the Day - 03/21/09

• Notable: Robby George challenges Doug Kmiec to Public Debate on Cloning
• Omnicoverage: President Obama invited to give Notre Dame Commencement

Wow, that was some strong bleach.

[source: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell]

Robby George challenges Doug Kmiec to Public Debate on Cloning

Dan Gilgoff has been publishing an email exchange between "conservative Catholic legal scholars Robby George and Doug Kmiec over whether President Obama's executive order on embryonic stem cell research authorizes federally funded human cloning."

At the end of this (progressively more frustrating) correspondence, Robby issues a gentleman's challenge:

Given what is at stake for the cause of human life in President Obama's new policy, Doug, I invite you to debate me on the question: "Did President Obama Prohibit Human Cloning?" I would be happy to host the debate here in Princeton, and pay all expenses for your travel, etc. Alternatively, I will be happy to come to Pepperdine at your convenience and at my own expense, if you would prefer that. Or I could make arrangements for us to debate the question in Washington, DC or any other city that is convenient for you (again, covering your expenses). Perhaps we could hold the debate at the USCCB [United States Conference of Catholic Bishops] or at CUA [The Catholic University of America], where we both have many friends and where our discussion would, I'm sure, draw many of our fellow Catholics. I will be happy to take care of the arrangements; all you need do is show up and present your arguments. It is very important for our fellow citizens to know whether or not President Obama prohibited human cloning, and to understand exactly what his policy is on the creation of new human beings by SCNT and other methods to be destroyed in federally funded biomedical research in the embryonic stage of development. A public debate between us would, I'm sure, help to enhance public understanding. I sincerely hope you will consider and accept.

Given how it impossible it seems for Kmiec to debate rationally these topics (having read this most recent exchange of his), I have dim hopes of him accepting. I'm surprised, in fact, that he was willing to go head-to-head with Robby in a quasi-public forum in the first place. Maybe he thought he would fare better if he was given the time to prepare his remarks in advance. If so, I think he was mistaken.

At any rate, it will be interesting to see how he declines, presuming he does.

Funny Search Query

It's fascinating what sort of search queries people enter, only to still end up stumbling across AmP....

Like this one: "is obama a jesuit?"

Exclusive: Abp. Chaput calls on Catholics to write ND

I just heard that Archbishop Chaput, who is at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit for their St. Paul conference, has encouraged people to write charitably to the President of ND to protest the Obama invite.

You can join 10,000 people who have already done so here. My coverage of this developing story here.

[retweeet.]

Omnicoverage: President Obama invited to give Notre Dame Commencement

As is already well-known, Notre Dame University has announced that President Barack Obama will be its 164th commencement speaker on May 17th. He will at the same time receive an honorary degree in doctor of laws.

This news has sparked a wave of protest, starting with graduates of the institution, one of whom immediately wrote an open letter to their President Fr. John Jenkins.

The Cardinal Newman Society has also been a catalyst for protest, setting up an entire website (http://www.notredamescandal.com/) with an online petition and contact information for the university, to rescind the invitation. They also faxed a letter to local Bishop John D'Arcy of Fort Wayne-South Bend, notifying him of the scandal.

Now, for the record, I'm extremely pessimistic about Notre Dame rescinding the invitation. You simply can't deny a sitting President from speaking once you have invited him. The cat is already out of the bag.

What can and will happen, I hope, is a frank discussion in the public spotlight about a) the mission and identity of Catholic universities and b) a greater awareness of the anti-Catholic policies and legislation that Obama is currently pursuing. {update: Michael Paulson at his Boston Globe blog has picked this up.}

Simply put, Catholics and Notre Dame graduates are not going to take this one lying down: If Notre Dame does not dis-invite Obama, [ND graduate Joe] Scheidler says "the Notre Dame campus can expect a massive pro-life protest on graduation day." (source.)

This invitation comes at an ironic time for Notre Dame, as Kathleen Gilbert of LifeSiteNews notes that "The school's Center for Ethics and Culture recently established a pro-life fund in an effort to bolster Notre Dame's pro-life identity." Kathryn Jean Lopez says Notre Dame "... would rather be of this world than the one they supposedly exist to bring people toward."

I am one of the first public signers of the petition and invite you to join the list.

David Gibson at Commonweal thinks it's a "fine choice," but I strongly disagree. First of all, the comparison with Bush is a false one for many reasons, chief of which is that Bush, certainly prior to the Iraq War (when he was invited), was not repugnant to fundamental Catholic values and was not actively pursuing legislation which hurts Catholic institutions (for instance: repealing of conscience clauses, repealing the Mexico City policy, nominating Kathleen Sebellius). Granted, being President may entitle you to many things, but it does not mean that you are necessarily a model servant of the public trust, in Catholic eyes.

Second of all, if Notre Dame wanted a debate, they chose the wrong way to go about it (honoring the President and giving him a degree). If one must have a substantive debate with someone, you should have it before you roll out the red carpet for them. Notre Dame has vitiated its ability to have this debate by inviting Obama as their commencement speaker. Here I note my agreement with Ed Morrissey at Hot Air.

On a related note, lest we have a short memory of these debates, it should be remembered that in May of 2006 Boston College managed to get 100 of its faculty members to sign a protest letter - originating from its theology department - upon the occasion of Condoleezza Rice's invitation as a commencement speaker, because, the letter claimed, her activity in the Iraq War supposedly conflicted with Catholic and Jesuit principles.

I'll be very interested to see if the same phenomenon of Catholic academic protest (and wider media interest) takes place in the coming days and weeks.

But I won't be holding my breath. In the meantime, sign the petition. And say a Hail Mary to Notre Dame.

[photo #1 credit: thegabester; photo #2 credit: slherbst01]

Papist Picture of the Day - 03/20/09

• Breaking: Obama to give commencement at Notre Dame!
• Request: Make Friday a day of prayer for Deaf Catholics
• Good: Jesuit Catholic U. drops abortion referral service
• Update: Diogenes defends Bp. Morlino's firing of feminist pastoral assistant
• Photos: Pope Benedict in Africa {complete coverage here}
• Politics: "Some Catholics Disappointed in Obama"
• Video: Senator Inhofe on Stopping the Abortion Bailout
• Huh? Gay Catholics call Pope's condom comments `amazingly insensitive'
• Picture: Oh my gosh - I WANT it.
• Update: Anti-Catholic CT legislators still at it

Pope: "Rwr! Wrank wroo wror wre wrift!"

[source: REUTERS/Alessandro Bianch)]

Breaking: Obama to give commencement at Notre Dame!

new post alert: President Obama invited to give Notre Dame Commencement (omnicoverage)

original post....

This is a shocker.

The nation's premier Catholic institution of higher learning is bestowing an honorary degree, and allowing to give the commencement address, a president who is actively pursuing policies and legislation that threaten Catholic institutions and offend Catholic values:

"President Barack Obama will give the commencement address at the University of Notre Dame on May 17, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said this afternoon.
The address in South Bend was one of three Gibbs mentioned in a briefing to reporters this afternoon. Obama also plans to speak to graduates at Arizona State University on May 13 and at U.S. Naval Academy on May 22.
Obama would be the sixth U.S. president since Dwight Eisenhower to speak at a Notre Dame commencement, according to an article on past commencement speakers on the university's Web site." (Chicago Breaking News)

update: an open letter from one very displeased ND graduate which sums up the situation nicely.

update 2: people are asking for appropriate contact information - here it is:

To contact Notre Dame:
Phone: (574) 631-5000
email form: http://president.nd.edu/contact-us

To contact the USCCB:
Phone: (202) 541-3000
email: catholiceducation@usccb.org

Make Friday a day of prayer for Deaf Catholics

A request from a Deaf Catholic Priest doing amazing work in this under-prioritized ministry:

Fr Michael Depcik, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales now living in Chicago, was our Deaf pastor during his ministry in the Diocese of Lansing. His website, Fr. MD's Kitchen Table, is a spiritual treasure for Deaf Catholics and anyone else who knows some American Sign Language.

Recently, Fr. Mike asked Catholics to join him in praying, especially on Fridays, for the Deaf Catholic Church. After a short Introduction video as to why he thinks that special prayers are needed for the Deaf Catholic community, Fr. Mike sets out in ASL a simple, very short, but beautiful prayer for our Deaf Catholic brothers and sisters. Here is my translation of that prayer.

Please consider accepting Fr. Mike's request to join him in praying for a renewal and a deepening of Christ's Gospel in the hearts of the Deaf community! Thanks! - Ed Peters

Jesuit Catholic U. drops abortion referral service

A piece of happy news from Valerie Schmalz at OSV:

"Following OSV's report in December that the Jesuit University of San Francisco's student health clinic was providing abortion and contraception referrals for students, USF has crafted a new protocol for the clinic that is consonant with the Church's stance on life issues. The USF student clinic staff will now refer students to First Resort, a crisis pregnancy organization; the Gabriel Project, a pregnancy support organization run by the university's St. Ignatius Parish; and Catholic Charities counseling facilities."

Just a reminder that abuses we bring attention to and take action on ... can be and do get resolved.

Diogenes defends Bp. Morlino's firing of feminist pastoral assistant

I covered this story as it was happening earlier in the week.

Diogenes completely obliterates the NCR-style whining that went on in the wake of the bishop's decision.

Or as he puts it: "How about a little reality therapy?"

Ahhh... deep breaths. That's better.

Photos: Pope Benedict in Africa

"Some Catholics Disappointed in Obama"

Only some:

He garnered the majority of Catholic votes in the 2008 election, but a number of Catholic groups now say President Obama is showing a complete lack of regard for their beliefs.

They count his decisions to lift restrictions on abortion and stem cell research among the most offensive.

... "President Obama has already reached out and won the Catholic vote," Jon O'Brien, president of Catholics for Choice, said.

"That's what happened in the last election in spite of the very loud voices of some extreme uber-Catholics who really want to paint this black and white picture -- to engage us in this endless culture war," he said.

O'Brien, whose group supports access to contraception and abortion, said Obama presented Catholic voters with a social justice agenda they can support. (FOX politics)

"Extreme uber-Catholics" - hey, I like the sound of that!

"American Papist: Extreme Uber-Catholic." =)

update: Back to Obama: "President Barack Obama Offends Mentally Disabled With Special Olympics Remark" & "Offensive Joke, Offensive Treaty".

Video: Senator Inhofe on Stopping the Abortion Bailout

An important message:



An inside source explains:

The Stop the Abortion Bailout campaign is a grassroots initiative with the goal of sending 200,000 letters to the Senate in an attempt to get 41 Senators to filibuster any funding of abortion providers in the FY 2010 Budget. See the website for some specific funding requests by the abortion industry.

Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) has emerged as a crucial ally in the fight against funding abortion providers. In a hostile atmosphere for pro-life Senators, it is a great testament to Senator Inhofe that he has chosen to take the lead on defending the unborn in the Senate.

More info from the Susan B. Anthony list here.

Gay Catholics call Pope's condom comments `amazingly insensitive'

Like, amazingly:

Nicole Sotelo, Communications Director of Call To Action, said, "Catholics throughout the world understand that condoms save lives. We must stop making orphans of children throughout the world because of misinformation. To this day, the Vatican bans the use of condoms by Catholics. This is just morally wrong." (Dallas Morning News Religion Blog)

Thanks for the guidance.

Picture: Oh my gosh - I WANT it.

I, of course, will never have it, because I'm not the Bishop of Knoxville....

"Stika described his choice of motto -- "Jesus, I Trust in You" -- as his "daily prayer mantra." The arms adorn a freshly-struck ring, a gift from his new staff."

Nice staff.