Photo Caption Call - 04/30/09

Winning Caption: "No WONDER there was no room at the inn!" - RJSciurus

Even if you don't have a caption, you can rate your favorite captions (submitted by others) in the comment box.

View the last Photo Caption Call here. Submit new photos for AmP photo caption call to my email!

[Photo copyright: Our Lady of Peace Shrine.]

Pew Center: Only 46% of Americans believe abortion should be legal

A new poll by the Pew Research Center released today:

The proportion saying that abortion should be legal in all or most cases has declined to 46% from 54% last August. The decline in support for legal abortion has come entirely in the share saying abortion should be legal in most cases (from 37% to 28%); 18% say abortion should be legal in all cases, which is virtually unchanged from last August (17%). Currently, 44% say abortion should be illegal in most (28%) or all cases (16%), up slightly since last August (41%).

What has caused the change? My guess: people who have been made aware of what partial birth abortion is cannot tolerate it. I'd be interesting to see how many people learned about partial birth abortion during the election cycle when pro-life groups began bringing up the point that Obama supports it. There still remains a small minority (18%) who are abortion absolutists, and a small minority (16%) who are completely pro-life. But now only 28% of people say abortion should be legal in "most cases" - down from 37%! What do you think has caused this change?

Do note this: the poll claims 46% of Americans support abortion in some or all cases, while 44% oppose it in some or all cases. This means that the claim "American is a pro-choice country" is simply false. America is a deeply-divided country about this issue. Within the margin of error, in fact. Belief in abortion is far from "common" sense. It is not commonly held. This means that Obama's position on abortion only identifies him with 18% of the American people.

Pew has more details on the poll here, once you scroll down the page.

{update: Life News tells us these are the lowest abortion support stats in 15 years.}

Photo: What Obama will wear at Notre Dame's Commencement

Here is Notre Dame's traditional academic garb for the degree Obama is being awarded:

This week the White House confirmed that the plan is for Obama to wear this on May 17th:

“I honestly don’t know what the dress code is for that day. I can assume that the president would wear what one traditionally wears at that commencement,” Gibbs told CNSNews.com during Monday’s White House press briefing. (CNSnews)

"Vita, Dulcedo, Spes" is part of the opening line of the Salve Regina, and means "(our) Life, (our) Sweetness (and our) Hope." It was the favorite hymn of Fr. Basil Moreau, CSC, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross which founded the University of Notre Dame. The phrase is also Notre Dame's institutional motto (source).

[photo credit: Herff-Jones]

Flash: Former Laetare Medalist Judge John T. Noonan to deliver address at Notre Dame’s Commencement in lieu of Mary Ann Glendon

From Notre Dame's Office of News & Info:

Judge John T. Noonan Jr., the 1984 recipient of the Laetare Medal, has accepted an invitation to deliver an address in the spirit of the award at Notre Dame’s 164th University Commencement Ceremony on May 17. His speech will be in lieu of awarding the medal this year.

“In thinking about who could bring a compelling voice, a passion for dialogue, great intellectual stature, and a deep commitment to Catholic values to the speaking role of the Laetare Medalist – especially in these unusual circumstances – it quickly became clear that an ideal choice is Judge Noonan,” said Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of Notre Dame. “This commencement ceremony, more than anything else, is a celebration of our students and their families. Judge Noonan will join with President Obama and other speakers in that celebration, sending them from our campus and into the world with sound advice and affirmation.

“Since Judge Noonan is a previous winner of the Laetare Medal, we have decided, upon reflection, to not award the medal this year.”

And way down at the bottom, as an "afterthought" conclusion:

"Mary Ann Glendon, Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard University and former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, was selected as the 2009 Laetare Medalist but declined the honor."

My quick take:

• "Especially in these unusual circumstances." I love it when press releases fail to acknowledge, then simultaneously presume the reader to know, what is happening.
• Fr. Jenkins has discovered an inventive way to avoid "re-gifting" the Laetare medal, after he haughtily (and I argued, in a knee-jerk manner) claimed he would give the award to someone else. Hello, Plan C.
• I'll leave it for others to evaluate what we can expect from Noonan. What's his track record? I'm pretty sure he (falsely) believes Catholics are free to disagree with the Church about contraception.
• Fr. Jenkins is not even trying to touch why Mary Ann Glendon would refuse Notre Dame's highest honor. I think he's learned a very painful lesson about putting words in other people's mouths.
• At the same time, note at least two little jabs Jenkins sneaks in: 1} he says Noonan has a "passion for dialogue" ("unlike some people," you can almost hear Jenkins say). 2} Jenkins also claims that commencement is "more than anything else, a celebration of our students and their families" - he is trying to redefine what commencement is (and omitting the honorary degree part entirely) in order to avoid the blow being leveled at him by (now 55) bishops - namely, that Notre Dame is giving a platform to Obama and honoring him. This decision/press release represent a hardening Notre Dame response to criticism.

Nevermind the Vatican, the AP needs to learn how to Google

Plenty of people (rightfully) pointed out awhile back that the Vatican press office (especially) could do a better job using basic internet search techniques to avoid embarrassment.

Well, just to keep the playing field fair, let's note that even the Associated Press seems to be internet research-impaired at times.

At the end of an AP article treating Obama's response last night to a question about the Notre Dame controversy and where abortion is on his priority list, author David Alexander (with editing help by Mohammad Zarghm) concludes:

"Several bishops also have criticized the university for the decision."

... several?! Try fifty-five.

Now, I may study theology, but I also have enough elementary math skills to be pretty sure that "several" is less than 1/10 of the actual number of bishops who have criticized Notre Dame. And it's not like I'm the only person who has been keeping track (so has LifeSite, for instance) ... in other words, these 50+ statements generate quite a large internet footprint.

A logical Google search of "notre dame obama bishop" yields plenty more than several results.

Okay, I won't belabor the point further. C'mon, AP - use Google.

Papist Quote of the Day

Kathleen Parker in the Washington Post, defending Mary Ann Glendon against the (predicatble) attacks she has received for refusing Notre Dame's Laetare Medal:

"Nevertheless, [Obama's] abortion stance is in direct conflict with Catholic teaching. And no place symbolizes Catholics in America quite the way Notre Dame does.

Offering this backdrop and extending the school's imprimatur to Obama constitutes a wink and a nod to abortion. Why not throw a pig roast in Mecca? That was Glendon's point. By her symbolic gesture of self-denial, she demonstrates that faith is an act, not a motto.

Obama might consider following Glendon's lead. Although he supports choice, the president also recognizes the moral complexity of those decisions. Out of respect for pro-life Catholics and their beloved institution, he should politely bow out."

For those keeping tabs, the AmP-sponsored Glendon support group has 2,500+ members.

Text: Obama's response to tonight's question on Notre Dame, FOCA and abortion

Tonight during Obama's press conference Ed Henry of CNN asked an excellent question.

Here is the text of the question and Barack Obama's response:

CNN's Ed Henry: Thank you, Mr. President. In a couple of weeks, you're going to be giving the commencement at Notre Dame. And, as you know, this has caused a lot of controversy among Catholics who are opposed to your position on abortion.

As a candidate, you vowed that one of the very things you wanted to do was sign the Freedom of Choice Act, which, as you know, would eliminate federal, state and local restrictions on abortion. And at one point in the campaign when asked about abortion and life, you said that it was above — quote, above my pay grade.

Now that you've been president for 100 days, obviously, your pay grade is a little higher than when you were a senator.

Do you still hope that Congress quickly sends you the Freedom of Choice Act so you can sign it?

OBAMA: You know, the — my view on — on abortion, I think, has been very consistent. I think abortion is a moral issue and an ethical issue.

I think that those who are pro-choice make a mistake when they — if they suggest — and I don't want to create straw men here, but I think there are some who suggest that this is simply an issue about women's freedom and that there's no other considerations. I think, look, this is an issue that people have to wrestle with and families and individual women have to wrestle with.

The reason I'm pro-choice is because I don't think women take that — that position casually. I think that they struggle with these decisions each and every day. And I think they are in a better position to make these decisions ultimately than members of Congress or a president of the United States, in consultation with their families, with their doctors, with their clergy.

So — so that has been my consistent position. The other thing that I said consistently during the campaign is I would like to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies that result in women feeling compelled to get an abortion, or at least considering getting an abortion, particularly if we can reduce the number of teen pregnancies, which has started to spike up again.

And so I've got a task force within the Domestic Policy Council in the West Wing of the White House that is working with groups both in the pro-choice camp and in the pro-life camp, to see if we can arrive at some consensus on that.

Now, the Freedom of Choice Act is not highest legislative priority. I believe that women should have the right to choose. But I think that the most important thing we can do to tamp down some of the anger surrounding this issue is to focus on those areas that we can agree on. And that's — that's where I'm going to focus.

I will refrain from commenting at this point. Do note, however, that Obama makes no comment about the Notre Dame scandal. I'm not quite sure immediately what significance there may be to that omission.

And props to Ed Henry for playing hardball. I wouldn't be surprised if he's taking hits for it.

[photo credit: CNN]

update - video of this question (via the SuzyB blog):

Papist Picture of the Day - 04/29/09

• Photos: 300,000 printed signatures being shipped to Notre Dame
• Huh? Vatican newspaper claims No radical changes in Obama's first 100 days
• Noted: Obama's First 100 Days ... of promoting abortion
• Update: CNS begins delivering 300k+ protest signatures to Notre Dame
• AmP Poll: What is the best solution to the Notre Dame scandal? (scroll down)
• Dispelled: Email rumor claims Fr. Jenkins suspended by Bishop D'Arcy

Warning: Entering Liturgical Construction Zone.

[source: REUTERS/Vigili del Fuoco/Handout]

Photos: 300,000 printed signatures being shipped to Notre Dame

David Costanzo, Communications Director of the Cardinal Newman Society (which organized the NotreDameScandal.com petition), has sent me the original covert art and actual photos of the ready-for-shipping mega-binders which contain the first 300,000 signatures:

I hope Fr. Jenkins has a big mailbox:

These were sent out to Fr. Jenkins today.

[second photo credit: Sioux Printing]

Huh? Vatican newspaper: No radical changes in Obama's first 100 days

In counter-point to my previous post, John Thavis of Catholic News Service:

"The Vatican newspaper said President Barack Obama's first 100 days in office have not confirmed the Catholic Church's worst fears about radical policy changes in ethical areas.

"On ethical questions, too -- which from the time of the electoral campaign have been the subject of strong worries by the Catholic bishops -- Obama does not seem to have confirmed the radical innovations that he had discussed," it said. (CNS)

Just because Obama has not (yet) delivered on his most extreme promises (including promises to repeal all restrictions on abortion access in America), does not by any means rule out that his administration is far more pro-abortion/embryonic stem cell research than the previous one. And good heavens, we're only 100 days into his presidential term and he's had his hands full with the economy.

Contrast the above editorial with what Cardinal George, the President of the US bishops, said after meeting with Obama and discussion abortion with him:

"I think on the life issue he's on the wrong side of history," the cardinal said. "I think he has his political debts to pay, and so he's paying them."

"[Obama] said we weren't exporting abortion," the cardinal said. "I said, 'Yes we are.' He would say, 'I know I have to do certain things here. ... But be patient and you'll see the pattern will change.' I said, 'Mr. President, you've given us nothing but the wrong signals on this issue.' So, we'll see, but I'm not as hopeful now as I was when he was first elected."

Hoping things will change is one thing, but ignoring all the signs that they won't is delusional.

Meanwhile, frog in pot of boiling water reports: "Feeling pretty good so far!"

{NB: because I see some people already making this mistake in the comments thread - this is a Vatican newspaper, not the Vatican. I'm waiting to track down the exact author, context, etc.}

Obama's First 100 Days ... of promoting abortion

Get anywhere near a TV or news website today and you'll be hearing about Obama's 100 days.

It will be interesting to see how often his project of expanding reproductive rights (a euphamism, of course, for promoting abortion) - let alone funding for embryonic stem cell research - will be mentioned as an achievement.

Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser:

"President-elect Barack Obama spoke of finding 'common ground' on abortion policy, but abortion advocates groups clearly have an open door. It's only been 100 days, but President Obama has managed to check off ten of the fifteen demands of the abortion industry. This is the most aggressive, pro-abortion administration in decades. Yet pro-life activists are more energized than ever to defend women and unborn children at every opportunity. The Obama Administration should be prepared – commonsense abortion policy like the Hyde Amendment will not be repealed without a fight by pro-life Americans."

{update: she also provides a detailed list of what Obama's administration has done.}

More on Obama's already-significant pro-abortion legacy detailed at LifeNews.

CNS begins delivering 300k+ protest signatures to Notre Dame

update: I've posted photos of the final product here.

Just in time for the (in my opinion, all-important) meeting of the Notre Dame Trustees and Fellows:

This morning, April 29, 2009, the first 300,000 names of individuals who signed the petition at NotreDameScandal.com — opposing the University of Notre Dame’s decision to honor President Barack Obama at commencement — began to be delivered to Notre Dame president Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., the Board of Trustees and the Board of Fellows as they prepare for scheduled meetings on Friday, May 1, at Notre Dame.

As of this morning, more than 344,000 people have signed the petition, but because of the overwhelming numbers it took The Cardinal Newman Society more than 24 hours to prepare the data and print more than 64,000 sheets of paper, double sided, which were then bound in notebooks and sent via FedEx to Father Jenkins and individual members of the Notre Dame Board of Trustees and Board of Fellows.

Copies of the petitions are also being rushed by The Cardinal Newman Society, which sponsored the petition, to Archbishop Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski, Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education; Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican ambassador) to the United States; Francis Cardinal George, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); Bishop John D’Arcy, of Fort Wayne-South Bend, who presides over Notre Dame; and Bishop Robert McManus, Chairman of the USCCB Education Committee.

“Only the Notre Dame Trustees and Fellows have direct authority over Father Jenkins, so their meetings on Friday are our best hope for an end to this scandal,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society.

“It is critical for all of us to pray that the Trustees and Fellows charged with safeguarding Notre Dame’s Catholic identity will heed the 50 bishops [NB: by AmP's count - 53] and hundreds of thousands of faithful Catholics urging Notre Dame to withdraw its invitation to President Obama.” (CNS)

I commend everyone who made the time to sign the petition. Your efforts are not in vain.

AmP Poll: What is the best solution to the Notre Dame scandal?

We've been discussing the Notre Dame Scandal at great length on AmP. Time for a poll.

If you can't see the poll, click here and scroll down until you do. As always, please spread the word!

Dispelled: Email rumor claims Fr. Jenkins suspended by Bishop D'Arcy

People following my AmP Twitter account who were watching it closely this evening would have witnessed a story unfold in real-time (read from the bottom up):

Here's what happened, as far as I can tell at this point.

An email began circulating earlier in the day (and was eventually forwarded to me) which featured a decree claiming to originate from Bishop John D'Arcy in which the bishop officially suspended Notre Dame President Fr. Jenkins a divinis (in other words, removed his abilities to act in public as a Catholic priest), effective May 1st.

After careful scrutiny and consultation with a few trusted sources, I'm confident this decree is in fact a hoax, albeit a very clever and thorough one. As best as I can accertain, someone probably went through an old authentic decree of suspension a divinis and changed all the particular details to match the current situation.

The original source of the hoax is lost in the background of internet chatter. But if they read this, let them be made aware of Canon #1391 in the universal law of the Church:

"The following can be punished with a just penalty according to the gravity of the delict:
1) a person who produces a false public ecclesiastical document, who changes, destroys, or conceals an authentic one, or who uses a false or altered one;
2) a person who uses another false or altered document in an ecclesiastical matter;
3) a person who asserts a falsehood in a public ecclesiastical document."

Obviously, when I first saw the text of this "decree," I was hoping it wasn't a #1391. Well, it was.

Update - for those who have provided constructive criticism, thank you. Three points in response:

1) I'd agree that tweeting "exclusive rumor" was needlessly sensationalist. Sorry about that.

2) Of course someone who reports on a forged document thinking it to be authentic does not fall under the condemnation which presumes the person had knowledge of its falsity and participated in the deception.

3) It would have been far easier for me (and on my reputation) to simply delete my tweets once I had determined the decree was a hoax, but in fact it would not have equally served the public good because this hoax decree is still making its way around the internet. That's why I brought a twitter rumor into the blog proper - to dispell it.

I posted on the rumor because now, when people search for a confirmation of it, they will find it dispelled here, with as much information provided as I've been able to confirm. I consider this quelling of rumors to also be a service of responsible journalism, especially in the age of emails, blogs and twitter.

Also, not to overstate what AmP does, but I would bet that numerous blogs and email lists have not posted or discussed the hoax decree today because they saw it already falsified here this morning. If people are talking today about AmP passing along then dispelling a false rumor, instead of wasting time and energy all day trying to confirm if that rumor is true, so be it. I'll take that hit and save them the bother.

Photo Caption Call - 04/28/09

Winning Caption: "I don't care if you are ad orientem, you will look at me when I'm speaking to you young man." - Keith

Even if you don't have a caption, you can rate your favorite captions (submitted by others) in the comment box.

View the last Photo Caption Call here. Submit new photos for AmP photo caption call to my email!

[Photo copyright: AmP reader Steven.]

AmP-sponsored Mary Ann Glendon solidarity group passes 1,500 members! {update: 2,000 members!}

{update - things are moving past, we're past 2,000 members as of April 28th!}

By the time this post goes live the AmP-sponsored "I Support Mary Ann Glendon and her Noble Refusal!" Facebook group will have over 1,500 members.

{Note: There is a good chance I will have the opportunity of seeing Mary Ann Glendon in the next month and I look forward to telling her about the strong support of her decision among young Catholics - the Facebook group's primary demographic.}

It is clear that her brave decision has inspired and encouraged many, many souls. One has only to look through the dozens of comments posted to the page.

Even if you don't have a Facebook account, you can view the group.

Swine Flu means no precious blood in the Diocese of Austin

A fully-appropriate pastoral decision, and I loved Marcel's comments:

"Good decision and not unexpected. Remember that we receive the full presence of Christ with either species.

Also, "species" speaks of the Body of Christ and the Bread of Christ - not different kinds of animals. One of our employees mis-read and thought someone was making a joke about not giving Communion to humans & pigs."

But kidding aside, this is serious and we should be prayerful and vigilant about this developing situation.

Cardinal Rigali:"The truth is the opposite" in response to Doug Kmiec column in CNS

It was news to me that Kmiec even had a regular column at the Catholic News Service.

Jack Smith at the Catholic Key blog says I'm not alone in having missed this embarassing collaboration:

"Many are surprised to find that Doug Kmiec has a regular column for the bishops' Catholic News Service. He has had one for quite some time and for quite some time it was the best column available at CNS.

Then Kmiec's original candidate for president, Mitt Romney, failed and the rest of Kmiec and his column's history has been a spectacle of descent into self-absorption and shameless apologetic for President Obama's anti-life policies."

And now he's got himself into real trouble:

"Apparently [Kmiec] went too far last week with his column titled, and I'm not kidding, "New ethically sensitive stem-cell guidance from the Obama administration". Cardinal Rigali as head of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities has responded with his own column this week."

Cardinal Rigali begins (read the full article HERE):

"Law professor Douglas Kmiec states in an opinion piece distributed by Catholic News Service that the new policy is “ethically sensitive” and in important respects “more strict” than President George W. Bush’s policy that preceded it.

The truth is the opposite."

Note two things: 1} Cardinal Rigali points out that our own Catholic News Service assisted in disseminating Kmiec's writing (ouch!). 2} Cardinal Rigali could not be "punchier" in his flat disagreement with Kmiec:

"Kmiec says the new guidelines are limited to embryos created for fertility treatment that “would have been discarded if not devoted to medical research.”

That is also not true."

Double "punchier" ouch!

Cardinal Rigali actually published his response in CNS as well. LifeSite's Kathleen Gilbert caught up with him recently and interviewed him about the Notre Dame siutation, which he says "evades common sense".

Slideshow: Pope Benedict visits Earthquake Zone

Related links:

• NYT: Pope Visits Devastated Earthquake Zone
• John Allen: Among quake victims, pope is simple pastor

[Forwarded me by Afonso Miguel]

Essay: Christopher Tollefsen explains why torture is wrong

I'm very happy to see Public Discourse taking up this important topic, much in the news these days:

The recent publication of the Torture Memos and of the International Red Cross report on the treatment of high-level detainees in the aftermath of 9/11 has returned to national prominence the discussion of the morality of torture and “enhanced interrogation” techniques. It is important to be clear, as a moral matter, on what boundaries should be accepted in interrogation of human beings; a responsible and non-politicized discussion is essential on this difficult issue.

[Read Tollefsen's essay here.]

Some folks have left comments asking why AmP has not talked about the morality of torture. A significant reason for this lacuna was that I had not yet found a satisfying treatment. I look forward to their feedback now.

Bishop Jenky, CSC - a hope for Notre Dame?

In the interest of completeness I must mention one episcopal figure whose silence is notable in this Notre Dame scandal: the Most Rev. Daniel Jenky, CSC of Peoria, IL.

There are four reasons I hope Bishop Jenky is taking an active role in this situation, at least behind the scenes if not in public:

1) He is a member of the Notre Dame community. He completed several degrees there and was appointed Superior of the Holy Cross Priests and Brothers of Notre Dame (who administer the University).

2) He is a member of the Notre Dame administration - appointed both to its Board of Trustees and Board of Fellows (where the real decisions are made). Their charter includes this as a duty of the office:

The essential character of the University as a Catholic institution of higher learning shall at all times be maintained, it being the stated intention and desire of the present Fellows of the University that the University shall retain in perpetuity its identity as such an institution. (PDF source)

3) He is a member of the U.S. bishops. He was a one-time auxiliary under Bishop D'Arcy in the diocese of Fort Wayne - South Bend. And in 2002, as Ordinary of Peoria, he was a full member of the body which released the 2004 directives that Notre Dame has now been convicted of violating.

4) Finally, to my knowledge, he is the only CSC-congregation bishop in the United States. He is, in other words, a brother priest with President Jenkins and half of the others members on the Board of Fellows.

He is thus able to speak as member with, administrator of, overseer from without and brother to Notre Dame.

That's four ways we can hope he'll help.

Consistent: Abp. Hughs boycotting Xavier commencement over pro-abort speaker

I twittered this story yesterday but it deserves more attention.

Lest we think that the Notre Dame situation is a unique one - where the local ordinary (in this case, Bishop John D'Arcy) is refusing to attend commencement exercises that honor a pro-abortion speaker - Archbishop Hughes is making a similar stand in New Orleans:

"Archbishop Alfred Hughes will not attend Xavier University’s commencement because national democratic strategist Donna Brazile, who is a Louisiana native and Catholic, is scheduled to speak, according to a letter from Hughes.

... “Ms. Brazile has a public record in support of keeping abortion legal,” Hughes wrote.

"I recognize that Ms. Brazile is a Catholic Louisiana native who has worked effectively in service to the poor and African Americans in particular. However, her public statements on the abortion issue are not in keeping with Catholic moral teaching.”

Hughes cited Brazile’s support of Obama’s decision to reverse a Mexico City policy, which allows federal funds to go to organizations that provide abortions, as proof of her pro-abortion stance. (Local WWLTV)"

Brazile responded by email to a local paper:

"I will remain faithful to the Catholic Church and my Christian faith which keeps me grounded."

Some counter-argument.

Oh, and as a point of trivia: who gave Xavier's 2006 commencement speech? That's right: Senator Barack Obama. He's since moved on to bigger Catholic universities. You can read the text of his address that day here.

More on Abp. Hughes at Catholic News Agency, LifeSite, and Cardinal Newman Society.

Papist Picture of the Day - 4/27/09

• Topical: Cardinal George reveails details of conversation with Obama
• Notre Dame: "Mary Ann Glendon" spikes to #9 most popular on Google (w/ image)
• Notre Dame: No Glendon on the dais now!
• Notre Dame: White House responds to Glendon Refusal
• Notre Dame: What Fr. Jenkins is telling top donors and ND officers
• Notre Dame: Fr. Jenkins announces he will transfer Laetare Medal
• Action Item: New Facebook Group - I Support Mary Ann Glendon's Noble Refusal!
• Notre Dame: Black Monday - Group confirms ND alumni witheld $8.2m in *one* week
• Notre Dame: Mary Ann Glendon *turns down* Notre Dame Laetare Medal
• Notre Dame: Expert commentary on Glendon's noble refusal

[Reminder - all Notre Dame coverage is automatically compiled here.]

• Vatican: "Cardinal John Newman poised for beatification after ruling"
• Photo: Artist depicts Obama wearing crown of thorns
• Rumor: Pope's next encyclical to be released June 29
• Holy Land trip: Israel to Benedict - Leave Popemobile at home
• AmP: Notable Template Changes

The Swiss Guards are mostly for show - Pope Benedict can freeze you at will.

[source: REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN RELIGION)]

Cardinal George reveals details of conversation with Obama

Let's get right into it (underlining mine):

Cardinal George offered a candid assessment of his 30-minute meeting with the president at the White House March 18.

"I think on the life issue he's on the wrong side of history," the cardinal said. "I think he has his political debts to pay, and so he's paying them."

Cardinal George said his conversation with the president was polite but substantive.

"It's hard to disagree with him because he'll always tell you he agrees with you," he said. "Maybe that's political. I think he sincerely wants to agree with you. You have to say, again and again, 'No, Mr. President, we don't agree (on abortion).' But we can agree on a lot, and we do, and that's why there is so much hope. I think we have to pray for him every day."

Cardinal George said he told the president he was concerned about his decision to rescind the Mexico City policy, which resulted in providing taxpayer money to fund abortion overseas.

"He said we weren't exporting abortion," the cardinal said. "I said, 'Yes we are.' He would say, 'I know I have to do certain things here. ... But be patient and you'll see the pattern will change.' I said, 'Mr. President, you've given us nothing but the wrong signals on this issue.' So, we'll see, but I'm not as hopeful now as I was when he was first elected." (CNS)

Image: "Mary Ann Glendon" spikes to #9 most popular on google

Not only Catholics are watching this story unfold:

mary ann glendon

Related searches: glendon, laetare medal, mary ann glendon notre dame, american papist, cnn
Peak: 3 hours ago
Location:
6% - New York, NY
5% - South Bend, IN

... did you catch that list of related searches? ;-)

Whoops - No Glendon on the dais now!

Kenneth Woodward, writing in the Washington Post on March 30th:

"The nation's Catholic bishops have another sticky issue on their plates. President Obama has accepted an invitation to deliver the commencement address at the University of Notre Dame in May and to receive the customary honorary degree. It is quite a coup for the nation's most resonantly Catholic university. American Catholics and their bishops should be proud."

But here's where it gets good - Woodward continues:

On the dais at Notre Dame, Obama will find a familiar face: Harvard Law professor Mary Ann Glendon, Bush's ambassador to the Vatican, who will receive this year's Laetare Medal in part for her peerless defense of human life. It's important that the president hear her message as well as deliver his own. It is equally important that this kind of engagement take place at a university devoted to both faith and reason. Where else but in a university setting should we expect this kind of principled presentation of issues?

I quote this as a reminder that Woodward and defenders of Notre Dame's decision were already trying to make Glendon's appearance serve as a foil against the statements of U.S. bishops. Well, that won't work anymore.

Breaking: White House responds to Glendon Refusal

David Brody at CBN News passes along the short communique:

“President Obama is disappointed by former Ambassador Mary Glendon’s decision, but he looks forward to delivering an inclusive and respectful speech at the Notre Dame graduation, a school with a rich history of fostering the exchange of ideas. While he is honored to have the support of millions of people of all faiths, he does not govern with the expectation that everyone sees eye to eye with him on every position, and the spirit of debate and healthy disagreement on important issues is part of what he loves about this country.”

Jen Psaki, White House Deputy Press Secretary

Report: What Fr. Jenkins is telling top donors and ND officers

I place strong confidence in the report of last week which claimed Fr. Jenkins came to Washington DC for pre-planned meetings with top Notre Dame donors.

I'm now finding out bits and pieces of what he was telling them during those sessions. Evidently he is frequently citing 1 Peter 2:17 ("Give honor to all, love the community, fear God, honor the king") as a biblical support for Notre Dame's decision to bestow an honorary degree on Barack Obama

Now, I'll leave it to the biblical exegetes to take a crack at that argument. I think it's baloney, myself.

Back to the reports: at this weekend's Alumni Senate gathering at Notre DAme, Fr. Jenkins, far from backing down, told the audience that they should be "on the front lines" of defending the University. An even more disturbing report from the same event:

"Apparently [Fr. Jenkins] also made light of Bishop D'Arcy's Thursday letter chiding him for not consulting the bishop ahead of time and for propagating incorrect statements on the USCCB document; [Jenkins] said that he didn't consult the bishop, but then again he doesn't consult him on most decisions regarding the university."

Remember, this is after Bishop D'Arcy wrote:

I pledge to work with Father Jenkins and all at Notre Dame to heal the terrible breach, which has taken place between Notre Dame and the church. It cannot be allowed to continue ... Notre Dame and Father Jenkins must do their part if this healing is to take place. I will do my part.

Sounds like Fr. Jenkin's isn't even trying to do his part.

Next, I'll take a look at Fr. Jenkin's co-decision makers: the Notre Dame Board of Trustees.

[photo: ND College of Arts & Letters.]

New Facebook Group: I Support Mary Ann Glendon and her Noble Refusal!

The group description:

"We support Mary Ann Glendon and her Refusal of Fr. Jenkin's disingenuous offer of Notre Dame's Laetare Medal."

Join the group HERE and invite your friends!

update: this group already has 800+ members!

Flash: Fr. Jenkins announces he will transfer Laetare Medal

This has all the signs of a knee-jerk half-baked response to Glendon's morning bombshell:

Statement by Father John Jenkins on the Laetare Medal

The following statement from Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame, is in response to the decision by Mary Ann Glendon to decline acceptance of the University’s Laetare Medal:

“We are, of course, disappointed that Professor Glendon has made this decision. It is our intention to award the Laetare Medal to another deserving recipient, and we will make that announcement as soon as possible.” (University of Notre Dame Office of News & Information)

... and that's it.

He only registers "disappointment", not even attempting to answer her arguments.

In a scramble, they have no fall-back award recipient because they were presuming she would accept. Instead, they are left pulling out the Rolodex.

"Nothing to see here. Moving on."

Black Monday: Group confirms ND alumni witheld $8.2m in *one* week

From their press release:

Organizers of ReplaceJenkins.com, an online effort urging alumni and donors to the University of Notre Dame to withhold donations, announced Monday that they have personally confirmed over $8.2 million in withheld donations as a part of their national outreach effort.

The website ReplaceJenkins.com has received over 900 pledges from alumni and donors promising to withhold future donations. Several of the largest gifts include estate bequests to the University that have been removed from donors’ wills. ReplaceJenkins.com organizers have personally confirmed a majority of the largest donations, and continue to verify the validity of millions of additional gifts.

More from LifeNews.

Combined with Glendon's refusal ... what a day for Notre Dame's administration.

Update: Expert commentary on Glendon's noble refusal

In reaction to this morning's breaking news story that Mary Ann Glendon has refused the Laetare Medal.

Fr. Raymond J. de Souza at NCRegister:

Father John Jenkins likely thought himself very clever. Professor Mary Ann Glendon just took him to school.

In declining to receive the Laetare Medal alongside President Barack Obama’s honorary doctorate of laws at next month’s commencement, Glendon has refused to participate in the shabby manipulation Father Jenkins attempted to engineer. It is a rare personage who could ennoble an award by refusing to receive it, but Professor Glendon has done just that. The Laetare Medal will now be known best for the year in which it was declined. Glendon chose, to use the apt words of Bishop John D’Arcy in this regard, truth over prestige.

The significance of Glendon’s refusal is enormous. The most accomplished Catholic laywoman in America — former ambassador of the United States to the Holy See and current president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences — has refused to accept Notre Dame’s highest honor. It is a signal moment for the Catholic Church in the United States. It is a signal moment for the Church’s public witness. It is may even be a signal moment for Notre Dame. What Glendon will not say at Notre Dame will finally be a fitting response to what Gov. Mario Cuomo said there some 25 years ago. [Read on.]

Ed Peters at Canon Law Blog:

I see Dr. Mary Ann Glendon's refusal to provide cover for Notre Dame's inexcusable conferral of honors on a prominent pro-abortion politician as an application of Canon 209.1 "The Christian faithful, even in their own manner of acting, are always obliged to maintain communion with the Church", or of Canon 225.2 "According to each one's own condition, [laity] are also bound by a particular duty to imbue and perfect the order of temporal affairs with the spirit of the gospel and thus to give witness to Christ, especially in carrying out these same affairs and in exercising secular functions."

The evil that ND President Jenkins and his Board of Trustees committed has, Deus laudetur, occasioned one of the most striking displays of episcopal fortitude I can remember, mobilized hundreds of thousands of American Catholics against another quiet surrender to the Culture of Death, and has effected notice to several once great Catholic institutions that it's time, finally, to decide where they stand.

I say, God bless Ambassador Glendon.

"Cardinal John Newman poised for beatification after ruling"

Deo Gratias!

A panel of theological consultors agreed unanimously that the inexplicable healing of an American man who was "bent double" by a severe spinal disorder came as a result of praying to Newman for a miracle, according to sources. Their decision was the final hurdle before Pope Benedict XVI can declare him "Blessed".

The Pope, who is known to be keen to make Newman a saint and who asks about the progress of his cause on a regular basis, was informed of the panel's decision straight away. (UK Telegraph)

As always, take UK reporting on Vatican news with a grain of salt. They've jumped the gun several times before - on this very story, in fact. And while it does appear that a siginificant step has been taken, wait for the confirmation to come in the Vatican news bulleting.

Photo: Artist depicts Obama wearing crown of thorns

'The Truth' by Painter Michael D'Antuono which will be unveiled on President Obama's 100th Day in Office at NYC's Union Square. (PRNewsFoto/NOAH G POP FAM)

Yes, it's needlessly provocative/offensive. That's not, however, what I find intersting. After all, everyone expects modern artists to do something like this. But what does it say about our country that this depiction generates such interest, on any level besides the (to me, obvious) level of it being a blasphemous comparison of Obama's sufferings to those of Christ.

I typically don't link to WorldNetDaily, but if this is of interest to readers they have a treatment posted {update - link fixed. sorry about that!}.

Flash: Mary Ann Glendon *turns down* Notre Dame Laetare Medal

She had been notably silent about accepting the honor, now we know why. She just faxed this letter to the president of Notre Dame at 9:30AM this morning:

{update - Fr. Jenkins has issued a response.}

Dear Father Jenkins,

When you informed me in December 2008 that I had been selected to receive Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal, I was profoundly moved. I treasure the memory of receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 1996, and I have always felt honored that the commencement speech I gave that year was included in the anthology of Notre Dame’s most memorable commencement speeches. So I immediately began working on an acceptance speech that I hoped would be worthy of the occasion, of the honor of the medal, and of your students and faculty.

Last month, when you called to tell me that the commencement speech was to be given by President Obama, I mentioned to you that I would have to rewrite my speech. Over the ensuing weeks, the task that once seemed so delightful has been complicated by a number of factors.

First, as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree. This, as you must know, was in disregard of the U.S. bishops’ express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions “should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles” and that such persons “should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” That request, which in no way seeks to control or interfere with an institution’s freedom to invite and engage in serious debate with whomever it wishes, seems to me so reasonable that I am at a loss to understand why a Catholic university should disrespect it.

Then I learned that “talking points” issued by Notre Dame in response to widespread criticism of its decision included two statements implying that my acceptance speech would somehow balance the event:

• “President Obama won’t be doing all the talking. Mary Ann Glendon, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, will be speaking as the recipient of the Laetare Medal.”

• “We think having the president come to Notre Dame, see our graduates, meet our leaders, and hear a talk from Mary Ann Glendon is a good thing for the president and for the causes we care about.”

A commencement, however, is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision—in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops—to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.

Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops’ guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame’s example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.

It is with great sadness, therefore, that I have concluded that I cannot accept the Laetare Medal or participate in the May 17 graduation ceremony.

In order to avoid the inevitable speculation about the reasons for my decision, I will release this letter to the press, but I do not plan to make any further comment on the matter at this time.

Yours Very Truly,

Mary Ann Glendon

[source: First Things - which appears to be inundated with traffic...]

{update - Fr. Jenkins has issued a response.}

update: LifeNews adds a little context. update 2: expert commentary posted here.

Pope's next encyclical to be released June 29

So says the AP:

A Vatican cardinal says Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical on globalization and the poor is expected to be released June 29.

The ANSA and Apnews agencies have quoted Cardinal Renato Martino, who heads the Vatican's office for justice and peace, as saying the encyclical is expected to be released on the feast of St. Peter and Paul, a major day for the church.

Benedict has been working on "Caritas in veritate" (Charity in Truth) since 2007 but recently said he had held back on issuing it so that he could update it to reflect the global economic downturn.

If the rumor is true, that means Pope Benedict will be releasing this encyclical one day after bestowing the pallium on this year's new archbishops, including American archbishops Dolan and Carlson (am I forgetting anyone? update - yes I was: Vigneron!).

Ph/t: Brian Saint-Paul.

Israel to Benedict: Leave Popemobile at home

At least the one that allows him to be seen by the public:

Israeli officials reportedly are concerned that security and other infrastructure for Pope Benedict XVI's trip are not yet in place.

The Israeli daily Ha'aretz reported Sunday that Israeli security forces do not want the pope to use his partially open "Popemobile" when visiting Nazareth May 14. Palestinians mark May 14, the date on the Gregorian calendar of the founding of Israel, as the "nakba," or catastrophe.

Pamphlets in Arab towns have called for protests against the pope.

Benedict is due to visit Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority May 8-15, arriving in Israel on May 11. A multilingual Israel Web site is promoting the trip as "A Bridge for Peace." (JTA)

During Pope Benedict's trip to Turkey Catholics were urged to pray especially for his safety. The same applies this time around.

Notable AmP Template Changes

As you can see, I've changed the upper right-hand corner of the AmP template. On the helpful recommendation of a reader, I've decided to embed my up-to-the-minute twitter updates there.

As I've said before, during busy days I may revert to updating twitter when I don't have time to compose a full blog post. I removed the paypal donation button (it is, however, still on the sidebar - thank you to the generous souls who have dropped me a tip lately!).

Also, the new book of the month is Carl Anderson's Call to Love. The new website of the month is Notre Dame Scandal (at least until Obama speaks there on May 17th).

Photo: Pope to receive smallest present ever

Not kidding:

"A man displays a chip containing the entire Hebrew Bible at the Technion University in Haifa, Sunday, April 26, 2009. During a May 11 reception at the residence of Israel's president, Shimon Peres, Pope Benedict XVI will receive this 300,000-word Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible inscribed on a silicon particle the size of a grain of sand, using nanotechnology. The chip can be read through a microscope." (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)

Sunday Reading: A Notre Dame Witness for Life

Last Thursday: "William McGurn, Notre Dame alumnus (Class of 1980) and former chief speech writer for George W. Bush (2005-2009), lectured on the topic, 'A Notre Dame Witness for Life.' Mr. McGurn is currently a columnist for the Wall Street Journal". It was sponsored by the Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture.

A reader who sent it in called it "quite incredible - one of the more eloqent pieces you will ever read." Several other folks have claimed the same. I provide it as this week's AmP Sunday Reading. You may click here for the PDF version. Kathryn Lopez also has the text, and has gobs of links to good things happening at Notre Dame.

update: you can watch a video of the entire lecture here.

Today: Notre Dame Eucharistic Procession

Explained by a Notre Dame student (underlining mine):

"This Sunday, we are having our 5th annual Eucharistic Procession. Even though it started being planned long before the invitation was ever extended to President Obama, it serves as a strong testament and witness to our Catholic faith here at ND. The main intentions to be prayed for are (in addition to the praise and honor we give to Christ in our adoration of Him in the Sacrament): a greater respect for and protection of human life, from conception until natural death; an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, especially in the Congregation of Holy Cross; and for blessings upon the students, faculty, administration and staff of Holy Cross College, St. Mary's College, and the University of Notre Dame."

Does anyone have pictures or a report of the procession? Thank you!

update: here's a report from a Notre Dame student blogger.

Prayers: Swine flu empties Mexico City's churches

Catholics in Mexico City were unable to attend Mass today for fear of the swine flu (which Drudge has been reporting):

Churches stood empty Sunday in heavily Roman Catholic Mexico City after services were canceled, and health workers screened airports and bus stations for people sickened by a new strain of swine flu that experts fear could become a global epidemic. (AP)

Here is the communique from the Archdiocese of Mexico.

Let's pray for those who could not attend Mass today, and pray for a speedy end to this outbreak.

Photo Caption Call - 04/25/09

Winning Caption: "Despite his appearance, Fr. Ted was not known for his soft and fluffy homilies" - Guest.

Even if you don't have a caption, you can rate your favorite captions (submitted by others) in the comment box.

View the last Photo Caption Call here. Submit new photos for AmP photo caption call to my email!

[Photo copyright: GodDogz - see another awesome pic of "Br. Ursus" here.]

Update: Notre Dame offers to pay for Obama's visit

Between police protection and private plane trips, it's clear that Notre Dame has money to burn on this.

Video: Interview with Undersecretary of the CDF

While we're on a Dominican theme (with today's photo caption call), I figured this would also be of interest to readers: "Fr. Augustine DiNoia, OP, interviewed on both the nature of his position in the Curia and the role of the Dominican House of Studies at this stage of the Order’s history."



Via the Dominican Friars blog.

Picture: Abp. Carlson's Coat-of-Arms

Here it is:

More information here. When I was in St. Louis last summer, I took pictures of several of the various coats of arms used by previous arch/bishops which are featured in the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica.

Oh, and the Fans of Carlson Facebook Group has over 800 members now - great job, everyone!

AmP to appear on "Rise & Walk, San Antonio" on Monday 4/27

I'm usually pretty bad about telling readers when I'll be making a radio appearance, often because I have to fit them in last minute or on-the-fly.

Well, this time you'll get plenty of warning. I'll be on the Guadalupe Radio Network in San Antonio, Texas at about 9:20AM EST on Monday. Local listeners can tune in to KJMA 89.7 FM and online listeners at this direct link.

I think it will be a fun interview!

Papist Picture of the Day - 4/24/09

• Text: CUA President's Homily at the 2009 Cardinal's Dinner
• Video: Abp. Carlson greets St. Louis

"What exactly am I supposed to do with a solid silver keyboard?!"

[source: AP Photo]

Text: CUA President's Homily at the 2009 Cardinal's Dinner

For the last 20 years the Cardinals of the Catholic Church in America have gathered for one evening, to help support the mission of the Catholic University of America.

Today Fr. David O'Connell gave the homily in Houston, Texas, presenting his vision of Catholic education. AmP is privileged to provide the full text:

Homily for the 20th Annual American Cardinals Dinner: Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

This is a great passage in the Gospel of John (John 6: 1-15). It presents one of the “seven signs” found in his Gospel: the wedding feast of Cana; Jesus’ cure of the centurion’s son; his healing of the paralytic; Jesus’ walking on the water; his restoring sight to the man born blind; the raising of Lazarus from the dead and, here, Jesus’ miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes. This particular “sign” is the only miracle story that appears in each of the four gospels and so it is worth our special attention.

The passage opens noting the crowds following Jesus. It is obvious that he had already established a reputation for himself that had captured their attention. The crowds following him, here and elsewhere in the Gospels, were --- more often than not --- merely “sign seekers” not true believers. They were not “convinced;” their hearts were not really touched by the preaching and message of Jesus but, rather, by the delivery and the spectacle. They witnessed these great “signs” along the way and were hoping for more.

Every time I read or hear this Gospel, some different part of it, some different phrase stands out. This evening, that phrase might actually have passed us by without much notice like a “throw-away line” in some familiar story. When confronted with the immensity of the crowd, Jesus --- whom John tells us knew exactly what he was about to do --- (Jesus) asks Philip how they were going to provide for the huge crowd. Andrew then jumps in and says we have someone in our midst, “a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish but what good are these for so many?” I can just imagine Jesus smiling at him. Without hesitation, Jesus responds with the phrase that interests me. Jesus says to Philip and Andrew, “Have the people recline.”

Now, you might be thinking to yourself, with all that is going in this Gospel passage, with all the possible things to consider, why is that phrase so particularly interesting? Let me tell you why.

When Jesus asks that crowds recline, to sit down, he is indicating a number of things. First, that despite their great numbers, he is not going to turn them away. Second, that something is going to happen. Finally, that whatever is about to happen will involve them.

Jesus “knew what he was going to do,” he was not going to dismiss them or turn them away. He “went up on the mountain” as he frequently did and sat down himself, taking the posture of a teacher. This story, this miracle, like all the others, was to be a “teachable moment.” And he has them all sit down, taking the posture of disciples, of students, of learners. Something is going to happen, something that involves them.

Jesus’ miracle is not some kind of magic trick. He takes something they already have there with them, in fact he takes all that they have, the only thing they have --- five barley loaves and two fish --- and he feeds them with it, he satisfies them. In fact, although John tells us “they had had their fill,” there was plenty left over. But until the “people reclined,” until they sat down to watch, until they depended upon him for what they truly needed, until they opened themselves to what he had to offer, until they ate as much as they could, until they realized that there was still more --- that nothing should be wasted, this huge and unruly crowd of “sign seekers” could never experience that conversion of that “teachable moment” that enabled them to move beyond the spectacle of it all to say, this Jesus is “truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.”

That is what Catholic education --- especially Catholic higher education ---should do, that is the miracle it should work through the education and environment it provides. When the students recline, when they sit before their teachers --- whether they be professors or chaplains or administrators or staff --- they should expect that something is going to happen, something that will involve them: Jesus, truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world, will come into their minds and hearts and lives; Jesus will take what they already have and bring, and through our Catholic universities and colleges, will make it even more. Our students should become the bread that is then multiplied and given away, witnessing to Christ, witnessing to the Church, witnessing to the truth --- because of what we teach, because of what we affirm, because of what we support. If Christ does not “happen” in their lives, if the Church does not inspire them in their lives through our Catholic universities and colleges, Christ hasn’t failed, the Church hasn’t failed --- we have failed. We should not fail, we cannot fail, we must not fail even though many things today tempt us to compromise our identity and mission and purpose.

When Pope Benedict XVI spoke on the campus of The Catholic University of America one year ago last Friday, he called Catholic education “a powerful instrument of hope.” He reminded us that our Catholic educational institutions are “places to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals his transforming love and truth.”

Our Catholic universities and colleges have much in common with that mountainside scene along the Sea of Galilee in John’s Gospel. The living God whom we --- as they --- encounter in Jesus Christ multiplies what we have and fills us up, transforms us, and makes us overflow with a bread that the world cannot give.

“Have the people recline” in this Easter Season so that we may all realize the miracles that have been given to us and the many more that lie ahead for those who believe. Amen.

Video: Abp. Carlson greets St. Louis

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

... "Archbiship"?

(by the way, I think this is a fantastic video - it just could use a spellcheck.)

Sick day.

I'd love to blog today but I'm feeling under the weather and have a copious amount of school and work obligations to fulfill ... so I'm taking a blogging sick day. I hope to resume coverage tomorrow. Thanks!

update: well, sick half-day....

Papist Picture of the Day - 04/23/09

• Listed: Arch/Dioceses on Twitter
• Papist Quote of the Day: Sr. Mary Ann Walsh
• Video: Hillary Clinton Advocates Exporting Abortion
• Memphis: How not to do Catholic ministry to homosexual persons
• Noted: Abp. Chaput credited for CO death penalty repeal vote
• Good! Bishop Conlon restores Friday abstinence from meat in Diocese of Steubenville
• Report: 6 dioceses vacant, 11 overdue for replacement in U.S.
• Update: Notre Dame's plane is flying back to South Bend tonight
• Text: CSC Superior General's (of Notre Dame) letter to Barack Obama
• Round-up: *46* Bishops have responded to Notre Dame's Obama invitation

Worst Papal-Kidnapping Attempt Ever.

[source: AP Photo]

Listed: Arch/Dioceses on Twitter

We're on a bit of a twitter kick here at AmP. Let's see how many arch/dioceses we can find on it:

• Archdioces of Atlanta, GA (actually their newspaper) - 86 followers
• Archdiocese of Cincinnati, OH (diocesan newspaper) - 135 followers
• Archdiocese of St. Louis, MO (very well executed) - 309 followers
• Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis (diocesan newspaper) - 1,316 followers
• Archdiocese of Washington, DC (not updated) - 3 followers
• Diocese of Allentown, PA - 60 followers
• Diocese of Arlington, VA + Arlington Catholic Herald - 92 followers, 259 followers
• Diocese of Brownsville, TX - 162 followers
• Diocese of Cleveland, OH (only 3 updates?) - 49 followers
• Diocese of Green Bay, WI + The Green Bay Compass - 90 followers, 153 followers
• Diocese of Hawaii, HI - 202 followers
• Diocese of Madison, WI (c'mon - not following anyone?) - 39 followers
• Diocese of Orlando, FL (really FL Catholic news) - 590 followers
• Diocese of Phoenix, AZ (diocesan newspaper) - 1,472 followers

If I've missed any - please drop me an email or comment. If you work for an arch/diocese, maybe bring it to the attention of your communications director? It's a great way of keeping your flock in the know!

Papist Quote of the Day

The U.S. Bishop's Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, in a twitter update:

"Spent the day workng on the new Roman Missal. It's like digital TV: It's coming, it will affect us all but no one knows exactly when."

Video: Hillary Clinton Advocates Exporting Abortion

From the SuzyB blog:

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was questioned by the House Foreign Affairs Committee today. This video shows highlights of the pointed questions by pro-life Representatives Chris Smith and Jeff Fortenberry, as well as Clinton's responses.

Hillary: "... we are now an administration that will protect the rights of women, including their rights to reproductive healthcare."

No change here.

More from the Cathoholic on why this is significant here.

Memphis: How not to do Catholic ministry to homosexual persons

Someone asked me to visit "Catholic Ministry with Gay & Lesbian Persons" in the Diocese of Memphis.

I found three red flags:

1. Its mission: "The Catholic Ministry with Gay and Lesbian Persons affirms that all the baptized, in the diversity of our sexual orientation, are called to full participation in the life, worship and mission of the Church. The ministry fosters inclusivity, mutual understanding and appreciation of all persons by promoting hospitality, education and support."
2. What is notably missing from this entire news section ... any criticism of gay lifestyle and activities or acknowledgement that homosexual acts are not a path to holiness.
3. What they consider to be good resources ... Joan Chittister? "Can My Son Be Gay and Catholic? The answer is Yes. "? These general intentions "for inclusion"?

Am I being unfair?

Abp. Chaput credited for CO death penalty repeal vote

Archbishop Chaput ... not a one-trick pony (despite what some people try to claim):

The Colorado House yesterday voted 33-32 to repeal the state's death penalty. The measure now goes to the Senate. An interesting bit of drama occurred on the floor during the vote and only the Durango Herald has picked up on it:

Debate lasted only a few minutes Tuesday, apparently because most of the 65 representatives had made up their minds. All except Ed Vigil.

The freshman Democrat from Fort Garland sat still as the House's electronic board tallied the vote - a 32-32 tie.

Vigil, a former district attorney's investigator, thinks the death penalty is a useful tool. In a 2007 case, Jose Luis Rubi-Nava confessed to killing his girlfriend in Douglas County by dragging her behind his car. The threat of the death penalty secured Rubi-Nava's plea, Vigil said.

"As soon as the death penalty became part of the equation, he pled guilty and got a life sentence," he said.

But Vigil also was thinking about moral appeals he had heard, including from Archbishop Charles Chaput, the senior Roman Catholic clergyman in Colorado.

Vigil bit his lip and ran a hand back through his hair. Other House members stood up and looked his way as a silent minute dragged by. At last, he reached across the desk and pushed the green button for "yes."

The death penalty repeal passed 33-32.

Ph/t: The Catholic Key.

Bishop Conlon restores Friday abstinence from meat in Diocese of Steubenville

Okay, technically, Catholics in the US are only allowed to dispense from the year-round Friday abstinence from meat if they substitute a comparable penance for it ... but in practice, the vast majority of Catholics have forgotten to even do this.

Bishop R. Daniel Conlon, however, has dispensed with the substituting ... and has instead brought back the simple Friday abstinence from meat in his diocese. I especially respect that he ties this sacrificial abstinence to witnessing for the unborn and providing them with concrete assistance:

"I am inviting the Catholic people of the Diocese of Steubenville to resume the practice of abstaining from meat on all Fridays throughout the year, but with a twist. I am asking that this be not only a penitential practice but also an experience of prayer and service. This can happen by connecting abstinence with our witness to the sacredness of human life. (In another section he says: Abstinence can also be service if we eat simple meatless food and donate the financial savings to the poor or to pro-life efforts.)

... The resumption of year-round abstinence in the Diocese of Steubenville will begin after this coming Easter, one week after Good Friday (April 17). Although the practice will not be a requirement of law, and failing to keep it will not constitute a sin, I hope every one who is old enough to receive Holy Communion and well enough to come to church will take it seriously. Our parishes, schools and organizations should provide meatless food at their Friday activities.

... the present challenge to the people in our diocese is not really radical. It is a call to what many if not most of us have put aside. And it is a way for us, like the apostles, to give up a little food and help Jesus feed the world."

Bishop Conlon, of course, placed the above mandate within a very well-crafted pastoral letter, which he had read before or at the end of all the Masses in his diocese on the weekend of March 28/29. His catechetical office has also followed-through and provided education materials for school-age children.

What a wonderful idea - and it need not be limited to Catholics living in the diocese of Steubenville, either! Their fine witness, and the words of their bishop, can inspire us to do the same.

Report: 6 dioceses vacant, 11 overdue for replacement in U.S.

This handy list compiled by my father at www.CanonLaw.info gives us a snapshot of the vacant and overdue-for-replacement dioceses in the United States.

Here are the dioceses who currently do not, or soon will not, have a bishop + their date of vacancy:

1. Cheyenne WY 2008 Jul
2. Duluth MN 2008 Oct
3. Owensboro KY 2009 Jan
4. Milwaukee WI 2009 Feb
5. Saginaw MI 2009 Apr
6. Ogdensburg NY 2009 Apr

And here are the ones whose bishop is overdue to retire + when they were supposed to retire:

1. Omaha NE 2007 Jun
2. Ft Wayne-S. Bend IN 2007 Aug
3. New Orleans LA 2007 Dec
4. Allentown PA 2008 Mar
5. Pueblo CO 2008 Mar
6. Lafayette IN 2008 Aug
7. Seattle WA 2009 Jan
8. Corpus Christi TX 2009 Jan
9. Brownsville TX 2009 Feb
10. Spokane WA 2009 Mar
11. Gaylord MI 2009 Mar

Two more dioceses will be overdue as of this August:

1. Cincinnati OH 2009 Aug
2. Oklahoma City OK 2009 Aug

Have you heard anything about possible appointments to these dioceses? Drop me a line in the comment box or send me an email ("thomas [at] americanpapist.com"). I'm especially interested in Gaylord, MI. Thanks!

Notre Dame's plane is flying back to South Bend tonight

So says FlightAware:

Aircraft Cessna 560 Citation 5 (twin-jet) (C560/L)
Origin Washington Dulles Intl (KIAD - track or info)
Destination South Bend Rgnl (KSBN - track or info)
Other flights between these airports
Route AML J149 FWA (Decode)
Date Wednesday, Apr 22, 2009
Duration 1 hours 24 minutes
Status Scheduled
Scheduled Actual/Estimated
Departure 09:58PM EDT 09:58PM EDT
Arrival 11:22PM EDT 11:22PM EDT
Speed 414 kts
Altitude 40000 feet

Back story here and here.

The tipster who notified me of the departure asked if this was the "return of the prodigal son"?

I said nope, the prodigal son was sorry. ;-)

Text: CSC Superior General's (of Notre Dame) letter to Barack Obama

This letter was forwarded to me today by Dawn Eden over at The Dawn Patrol. I believe it is genuine:

Here is the full text of the 13-page letter to President Obama from the Rev. Hugh W. Cleary, C.S.C. Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross, which oversees Notre Dame.

update: this is evidently a public letter published in America. More on Fr. Cleary here.

Photo Caption Call - 04/22/09

Winning Caption: "Stop chanting the Dies Irae below - you're making me nervous!" - AussieAnnie

Even if you don't have a caption, you can rate your favorite captions (submitted by others) in the comment box.

View the last Photo Caption Call here. Submit new photos for AmP photo caption call to my email!

[Photo copyright: Oops, I forgot! If this is yours, please let me know and I'll give you attribution...]

Commentary: What Bishop D'Arcy's Statement Means

Now that you've had a chance to read Bishop D'Arcy's statement, here are some reasons why it represents an extremely significant development in the Notre Dame situation.

1. Bishop D'Arcy makes it clear that Fr. Jenkins completely brought this on himself. Jenkins failed to notify D'Arcy of the invitation until after it had been issued (therefore Jenkins never sought approval or advice from his own local bishop), he attempted to engage Bishop Olmsted in canonical debate, involved D'Arcy in this debate by cc'ing him in on the letter (deciding too late to include D'Arcy in the process) and has asked for D'Arcy's response. At the same time, Jenkins took his arguments to the Notre Dame board of trustees and saw to it that they were published on the national scene, essentially putting D'Arcy in a position to where he had to respond.
2. D'Arcy has shared his letter with other bishops. While acting on his own authority, he is not alone in his opinions (indeed, 42 bishops have spoken out so far), among bishops or the faithful.
3. D'Arcy's language is definitive: "the meaning of the sentence ... is clear" "the statements which Father Jenkins has made ... are simply wrong." "I consider [the matter] closed." "The failure to consult the local bishop ... the lawgiver in the diocese, is a serious mistake." In other words, there is no room for authentic debate on this topic. The only response Fr. Jenkins is being invited to is obedience and reparation.
4. D'Arcy wastes no time pointing how pathetically poor the defense offered by Fr. Jenkins is in reality. Fr. Jenkins, implies D'Arcy, has completely ignored "fundamental, canonical and theological principal[s]"; has failed to consult with "any competent canonist with knowledge of the tradition and love for Christ’s church", to say nothing about how Fr. Jenkin's negligently bypassed the local bishop's "pastoral responsibility to teach" which is "central to the university’s relationship to the church." (this last point is a biggie, I think.)
5. Finally, this line of D'Arcy's should send a chill up Fr. Jenkin's spine: "I, like many others, will await to see what the follow up is on this issue between Notre Dame and President Obama." D'Arcy continues with this straightforward and urgent demand: "Notre Dame and Father Jenkins must do their part if this [substantial and true, and not illusory] healing is to take place." Fr. Jenkins is being held to his word.

Indeed, I could go on, but I think the picture is becoming clear: the ball is in Fr. Jenkin's court.

It's time to fly back to South Bend and face the music.

Breaking: Bishop D'Arcy says Jenkins "simply wrong" about Obama invitation defense

You can only push a good bishop so far, you can only stretch the truth so much (underlining mine):

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Recently, Father John Jenkins, CSC, in a letter of response to Bishop Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix, who had written him, critical of the decision to invite President Obama to speak and receive an honorary degree of law at Notre Dame, indicated that it was his conviction that the statement “Catholics in Political Life” (USCCB) did not apply in this matter. Father Jenkins kindly sent me a copy of his letter, and also at a later meeting, asked for a response.

In an April 15th letter to Father Jenkins, I responded to his letter.

Now the points made in his letter have been sent by Father Jenkins to the members of the Notre Dame Board of Trustees and have been publicized nationally, as well as locally in the South Bend Tribune. Since the matter is now public, it is my duty as the bishop of this diocese to respond and correct. I take up this responsibility with some sadness, but also with the conviction that if I did not do so, I would be remiss in my pastoral responsibility.

Rather than share my full letter, which I have shared with some in church leadership, I prefer to present some of the key points.

[For Bishop D'Arcy's six devestating points, click here. He continues:]

In my letter, I have also asked Father Jenkins to correct, and if possible, withdraw the erroneous talking points, which appeared in the South Bend Tribune and in other media outlets across the country. The statements which Father Jenkins has made are simply wrong and give a flawed justification for his actions.

I consider it now settled — that the USCCB document, “Catholics in Public Life,” does indeed apply in this matter.

The failure to consult the local bishop who, whatever his unworthiness, is the teacher and lawgiver in the diocese, is a serious mistake. Proper consultation could have prevented an action, which has caused such painful division between Notre Dame and many bishops — and a large number of the faithful.

That division must be addressed through prayer and action, and I pledge to work with Father Jenkins and all at Notre Dame to heal the terrible breach, which has taken place between Notre Dame and the church. It cannot be allowed to continue.
I ask all to pray that this healing will take place in a way that is substantial and true, and not illusory. Notre Dame and Father Jenkins must do their part if this healing is to take place. I will do my part.

Sincerely yours in our Lord,
Most Reverend
John M. D’Arcy

Read my comments here.

(and once again, AmP Twitter carried this story a full hour ago.)

National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, May 7/8th

This year Archbishop Raymond Burke is the keynote speaker. A friend explains:

This year's breakfast will be organized around the theme "A Celebration of The Teachings of the Catholic Church". A Mass has also been scheduled for Thursday evening, May 7, 2009, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle at 6:30 pm. Last year the breakfast was a tremendous success, with several hundred people attending Mass, and over 1,900 people in attendance for the breakfast itself. Online reservations can be made here.

Schedule permitting, I hope to attend. I wonder if Archbishop-elect Carlson will fly into DC for it?

Pro-Life Film Contest awards $2000 in prizes!

When the Susan B. Anthony List (a pro-life organization) sees a good idea ... they run with it:

"When 12 year-old Lia Mills wrote her speech about abortion for a school contest, she had no idea the kind of impact it would have worldwide. Yet after her mother put the speech on YouTube, it garnered over a half a million views! [watch the video here.]

... Now, Lia is challenging other young people to send in their videos and spread the pro-life message. The SBA List wants to provide our nation’s youth with the opportunity to do just that. This new contest will award two winning videos with a $1,000 scholarship and will be featured in a Susan B. Anthony online campaign!"

Okay, American Papist Kids - you have your homework!

Update: Why Fr. Jenkins is in DC

Observers of the Notre Dame scandal have been abuzz since yesterday's report that the Notre Dame charter plane had flow to DC, speculating that Fr. Jenkins had used it to set up a meeting with Barack Obama.

Now an informed source tells me that Fr. Jenkins is in town for a multi-day seminar/symposium for high level Notre Dame donors, which has been planned for some time now and involves several speakers and events. Because the activities are private, they were not "advertised" to the wider public.

Of course, just because Fr. Jenkins has good reason to be in DC besides meeting with Obama, doesn't mean he might not have attempted to meet with him while he was in town. I'm trying to track down that possibility next.

Two Cool Too Cool Carlson-related follow-ups

The Facebook group started yesterday, "Fans of Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis" has well over 250 members now. I've told them that if they pass 1,000 members, I'll see to it that Abp. Carlson is notified!

Also, the Archdiocese of St. Louis has provided an MP3 audio download of Abp. Carlson's press conference.

Fr. Jenkins Flies to DC: A Tale of Twitter Tech

Last night's posting on Fr. Jenkins' (alleged) covert trip to DC provides me an occasion to ramble about the contribution of new media to the news cycle, and discuss how it augments AmP's role in Catholic news.

Yesterday at 5:21PM EST I received a tip that Fr. Jenkins was in DC for an unannounced visit with Barack Obama. I was told the report came from a reliable (second-hand) source, and that the news would hit the internet "momentarily."

Since I was away from a computer when I received the message, I used my blackberry to update my twitter account (roughly 5:30PM):

"AmericanPapist is hearing a report that ND pres. fr. jenkins is in Washington DC today to meet with Obama?"

30 seconds later I noticed that AmSpec reporter Joseph Lawler had twittered a support to the Jenkins story, based on publicly-available flight information provided by Flight Aware (I know, it's an amazing world we live in).

Happy to provide more information on the report, and still away from computer access, I re-published Joe's notification:

"AmericanPapist RT @josephlawler confirms fr. jenkins in DC to meet with Obama: http://tinyurl.com/deaydg" [RT= Re-Tweet]

... and that's where I had to leave it for the time being, until I had computer access again.

In the hours that ensued, email after email popped into my inbox asking a) if I had heard the rumor, b) requesting me to post the news, c) wondering if I didn't think the story credible and so was ignoring it on purpose or d) all of the above/"I loved today's PPOTD!".

Later in the evening, safely tucked away at home again, I was finally able to post a recap of the Jenkins rumors ... five hours after the rumor hit the Internet pipelines. And so I thought the story was safely put to bed.

I was wrong.

You see, I forgot to check twitter again. Nestled in among my twitter replies, I found - not only people who were picking up Joe's and AmP's reporting, but a second stream of replies claiming that Notre Dame's spokesman was denying the report that Fr. Jenkins had met with Obama in DC.

Thus I had to go back and revise my original blog post, taking into account this new piece of information.

So why do I bring this all up? I think there's (at least one) important lesson here:

Blogging moves fast, but it doesn't move at the speed of news - Twitter does.

That's why I've been bugging AmP readers to subscribe to my twitter feed. I'm not just trying to play a numbers game and see how fast I can break 1,000 AmP followers - I'm trying to help augment the reporting I provide on the American Papist blog.

Blogging, after all, is an amazing way to provide news and commentary on current events (while at the same time remaining open to comment contributions from the community), but it is only one tool among many - including Twitter - that I use to keep Catholics up to speed on things I believe are important or interesting.

That said, you don't have to join Twitter (for that matter, you don't have to read AmP) because I do try to make sure the blogging stands on its own. It just sometimes has to stand a little behind the front of the news line.

Report: ND President Jenkins in DC meeting with Obama (+analysis)

Joseph Lawler writing for AmSpec passes along a fascinating report:

"At Off the Record, Phil Lawler (my dad) is passing along a report that he has from a reliable source: ND President Fr. John Jenkins is in Washington, D.C. today for an unannounced meeting at the White House. This is still merely a rumor, but indeed FlightAware shows the ND jet flying to Dulles this morning."

Joe goes on to note that, despite the criticism of 42 bishops (and counting), Fr. Jenkins is digging in his heels, claiming he and others are "tremendously proud" to honor Obama (source).

As for the backlash to the announcement of Obama's invitation, which has included over 325,000 individuals signing a petition protest, Jenkins says: "it's unfortunate that the great event of President Obama coming to this campus has been a little clouded by that controversy."

... a little clouded?! This is easily the biggest scandal to hit Notre Dame in years, if not in its long history. To say the event has been "a little clouded" is simply a sentence out of la-la land.

Whatever Fr. Jenkins is saying in public, it's clear that internally Notre Dame is in severe conflict - this is quickly becoming an identity crisis for the institution, a struggle for the soul and reputation of the university. And Fr. Jenkin's fiddling isn't helping put out any of the fires.

And, surprise-surprise, I think it's going to get worse. I've been alerted to at least one other significant detail of the visit in particular which, if confirmed, will further strain the situation. Let's call it the "georgetown policy."

So if Fr. Jenkins is in DC to meet with Obama, what are they doing? My guess would be damage control. They are probably putting their heads together and trying to figure out some solution to what is fast becoming a watershed moment in the relations between the Obama administration and Catholic America.

Let's hope, work and pray for a peaceful (and satisfying) abatement to the waters.

Towards that end, we should recall that the top-down decision making pursued so far by Obama/Jenkins simply isn't working. Fr. Jenkins owes Notre Dame - and Obama owes American Catholics - a just solution which respects the contributions and concerns of those 42 bishops and 325,000 signers.

update: Notre Dame's student newspaper is claiming that the University spokesman is denying reports that Fr. Jenkins met Obama in Washington today. Can anyone lend clarity pro/con?

update 2: Why Fr. Jenkins is in DC (according to one source).

Papist Picture of the Day - 04/21/09

• Complete Coverage: St. Louis gets its next Archbishop
• Photos: Archbishop-Elect Robert Carlson in St. Louis
• Trailer: Earth Documentary
• Green: Vatican To Build 100 Megawatt Solar Power Plant
• New bishop: Robert Cunningham appointed to Syracuse, NY
• Papist Quote of the Day: "We are at war."
• Video: Miss USA California puts Perez Hilton in his place
• Confirmed: AmP readers cover my 2009 cell phone bill!

It would be one of the best-documented papal crowd-dives in history....

[source: AP Photo]

Complete Coverage: St. Louis gets its next Archbishop

Called it last night, announced it this morning, and followed-up shortly after with more details.

Action Item: Join Facebook Fans of Archbishop Robert Carlson of St. Louis!
(1pm update - almost 100 members already!)

Outside coverage:

• Archdiocesan newspaper: Bishop Robert J. Carlson appointed Tenth Archbishop of Saint Louis
• St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Michigan Bishop Robert J. Carlson named new St. Louis Archbishop
• Saginaw News: Carlson leaving

Photos: Archbishop-Elect Robert Carlson in St. Louis

A man of prayer in prayer to prepare:

Archbishop-Elect Carlson in the chapel at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.

Archbishop-Elect Carlson in front of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis.

(I visited this magnificent church last summer and took plenty of pictures and video.)

Archbishop-Elect Robert J. Carlson sings a song of welcome with Kenrick-Glennon seminarians.

(I am told they sang him the traditional Te Deum - "God We Praise You").

[photo source: St. Louis Review]

(post #4,900!)

Trailer: Earth Documentary

On Earth Day (tomorrow), considering seeing the Documentary "Earth". I was able to view a screener of the film a couple weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the ground-breaking cinematography and compelling narration (great movie for the kids):



Personally, I can't think of a better way to spend Earth Day than in a cool theater enjoying the conveniences of modern technology. ;-)

Oh, and it inspired much awe in me at the amazing works of the Creator. What a wonderful world!

Green: Vatican To Build 100 Megawatt Solar Power Plant

There's money in the Vatican budget for this?

"The Vatican is going solar in a big way. The tiny state recently announced that it intends to spend 660 million dollars to create what will effectively be Europe's largest solar power plant. This massive 100 megawatt photovoltaic installation will provide enough energy to make the Vatican the first solar powered nation state in the world! 'The 100 megawatts unleashed by the station will supply about 40,000 households. That will far outstrip demand by Pope Benedict XVI and the 900 inhabitants of the 0.2 square-mile country nestled across Rome's Tiber River. The plant will cover nine times the needs of Vatican Radio, whose transmission tower is strong enough to reach 35 countries including Asia.'" (Slashdot)

Quote:

“Now is the time to strike,” Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican City’s governor, said in an interview from his study overlooking the Michelangelo-designed Basilica of St. Peter’s. “One should take advantage of the crisis to try and develop these renewable-energy sources to the maximum, which in the long run will reap incomparable rewards.” (Bloomberg)

What's next, an electric popemobile?

Solarworld executives in November said it was time to think about a “green” popemobile and offered to give the pope a low- emissions electric car to replace the white armored Mercedes- Benz open-top G-Class used by the Vatican.

While there has been no switchover since then, Lajolo at the time called an electric popemobile a “brilliant idea. If it costs less and can set an example, why not?”

Doh!

Bp. Cunningham appointed to Syracuse, NY

Not to be lost in the Carlson shuffle ... another Robert got appointed today:

The Holy Father Appointed Bishop Robert J. Cunningham of Ogdensburg, U.S.A., [photo] as bishop of Syracuse (area 14,915, population 1,199,000, Catholics 352,000, priests 310, permanent deacons 85, religious 536), U.S.A. He succeeds Bishop James M. Moynihan, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

I haven't heard much about Syracuse while covering my Catholic news beat (well, except for this unfortunate episode) so it surprised me to find out there are over 350,000 Catholics in the diocese!

Papist Quote of the Day

Bishop Robert Finn:

"We are at war. Harsh as this may sound it is true – but it is not new. This war to which I refer did not begin in just the last several months, although new battles are underway – and they bring an intensity and urgency to our efforts that may rival any time in the past."

Video: Miss USA California puts Perez Hilton in his place

Good for Miss USA California (never really thought I'd say something like that):


The (beginning of the) aftermath:

Miss California's answer sparked a shouting match in the lobby after the show. "It's ugly," said Scott Ihrig, a gay man, who attended the pageant with his partner. "I think it's ridiculous that she got first runner-up. That is not the value of 95 percent of the people in this audience. Look around this audience and tell me how many gay men there are." (FOX News)

Support for traditional marriage: supposedly a "minority" position whose adherents it is considered acceptable to mock and marginalize.

... at least if you live on the edge of the California coast.

Confirmed: AmP readers cover my 2009 cell phone bill!

True to their word, the fine folks at Cell Phones.org have indeed begun to cover my cell phone bill for 2009, after AmP readers voted American Papist their favorite blog by a significant margin in the 2009 Blogger Appreciation Awards.

Once again my sincere thanks to all of those who voted for me, tweeted support, and told their Facebook friends. I use a blackberry, and frankly spend more time doing "AmP-related" things on it then making calls to friends. Conversly, this solution means I have more time to spend with my friends and keep up on the steady stream of Catholic news and tips.

Please consider Cell Phones.org for your cell phone solutions. They're nice to papists, and people who are nice to papists are good people in my book!

AmP predicts Carlson for St. Louis ... now here's what you need to know about him

In March I began receiving reliable reports that Bishop Robert Carlson of Saginaw MI would be the next Archbishop of St. Louis, filling the vacancy left by the mighty Archbishop Raymond Burke, so much so that I said:

"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."

Perhaps the appointment was postponed to allow Archbishop Dolan the limelight, and conversely, so that New York would not overshadow the importance of the St. Louis vacancy being filled. Regardless, last night I called Bishop Carlson for St. Louis at about 6PM.

I have some measure of personal experience with Bishop Carlson and here's what you should know:

Bp. Carlson is already a legend among Catholics in Michigan, for the following reasons.

He is a vocations magnet and cultivator par excellance, creating a culture of vocations in his diocese and supporting his candidates through their formation and education. Before he came to the diocese it had not had a vocation for four years. In the past two years Bp. Carlson has ordained eight men and there are more than 20 currently in formation.

He is a passionate defender of life, personally hopping on the bus with the young people of his diocese to attend the March for Life in DC whenever he is able. He will not shy away from speaking out in defense of life - that's a promise.

His episcopal motto is "Ante crucem nihil defensionis," or "Before the cross there is no defense" - I think that says a lot about how he views his episcopal ministry.

I have heard he enjoys a particularly close relationship with Pope Benedict. In 2006 when Carlson was in Rome and Pope Benedict heard about it - the pope cleared his schedule and sent a message to Carlson saying that he wanted to meet with him.

In 2003 Bp. Carlson told Tom Daschle he could no longer call himself Catholic, when he was his bishop.

He moves quickly: look at this seminarian post detailing his second year accomplishments in Saginaw.

He called a Eucharistic Congress in 2007 and has gradually been re-establishing sound liturgical practice in his formerly-liberal diocese of Saginaw.

He started a house of formation in the diocese of Saginaw so that it would not have to be farmed out. He has written four pastoral letters and four other documents. He has founded an order in Columbia which is very close to his heart. He chairs the well-regarded Institute for Priestly Formation.

This interview with Bp. Carlson presents his comments on his 2006 meeting with the pope, and gives a decent glimpse of his pastoral style. This story published just today also should prove useful.

Breaking: Robert Carlson is the next Archbishop of St. Louis!

As reported on American Papist last night (and rumored back in March), Bishop Robert Carlson of Saginaw, MI has been named the 10th bishop of St. Louis.

St. Louis Archdiocesan website:

Bishop Robert J. Hermann, Archdiocesan Administrator for St. Louis, called Archbishop-elect Carlson “a very energetic, articulate, warm and gifted pastor and administrator. He thinks and works with the Church he loves, and will continue to build upon the legacy of his predecessors here in St. Louis.”Archbishop–elect Carlson was installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw on February 24, 2005 at the direction of Pope John Paul II. A native of Minneapolis, MN, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1970 for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He was later ordained as an auxiliary bishop for his home archdiocese on January 11, 1984 and went on to serve as Bishop of Sioux Falls, SD, from 1994 to 2005.

Follow the day's events & more info:

• 10:30 am: Watch the press conference online.
• View pictures of the Archbishop-elect, as he visits various locations in the Archdiocese.
• Follow the Archdiocese on Twitter for up-to-the-minute postings.
• Press Release: "Vatican Announces Appointment of Bishop Robert J. Carlson as Archbishop of St. Louis"
• Press Release: "Statement of Bishop Robert Hermann on the Appointment of the Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson as Archbishop of St. Louis"
• Press Release: "Pope Names Saginaw's Bishop Carlson as the ninth Archbishop of Saint Louis"
• Biography and Curriculum Vitae in the Leadership pages of archstl.org

Updates to follow....

Rumor: New Archbishop of St. Louis Tomorrow

***Breaking: Robert Carlson next Archbishop of St. Louis!***

Original post: We've been through this before, but once again - I'll be waking up tomorrow morning at 6AM to see if a new Archbishop has been appointed to St. Louis.

Some of my sources are 99% sure it's tomorrow. Time, as always, will tell.

Here's my guess - Bishop Robert Carlson of Saginaw, MI. (yes this is the name I've referred to.)

update: sed contra - the St. Louis Catholic blog is claiming Bishop Kevin Vann of Fort Worth, TX, to be announced Wednesday.

update 2: I should add, it is rumored that at Abp. Dolan's installation, Vatican papal nuncio Abp. Pietro Sambi said the St. Louis appointment would occur before June, joking that he had vacation time coming up then.

Papist Picture of the Day - 04/20/09

• Update: Tomasic takes another swing at Abp. Chaput, strikes out
• Coverage: Legion of Christ to expand into U.S. Catholic higher education?
• Good: Vatican demands UK newspaper issue "immediate and unambiguous" retraction
• Papist Quote of the Day: Bob Royal
• Book suggestion: The Catechist's Magic Kit
• Ugh: Kmiec cites fictitious quotation from St. Thomas More
• Picture: What does this look like to you?
• Update: *42* Bishops have responded to Notre Dame's Obama invitation

For the first time, five Franciscans agreed about how they should spend the day.

[source: AP Photo]

Update: Tomasic takes another swing at Abp. Chaput, strikes out

In response to my post of last Friday, "John Tomasic tries to cast Abp. Chaput in a bad light," the author made a contribution to the comment thread:

You all misread. The original post-writer Tomasic (me) has nothing at all against anyone in the country freely speaking their mind, including Abp Chaput. I object not to speech but to showboating and the politics of Chaput and his pro-life pepsquad, who play into the hands of right-wing political power-seekers, who in their law-making care little for Catholic teaching -- that is, for alleviating the suffering of the sick and the poor and, as you say, especially the helpless. I encourage the Abp to continue to speak out and I encourage others to hold him to account when he does.

In fact, on that matter, I was wondering if Chaput would weigh in on the men held helpless in the U.S. prisons of the War on Terror, the men subjected to the insane abuses, including hundreds of waterboardings, outlined in the CIA torture memos released last week. Predictably, five days after release of the memos, there is nothing from Chaput and there is nothing on this Papist blog about the way the memos reveal the extent to which the culture of life held up by the Church had been violated intentionally and repeatedly by the Bush administration and its thug lawyers and operatives.

Where is Chaput calling for a letter-writing campaign for justice and protest in defense of the rights of the unconvicted prisoners of the CIA? It was the ACLU that sued for release of the memos and encouraged letter writing. Where was the outspoken Bishop? Where was the American papist?

Rather than chase after his red herring argument, I've attempted to refocus the debate:

Let's get to the heart of this disagreement right away. In 3 easy steps:

1) Abp. Chaput believes that abortion is the murder of an innocent, helpless human being. Science agrees - but we don't need to get into that now. For our purposes, Abp. Chaput genuinely believes abortion is murder.
2) There are millions of abortions each year. That means Abp. Chaput believes there are millions of human beings being murdered in the United States every year.
3) Because of 1 & 2, Abp. Chaput believes abortion is the No. 1 moral issue of our age. Because he does not have an infinite amount of time, as much as he sincerely cares about these other issues, he focuses on abortion in a special way when he speaks publicly.

Now do you understand Abp. Chaput's vocal condemning of abortion in this country? Even if you disagree with the science, even if you don't share his faith, can you at least see how Abp. Chaput is *not* "showboating" or "playing into the hands of right-wing political power-seekers" when he tries to prevent the further murder of millions of unborn human beings? He really believes this stuff.

If you can't see how Abp. Chaput's public speech is at least consistent with his internal beliefs, then there's nothing I can really talk to you about. You just don't get it, you don't get him, and you don't get what American Catholics are about in this debate.

As I said in my original post, you don't even try to grapple with what Abp. Chaput is saying. It's said that before one can critique an opponent's position, one must understand it. You haven't demonstrated even understanding what Abp. Chaput is saying. Well, he's been pretty clear about that, if you had bothered to listen.

Maybe my rejoinder lacked charity, but hopefully it contained some needed truth.

After all, it remains a common critique in the public square that whenever a bishop speaks out about the evil of abortion, it is said they are picking and choosing their issues. However, this criticism will always apply no matter what - there will always be some issue a bishop is unable to address, because he only has so many words and so much time. If, for instance, Abp. Chaput were to take up the issue of torture, the criticism could then be made that he has not spoken about the sex-slave trade.

Well, it's true Abp. Chaput has not weighed-in on every single moral issue confronting America today. But what he has spoken about forcefully, abortion, is very important - even the most important issue of our day and age. So let's debate that issue on its own merits.

Tomasic still hasn't tried to do that.

Legion of Christ to expand into U.S. Catholic higher education?

The Legion of Christ runs many high schools in the United States. Now it appears they are on the cusp of making their first foray into U.S. Catholic higher education (I, at least, am unaware of another Legion-run Catholic College in the US), according to this press release:

Legion of Christ, Southern Catholic Eye Long-Term Collaboration

The Legion of Christ and Southern Catholic College (SCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that could make possible the college becoming a Legion institution.

"We are excited about this development," said Jeremiah J. Ashcroft, president of SCC. "By collaborating with the Legion, we'll be able to attract students from across North America and develop programs with institutions around the world. This expanded reach and support greatly enhances our ability to achieve our mission to prepare moral and ethical leaders who will enlighten society and glorify God."

"By working with SCC, the Legion can accelerate its desire to offer a greater contribution to higher education in North America. Nevertheless, we are still working things out, so it's not a done deal yet," said Father Scott Reilly, L.C., territorial director for Legion. "Southern Catholic is a great college and there would be considerable sharing of best practices with our existing institutions. I expect that SCC will experience significant growth in student population in the years ahead, with added growth coming from Legion-affiliated secondary schools in North America."

Southern Catholic College is a co-educational liberal arts college, Georgia's first and only residential Catholic college. The school provides a learning environment for academic excellence grounded in the Catholic intellectual and moral tradition. SCC was founded in 2000 and has more than 200 students from 25 states on its campus in Dawsonville, GA, an hour north of Atlanta.

My sources tell me the acquisition of SCC by the Legion is actually farther along than the press release claims. Donors, faculty, staff, students and students' parents have supposedly already been informed about the plans, and the local Archdiocesan paper will be covering the story very soon.

The title of the press release, which mentions "collaboration", seems a technical misnomer. From what I understand, the Legion is buying Southern Catholic College, which has been experiencing difficulties (see below).

While clearly this plan has been in the works for awhile, making the news public at this time - as the Legion is preparing to undergo a apostolic visitation by the Vatican - is interesting to me. Apparently, at this local level, business is certainly being carried on as usual within the Legion.

The Center for Catholic Higher Education has a six-page overview and evaluation of SCC. They have only been hosting students since 2005. A student has been blogging about his experiences at SCC for some time, and makes some allusion to "many difficulties going on" at SCC. For those interested, his 2008 archive is probably the best place to browse. I am not trying to paint an negative picture of the situation - after all, it is by no means out of the ordinary for a start-up Catholic college to experience trials and difficulties in its early years of operation.

From the Legion's perspective, I think this line from Fr. Scott Reilly in the press release is the critical one: "I expect that SCC will experience significant growth in student population in the years ahead, with added growth coming from Legion-affiliated secondary schools in North America."

Currently, graduates of Legion high schools in the U.S. go on to attend a wide variety of colleges and universities. Soon, if they so choose, they may now opt to continue their education in a Legion institution during their undergraduate years as well.

update: readers have noted that the Legion has operated the University of Sacramento since 2005.

Vatican demands UK newspaper issue "immediate and unambiguous" retraction

Looks like the Vatican press office is trying to earn its paycheck today:

The Vatican has demanded that The Times retract a "completely untrue" story that Pope Benedict XVI planned to present a "luxury facsimile" of the 1530 appeal by English peers to Pope Clement VII asking for the annulment of Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

[Damian Thompson has a photocopy of the letter, and some fascinating background.]

Frankly they could be doing this sort of thing every day, considering the amount of trashy reporting that gets printed about things Catholic in presses around the world.

But UK tabloids are particularly bad about spreading false (and often clearly false) Vatican rumors.

update - to their credit, at least one reporter has apologized.

Should "family annihilators" be denied a Church funeral?

A controversial topic, but my Canon Lawyer father Ed Peters thinks there is a clear answer.

Papist Quote of the Day

Bob Royal:

"Just to speak for myself, I’m Catholic first and American second. I don’t understand how any believer of any faith could think differently. If you are lucky, you spend eighty or so years in America. Dead is a long time."

Book suggestion: The Catechist's Magic Kit

An AmP reader suggested this book which "teaches catechists how to use sleight-of-hand to teach the entire Catholic Catechism to kids and teens. It uses a pedagogic method called Gospel Magic first used by St. John Don Bosco in the 1800s. The book received an imprimatur from Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DeMazio"...

Cardinal Pell says "Choice, not condoms, make the difference with AIDS"

Choice is only a bad thing when we abuse it for bad decisions (for instance, when we choose abortion).

"Choice, not condoms, will make the difference with AIDS" is a good way of re-framing the question, according to Cardinal Pell. Because a mountain of rubber won't solve the world's problems (my words).

Curing disease is a wonderful thing. But converting hearts and lives? Now that's even better.

Update: Embryonic Stem Cell Research

LifeNews gives us two:

• Obama Admin Releases Proposed Guidelines Opening Door to Embryonic Stem Cell Research Funding
• Pro-Life Group Calls Obama Embryonic Stem Cell Research Guidelines a Human Cloning Bait and Switch

I'll continue to track the story.

Kmiec cites fictitious quotation from St. Thomas More

Pseudonymous blogger "Thomas More" doesn't appreciate it when posturing Catholic academics quote fictitiously from famous Catholic martyrs:

"I recently watched the Dr. Doug Kmiec and Dr. Hadley Arkes debate [video here] that happened a month ago at Villanova. One of the debaters, Dr. Kmiec, engaged in one of my most disliked pet peeves; quoting the fictional St. Thomas More."

This is a terrible injustice to the legacy of St. Thomas More, who was most upright in enforcing the law of men and God. You see, St. Thomas More informed by his Catholic conscience would know that abortion is murder. He would punish those guilty of abortion as committing a crime. Indeed, he took great pride in his defense of the faith, including punishing heretics with the force of law. Does this sound like a man who would just let the current administration's endorsement and funding of abortion as a good just slide? St. Thomas More stood against the King of England, a.k.a. the sovereign of England, and willingly lost his head for Christian Marriage and papal authority.

It's sad that Kmiec has to go to a movie adaptation of a saint's life to find agreement with his views.

What's next, words of wisdom from the Gospel according to Jesus Christ Superstar?!

Meanwhile, Robert George has answered Kmiec's latest prevarications in a brutally-complete way.

Picture: What does this look like to you?

What does this look like to you? It's an advertisement in the Washington DC metro system:

To me, it looks like a monstrance with a consecrated Host inside it.

Now, I have seen another version of this advertisment where the "Host" is actually a reflective material (thus the "picture yourself" tagline). But still, it's a very oddly-shaped "mirror."

And as a Catholic, well, the image if very arresting ... even kind of disconcerting.

[photo: AmP reader WAC]<