Sensible lady! Former Ambassador to the Vatican Mary Ann Glendon, declining to be honored by Notre Dame at the coming commencement,
charged that Notre Dame’s decision to honor Obama showed “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.’”
Her letter to Fr. Jenkins is here. Has the medal ever been refused?
Jenkins had bragged about her coming,using her as a foil:
“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”, he said.
To which Glendon:
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.
“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.
Blithe Spirit 
re: Notre Dame and the Laetare Award.
From an Admirer of The University of Notre Dame. The temptation to insist that someone in the hierarchy accept the medal and file it in the infamous locale where the sun never shines is very strong. We suggest that the award be offered to Mr. Obama, whose moral position on such matters should be easily discerned.
Richard L. Cutler, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
LikeLike
I have to admire such a woman, to understand the situation so deeply, and to apply her Faith to it in such a way as to render unto Ceasar and all that. She will be honored properly by those who truly count, and sadly those who forced the issue will have to stand by and know, completely, the depth of their lack. This truly puts the cap on. If another person accepts the award, it will obviously be an empty occasion. I wouldn’t dare. No one else ought to, either.
LikeLike