My own bishop responds:
JACKSONVILLE, Florida, April 22, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Bishop Victor Galeone of the diocese of St. Augustine is the 43rd bishop to publicly condemn the University of Notre Dame’s invitation to President Obama to deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary law degree on May 17.
“I am standing with my brother bishops,” said Galeone, in a statement released by the diocesan communications office.
In Bishop Galeone’s brief letter to Fr. Jenkins, dated March 21, he stated: “I find it impossible to comprehend how a prestigious Catholic University like Notre Dame would bestow such an honor on President Obama, given his unmitigated support for policies and laws that flagrantly contradict fundamental Catholic teaching on life and marriage.”
Like several other U.S. bishops, including Notre Dame’s own Bishop D’Arcy and U.S. Bishops Conference (USCCB) president Cardinal Francis George, Bishop Galeone affirmed that the University’s action “is clearly a direct violation” of USCCB policy.
The document “Catholics in Political Life,” issued by the USCCB in 2004, states: “The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.”
“I plead with you, Father Jenkins, to rescind this egregious error in judgment,” concluded Galeone’s letter.
“May the Lord grant you the courage to do so!”
The bishop sent a copy of the letter to Jenkins to the Papal Nuncio in Washington, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, with a cover letter that stated: “The letter needs no explanation. It merely expresses the feelings of dismay and outrage from many of my parishioners, who continue to ask me to do something about this unconscionable action on the part of Father Jenkins.
“Coupled with the performance of the quasi pornographic play, ‘The Vagina Monologues,’ which continues to appear annually on the Notre Dame campus, this most recent decision raises serious doubts about Fr. Jenkins’ qualifications for continuing to serve as president of one of the foremost Catholic universities in the nation,” Bishop Galeone concluded.[reference]
One note: The students of Notre Dame this year have decided not to perform VM this time around. Though the administration would have had no objectiopn if they did.
11 comments
A quick grep of the bishops page on the usccb.org site says there are 419 bishops. So the head-count for public reproval is at 43 – just over 10%. Sure would be nice to see more bishops to take a moment here for an excellent teaching moment.
It’s great that VM isn’t being done this time…
I keep waiting for Fr. Jenkins to get warned by the Pope prior to his excommunication….. Lol….. But it’ll never happen.
Hooray for your bishop!!! Only 10% of bishops in support?–where are all the “fence sitting” bishops?
God bless Bp. Galeone, I’ve had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions (the last of which being the St. Augustine march for life) and he’s aways been a steadfast defender of life. Glad he has joined up with bishop Wenski of Orlando in addressing this situation (incidentally bishop wenski is hosting a mass for reparations this weekend at the cathedral in orlando. if you are in the area please attend and show your support! thanks!)
Jeff, from the lines POSTED BY THOMAS PETERS (AMERICAN PAPIST BLOG):
(From Bishop John M. D’Arcy): “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…
… the terrible breach, which has taken place between Notre Dame and the church. It cannot be allowed to continue… (this should) 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
NOW! The Most Reverend does know the meaning of TAKING RESPONSIBILITY? Forgive me, but with all due respect, the essence of the hierarchical VOW OF OBEDIENCE to his local Bishop, from the priest Jenkins IS NOT BEING ENFORCED.
Time to pray Psalm 74 1 O God, why dost thou cast us off for ever? Why does thy anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture? 2 Remember thy congregation, which thou hast gotten of old, which thou hast redeemed to be the tribe of thy heritage! Remember Mount Zion, where thou hast dwelt. 3 Direct thy steps to the perpetual ruins; the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary! 4 Thy foes have roared in the midst of thy holy place; they set up their own signs for signs. 5 At the upper entrance they hacked the wooden trellis with axes. 6 And then all its carved wood they broke down with hatchets and hammers. 8 They said to themselves, “We will utterly subdue them”; they burned all the meeting places of God in the land. 10 How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile thy name for ever? 11 Why dost thou hold back thy hand, why dost thou keep thy right hand in thy bosom? 18 Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs, and an impious people reviles thy name. 19 Do not deliver the soul of thy dove to the wild beasts; do not forget the life of thy poor for ever. 20 Have regard for thy covenant; 21 Let not the downtrodden be put to shame; let the poor and needy praise thy name. 22 Arise, O God, plead thy cause; remember how the impious scoff at thee all the day! 23 Do not forget the clamour of thy foes, the uproar of thy adversaries which goes up continually!
In Spanish the last verse is: “because their –uproar- pride (satan’s main blindness) is always increasing”. The prideful devil wants to crow: LOOK MY TRIUMPH! THE MAJOR PUSHER OF GENOCIDE IS RECEIVING A CATHOLIC HONOR IN NOTRE DAME!!!
Let’s spare Our Blessed Mother to be soooo affronted in this university, precisely. She has to crush the serpent’s head. In 36 hours starts May, traditionally dedicated by our Church to her. Please join the powerful Rosaries prayed to enlighten those who SHOULD EXERT AUTHORITY, taking PART, not eluding, R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y.
God bless us all.
Jeff,
Here’s Bishop Galeone’s email address if you want to thank him for his letter:
BISHOP GALEONE”
Is he the only Florida Bishop to protest?
Lynn
I pray that Fr. Jenkins would humble himself and accept the authority of how Bishop and rescind the invitation to Pres Obama.
Sorry: here it is:
BISHOP GALEONE” ,
This computer hates me!
ONE MORE TIME:
vgaleone@dosafl.com
To Lynn:
No Bishop Galeone is not the only Florida bishop to speak publicly against the notre dame scandal,as I posted earlier bishop Wenski of Orlando has issued a statement and is offering a mass of reparations for it.
http://www.orlandodiocese.org/
Thanks. I didn’t read the comments carefully enough.