Archbishop Dolan on Notre Dame: 'They Made a Big Mistake'

By Kathleen Gilbert
3/31/2009
LifeSiteNews (www.lifesitenews.com)

They made a big mistake ... in an issue that is very close to the heart of Catholic world view, namely, the protection of innocent life in the womb.

Dolan is the fifth bishop to condemn the university's decision since the March 20 announcement that Obama had accepted the invitation, and announcement sparked a wave of protest from the American Catholic community.

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NEW YORK (LifeSiteNews.com) - The bishop recently appointed to head up the archdiocese of New York - one of the most influential positions in the U.S. Catholic Church - said in an interview yesterday that Notre Dame "made a big mistake" by inviting President Obama to receive an honorary degree and give the commencement address at the school on May 17.

"They made a big mistake ... in an issue that is very close to the heart of Catholic world view, namely, the protection of innocent life in the womb, [Obama] has unfortunately taken a position very much at odds with the Church," Archbishop Timothy Dolan told host Charlie Sykes on the "Sunday Insight" program of Milwaukee station TMJ4.

Dolan is the fifth bishop to condemn the university's decision since the March 20 announcement that Obama had accepted the invitation, and announcement sparked a wave of protest from the American Catholic community.

Last Friday, the Texas Catholic Herald published Houston Cardinal Nicholas DiNardo's "Shepherd's Message" in which the Cardinal said the "very disappointing" invite "requires charitable but vigorous critique."

"Though I can understand the desire by a university to have the prestige of a commencement address by the President of the United States, the fundamental moral issue of the inestimable worth of the human person from conception to natural death is a principle that soaks all our lives as Catholics, and all our efforts at formation, especially education at Catholic places of higher learning," wrote DiNardo.

Notre Dame's own Bishop John D'Arcy responded soon after the scandal broke with a statement condemning the invitation and announcing his decision to boycott the graduation ceremony.

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1 - 10 of 22 Comments

Penelope Finnegan
4 years ago
Let's hear from those lives 'in the womb'.... I was one of them in the Archdiocese of NY 1951. I can speak now. For two hundred years and since 1975 the Archdiocese of NY has had its very own SAINT ELIZABETH SETON and her legacy of Sisters and Daughters of Charity dealing with the "unwanted"....protecting the "INUTERO" Hats off to Bishops such as Spellman, Cooke, O'Keefe who were strong enough in their malehood to let the Saint and her living legacy of Sisters of Charity do their work. They know what they're doing and catholic women know that. I highly recommend respectfully His Eminence either acquaint himself with the work of this Saint (a charter American citizen opposed to the marriage of church and state) or suffer the consequences which will be many more unnecessary abortions. Had this dialogue been ongoing in 1951 my mother, who I met, would definitely have chosen abortion and I definitely would have applauded her decision. My deepest thanks and gratitude to the Sisters and Daughters of Charity of New York for my safe delivery and happy life.....it made ALL the difference!!!!!!!
Anthony Stein
4 years ago
Shame on Fr. Jenkins for piercing the heart of Notre Dame. He needs to "Practice his faith like a champion today!"
Tami Davenport, Kennewick, WA
4 years ago
I am sick!!! You can no longer be a catholic and support this president!!! I am ashamed of Notre Dame!!!
Bill Kemper
4 years ago
As one who has not been a practicing Catholic for years, I am, none-the-less, blown away by such irresponsible behavior as this head of Notre Dame demonstrates. This is reminiscent of the years of silence about the sex scandal. Is there no end to the retreating behavior of the Church's shepherds? Where is the top-down pressure on this errant priest? Apologetics require action here!
Jane
4 years ago
I agree with Michael.The Bishops need to tell Fr. Jenkins to recind the invitation immediately and let Obama know the priests don't run the church the Bishops do. We were taught that what Obama stands for is an intrinsic evil.Is that true or not? I wish that Father Jenkins would answer that question and if he doesn't agree with what all Catholics have been taught he should be sent back to the seminary until he understands what the stand is in the Catholic
church.He needs to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church especially Part Three Page 547 on abortion and that the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being. I think if the church leaders expect us to follow the catechism of our church they certainly should. If they can't then the Pope needs to step in !It is time to decide! Is this church doctrine or politics!!
Jane
4 years ago
I agree with Michael.The Bishops need to tell Fr. Jenkins to recind the invitation immediately and let Obama know the priests don't run the church the Bishops do. We were taught that what Obama stands for is an intrinsic evil.Is that true or not? I wish that Father Jenkins would answer that question and if he doesn't agree with what all Catholics have been taught he should be sent back to the seminary until he understands what the stand is in the Catholic
church.He needs to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church especially Part Three Page 547 on abortion and that the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being. I think if the church leaders expect us to follow the catechism of our church they certainly should. If they can't then the Pope needs to step in!
William Coda
4 years ago
Another sad day for Catholics and "Catholic Education." It seems to me that too many Catholics are more interested in the prestige of this world than they are following our church leaders. I pray this crisis ends soon!
Jeff Ryan
4 years ago
If you want to get the Fr.'s attention - why not pull your funding - send your kids to a real Catholic University.
Chris Roberts
4 years ago
I agree with Michael. I would advise replacing Father Jenkins immediately and put a Dominican in his place. How about Father Michael Sweeney OP from the DSPT? He is awesome and orthodox to the core!!!!

Holy Cross and the Jesuits are so relativistic! Get rid of most of them and bring in the Dominicans!!
Holly
4 years ago
Ive seen His Excellency Timothy Dolan on EWTN. Im from NY and I look forward to this man being one of our Shephards.
He will do a fine job in season and out of season.
GOD BLESS HIM AND MAY THE LORD'S MOTHER LOOK OUT FOR HIM ALL THE REST OF HIS DAYS.
MAY NEW YORK FIND A GOLDEN AGE AFTER ALL OF THE SCANDAL TAKING PLACE THIS LAST CENTURY.
MAY GOD GRANT HIS CHURCH ON EARTH PEACE AND PROSPERITY. EVEN IN TRYING TIMES.
PROTECT HER MY LORD FROM THE WORLD WHICH HATES HER.

LOVE IN CHRIST
HOLLY

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