Fr. Jenkins Responds

From Notre Dame Newswire:

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.”

Questions which immediately come to mind:

1. What faithful Catholic in his/her right mind would accept the award after this?
2. What pro-choice 'Catholics' will make his short list?
3. Does Nancy Pelosi think she may now be in the running?
4. Are the Kennedys calling Fr. Jenkins' office right now?

I'll be following the story as it continues to develop. If you would care to guess how the issue will be resolved, leave a comment. My hope is that the award may sit on a shelf until a commencement in the future.

From wiki:

The Laetare Medal is an annual award given by the University of Notre Dame in recognition of outstanding service to the Roman Catholic church and society. The award is given to an American Catholic layperson "whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity." First awarded in 1883, it is the oldest and most prestigious award for American Catholics. The medal is an external award which can be given to a person from outside the University of Notre Dame. It is named the Laetare Medal because the recipient of the award is announced in celebration of Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent.

Follow the Notre Dame scandal on +Ponderings+ HERE.


UPDATE: There will be no Laetare Medal awarded this year. Good call.