UP Ibalon Bicol: Protesters send 300,000 signatures versus Obama speaking in Notre Dame University graduation

Protesters send 300,000 signatures versus Obama speaking in Notre Dame University graduation

5/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The first 300,000 signatories against honoring Pres. Barack Obama and opposing his presence in the Notre Dame University’s commencement exercises have been delivered to the university president Fr. John Jenkins and the individual members of the school’s board of trustees.

Spearheaded by the Cardinal Newman Society, the signature campaign with the blessing of about 50 bishops is on time for Friday’s deliberation to reconsider the decision.

“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.” ---- Patrick J. Reilly, President, The Cardinal Newman Society

It's the first time this year since 1883 that no recipient of the award will be honored. The invitation of Obama to address the graduation has caused bitter divisions among Catholics. The university’s charter prescribes against inviting people with Obama's pro-abortion stand. In part, is says says:

"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."

As this develops, the university decided not to give its top graduation honor to Mary Ann Glendon, a Harvard University law professor and anti-abortion scholar who rejected the award, saying the school shouldn't be honoring Obama for propagating abortion and stem cell research. Replacing Glendon speak, the school invited a federal judge John T. Noonan Jr., a federal judge and former recipient of the award. (Photo Credit: Hogan27's world) =0=

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Labels: Barack Obama, Cardinal Newman Society, Catholic, graduation, Notre Dame University, protest, Totie Mesia, University

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Protesters send 300,000 signatures versus Obama speaking in Notre Dame University graduation

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