Legatus’ Ecclesiastical Advisor, Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, has just released his April 8 letter to Notre Dame University President Fr. John Jenkins.
The Cardinal’s office gave permission for me to make the letter public. The letter is posted in its entirety below and without comment as it speaks for itself.
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April 8, 2009
Reverend John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Dear Father Jenkins:
It was with great distress that I learned of the invitation from the University of Notre Dame to President Barack Obama to speak at this year’s commencement and to be given an honorary degree. While one may understand an invitation to President Obama to engage him in conversation on creating a culture of life, it is not appropriate for him to speak at the commencement exercises of a Catholic university, nor should he receive an honorary degree. Such actions cause confusion among faithful Catholics and send a mixed message regarding the clear Magisterium of the Catholic Church on life issues.
It is my hope and prayer that the University of Notre Dame will rescind the invitation to President Obama to speak at the commencement and withhold the conferral of an honorary degree to him or to anyone who so blatantly disregards the basic moral principles upon which the United States of America was founded.
Please be assured of a special remembrance in my thoughts and prayers for you and all at the University of Notre Dame. May Mary our Mother guide you as you strive to provide the authentic teachings of the Catholic Church to the students at Notre Dame.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua
Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia
A resounding “Thank You” to Cardinal Bevilacgua for using language that is clear and absolute in his correspondence to Fr. Jenkins. That message made abundantly clear, and strongly delivered is precisely what the flock needs to hear. Yesterday’s Gospel , John 10:1-10 explains it best, and all the shepherds must take note, the flock responds to the Shepherd’s voice.
As John reveals yesterday, even Jesus had to explain it twice. Fr. Jenkins needs a second explanation, or he just may be a false shepherd who does not enter the sheepfold through its gate.