This Notre Dame controversy is not going away. As a matter of fact, it’s getting bigger. With a nod to my Jewish upbringing how do you say “Oy-vey” in “Catholic-ese”?

Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Orlando Diocese is going to be holding a Mass of Reparation on May 3rd. Read below from their website:

As Catholics we are aware of the many shortcomings and transgressions committed against the dignity and sacredness of human life in our world. That is why it is inconceivable that the University of Notre Dame, a Catholic institution of higher learning, should receive and honor anyone who promotes policies that are contradictory to who we are as a people of faith.

As our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI stated in his visit to the U.S. last year in reference to Catholic university presidents, "to justify positions that contradict the faith and teaching of the church would obstruct or even betray the university's identity and mission."

Mass of Reparation
May 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Cathedral of St. James
215 N. Orange Avenue
Downtown Orlando

Come and pray with Bishop Wenski for all of our transgressions against the Gospel of Life.

Reparation is the making amends for a wrong done or for an offense against God. By his death on the cross, the Son of God offered his life out of love for the Father to make reparation for our sinful disobedience (CCC #614).

We are obliged to make reparation for personal sins against justice and truth (CCC #2412 and #2487). 

Also, read from Bishop Wenski’s weekly letter below:

That Mr. Obama speaks at Notre-Dame is not really the issue – he is President of the United States, wherever he goes he brings with him the dignity of his office; and, as a politician, he is quick to seize any opportunity for a “bully pulpit”.  That Notre-Dame would invite him and would grant him at the same time an honorary degree, however, is the issue; and a very problematic one, for it reveals that Notre-Dame (at least in its Administration and Board) has forgotten what it means to be Catholic.  As Bishop John D’Arcy of Fort Wayne-South Bend said, “Notre-Dame must ask itself whether if by this decision it has chosen prestige over truth.” 

Notre Dame and President Obama are now both in a tough spot. If Notre Dame rescinds the invitation they look weak and indecisive and it goes against what they have already stated. The White House may have the easier route. While it may initially look bad to pull out, if President Obama decides not to go then he could use the high road excuse of not wanting to offend millions of Catholics. I can’t imagine he’ll do that but it is a conceivable out.

I’m heading to Notre Dame next month to cover the story.

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