Receiving one of the most prestigious awards in the nation wasn't compensation enough for being a pawn in the war on the unborn, so Mary Ann Glendon has refused the Laetare Medal from Notre Dame University:
A commencement ... is supposed to be a joyous day for the graduates and their families. It is not the right place, nor is a brief acceptance speech the right vehicle, for engagement with the very serious problems raised by Notre Dame’s decision—in disregard of the settled position of the U.S. bishops—to honor a prominent and uncompromising opponent of the Church’s position on issues involving fundamental principles of justice.
Finally, with recent news reports that other Catholic schools are similarly choosing to disregard the bishops’ guidelines, I am concerned that Notre Dame’s example could have an unfortunate ripple effect.
It is with great sadness, therefore, that I have concluded that I cannot accept the Laetare Medal or participate in the May 17 graduation ceremony.
Much pressure was put on her by both sides -- the president's team could count on her for "balancing" Obama's avid support for wide access to abortion (and aggressive marketing of "reproductive health" services abroad), and pro-lifers wanted to undermine the entire sordid affair which compromised the Catholic identity of this venerable institution.
The leaked talking points of weeks passed underscored the political game into which she had been drawn:
• “President Obama won’t be doing all the talking. Mary Ann Glendon, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, will be speaking as the recipient of the Laetare Medal.”
• “We think having the president come to Notre Dame, see our graduates, meet our leaders, and hear a talk from Mary Ann Glendon is a good thing for the president and for the causes we care about.”
Justice towards the dignity of the human person has prevailed, thanks be to God. Ambassador Glendon has sacrificed a well-deserved honour, but she understands that such distinctions can be reduced to baubles and temptations when the truth is at stake. Methinks a higher honour will accrue because of this courageous act. God bless her!
UPDATE: The "regifting" won't take long. Fr Jenkins has replied:
“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.”
Tacky and obtuse. Those who have ears, hear...
UPDATE II: No regifting, but a five minute presentation for previous award winner Judge John Noonan. That said, Mrs Glendon's daughter, Elizabeth Lev, has penned an excellent piece expanding on her mother's intention, since her mother has graciously bowed out of the discussion.
Your notion that her "training in diplomacy" might somehow ease this situation does not take into account that she has a five-minute acceptance speech and he will have a lengthy commencement speech. There is no "engaging" here. Diplomacy generally teaches that if you have a rapier and your opponent has a missile launcher, try not to engage.
Witty and biting. Mrs Glendon should be proud of her daughter, who is another jewel in the crown of a life well-lived. We are privileged to witness such events in the unfolding of God's plan.
I cannot believe that Father Jenkins intends to "regift" the medal. It would have been classier not to award it this year. Should be interesting to see who will accept it.
Ambassador Glendon is "feminine genius" embodied!
Posted by: Barb Szyszkiewicz, sfo | Monday, 27 April 2009 at 09:09 PM
But Barb, Father Jenkins and ND haven't shown a great deal of "class" this year to begin with. Why expect it now?
Posted by: Patricia | Tuesday, 28 April 2009 at 07:15 AM