Mary Ann Glendon

Mary Ann Glendon, U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican from 2007 to 2009, has just declined Notre Dame University’s prestigious Laetare Medal.  Her letter:

April 27, 2009
The Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President
University of Notre Dame

Dear Father Jenkins,

When you informed me in December 2008 that I had been selected to receive Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal, I was profoundly moved. I treasure the memory of receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame in 1996, and I have always felt honored that the commencement speech I gave that year was included in the anthology of Notre Dame’s most memorable commencement speeches. So I immediately began working on an acceptance speech that I hoped would be worthy of the occasion, of the honor of the medal, and of your students and faculty.

Last month, when you called to tell me that the commencement speech was to be given by President Obama, I mentioned to you…

President Barack Obama has accepted a highly controversial invitation from Notre Dame to speak at its May commencement ceremony — as well as receive an honorary doctorate in law.

The angry reaction to this invitation has been swift and growing, each day bringing new statements from bishops, pundits and ordinary Catholics.

Bishop John D’Arcy, in whose diocese this event will take place, has decided to give the commencement a miss.

He explains, “My decision is not an attack on anyone, but is in defense of the truth about human life.”

The Center for a Just Society supports Bishop D’Arcy and expounds on his position:

Bishop D’Arcy’s position is reflective of the outrage of many in the Catholic community. Their angst is understandable since Mr. Obama has pursued a strong anti-life agenda both before and after assuming the office of President.

Indeed, Mr. Obama’s actions are at odds with the very foundations of American law and justice: a belief that…