ND Alumnus' Response To 2009 Notre Dame Commencement Scandal- Obama Honored as Principle Speaker

[charlesND95]

Commenting period on this video has come to a close. Many thanks for the lively and civil dialogue.

The final word re: ND's honoring of Obama, the "Greatest Scandal", comes from Zenit News Agency:

[Cardinal Cipriani] suggested that this type of controversy has been around since the beginning of the Church, with the difference that before, "those who dissented left the Church; today they stay within, and this seems to me that it requires of us, for love of the Church, a bit more firmness."

[charlesND95]

"Just as one speech cannot erase Obama's longstanding record of combating even the most negligible protections for unborn human life, so one commencement ceremony cannot resolve the long-brewing struggle for the soul of Catholic

higher ed. For many pro-life Catholics, Sunday did not mark the end of that struggle or the defeat of their cause. It served as a summons to GREATER VIGILANCE and ACTIVISM that they will not soon forget."

-Colleen C. Campbell, fellow at the Ethics & Public Policy Cntr

[charlesND95]

On the evening of that 1st day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the DISCIPLES were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst ... (Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." ... he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." Jn 20:19-23.

Celebrating 2000+yrs of infallible teaching by our Magisterium. Happy Pentecost!

[charlesND95]

WOW!

Don't miss the outstanding interview of Mary Ann Glendon on EWTN's "The World Over".

Glendon, the Learned Hand Professor of Law at Harvard, was U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican from '07 to '09. Named president of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences by Pope JPII in '04, she served on the U.S. Presidents Council on Bioethics and was head of the Holy Sees delegation to the U.N. Womens Conf. in Beijing in '95. She is a world-renowned scholar of law, philosophy, and political theory.

[charlesND95]

wittumy,

I am a sinner who accepts the entire teaching of the Church.

CCC#867 The Church is holy: the Most Holy God is her author; Christ, her bridegroom, gave himself up to make her holy; the Spirit of holiness gives her life. Since she still includes sinners, she is "the sinless one made up of sinners."

869 The Church ... is indestructible (cf. Mt 16:18). She is upheld infallibly in the truth: Christ governs her through Peter and the other apostles, who are present in their successors...

[wittumy]

charlesnd...I'm a sinner also. I choose to not accept the entire teaching of the Church. Your sins and my sins are personal....they're for God to judge.

[CalifSunshine2008]

And I saw: and behold a white horse, and he that sat on him had a bow, and there was a crown given him. The white horse...is Obama's mom?..Obama sits upon the white horse? They put a bow on him at Notre Dame..There was a painting revealed in NY that painted Obama with a crown of thorns..in the shape of a cross. Is Obama one of the horsemen of the appocolypse?

[wittumy]

Califsun.....that's it! Run for your life! The end is here! Isn't it a bit too early to be smoking reefer?

[VisComica2468]

A tear, a tear for old Notre Dame,

Wake up the conscience, call on her name,

Mend the folly; steer her home,

Call to the patron on her dome.

What though the odds be great or small

Ignoring the truth shall be her downfall,

Will her loyal sons come stand up

For her identity?

[jeannedarc624]

Love the song!

[charlesND95]

Glad you enjoyed this selection!

Notre Dame Folk Choir, "Set Your Heart On The Higher Gifts".

Google search "Notre Dame Folk Choir audio samples" will bring up the webpage where you can freely download this MP3. Apparently YouTube does not allow posting URL's in comments, otherwise I would paste it here.

[charlesND95]

wittumy,

Institutionalized discrimination was once a stark reality, and we managed to overcome it. We did not compromise our principles to just accept modified versions. Are all men created equal or not? Is a 1-day old baby a person or not? Is chastity sacred or not? Are you faithful to the Magisterial teaching of the Catholic Church, or not?

Yes I was chaste before marriage. Abstinence is not a failed concept nor is it just an ideal, it is realistic and should be promoted.

[wittumy]

charlesnd...the Church has evolved over the years. They've made modifications and changed focus. The question am I faithfull....absolutely not....nor are you if you are a sinner (we all are). We disobey God, we disobey our religions.

Abstinence is a failed concept.....we have 1 million abortions a year to prove you wrong. Abstinence has always been promoted. Every generation has proven it to be unrealistic.

[charlesND95]

"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." - GK Chesterton.

The root cause of our social ills is disobedience to God. Let us pray for our fellow citizens. Let us lead by example. Let us show them a better way.

[wittumy]

charlesnd....Leading by example and showing a better way is exactly what I believe we as Catholics should do...instead of judging each other. Every Catholic I've know has issues they don't see eye to eye with the Church on. When we decide to judge...it turns into whose sins/beliefs are worse. Only God knows what's in our hearts and what we are as people.

[4u2b1ib12]

The Catholic Church is hypocritical. Teaching and practice is not the same thing. The Church has a long Biblical history,(Romans 1:22), and social practices,(Spanish Inquisition), that are inconsistent. Politics is about lies, and the Catholic Church and its supporters, e.g. Notre Dame overlook fact for the sake of pride.

[charlesND95]

"No one, least of all someone who exercises leadership in society, can rightfully claim to share fully and practically the Catholic faith and yet act publicly in a way contrary to that faith."

- USCCB in Living the Gospel of Life.

Our Holy Father Pope JPII published a document, Doctrinal Note on some questions regarding the participation of Catholics in political life (Nov 24, 2002), which clarifies for Catholic politicians their most serious responsibility for the defense of human life.

[charlesND95]

D.W. Hudson, "Catholics in Congress: The Ongoing Scandal".

"What Correnti shows, by including the amount of money each member received from the pro-abortion lobby, is that Catholic dissent has actually become lucrative...

Total contributions from Groups that Advocate for Abortion Rights to the current Catholic members of the 111th Congress is $9,269,811.00. (e.g., pro-abortion Catholic, Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY) has already benefitted to the tune of $489,081.00 . . . in Congress since 2007)."

[charlesND95]

Wittumy,

1. Catholics in full communion with the Church cannot practice artificial contraception (ref. CCC#2399). To continue receiving the Eucharist, I follow this Magisterial teaching. This Church teaching cannot be adjusted (ref. CCC#2370).

2. Aborting a 1 day old baby is just as intrinsically evil as aborting a 6wks+ baby.

3. NFP (simple as viewing saliva w/ 50x microscope) is more effective, cheaper, and morally acceptable vis-a-vis intrinsically evil artificial contraception.

[wittumy]

charles..I'm a Catholic..went to Catholic Schools and so did my children..I know the Church's position. My point is that for 30 plus years there have been approx a million abortions a year. There will not be a change from the SC for several more. Is the Church willing to save some of those lives by adjusting their views on contraception or do they continue status quo with full knowledge they are not doing something that would save lives. If not are they not intrinsically evil themselves?

[charlesND95]

wittumy,

As practicing Catholics we know that NFP is free, healthy, and >99% effective. Not so for artificial contraception.

NFP saves lives and respects life.

Let us propose the following to our fellow citizens:

1. Promote abstinence for the unmarried.

2. Promote NFP for the married.

3. Promote age-appropriate teaching of abstinence and NFP to our children in our public schools.

After 10yrs of marriage practicing NFP from day1 w/2 planned kids, I know it is very easy and effective.

[wittumy]

charles...abstinence is a failed concept as evidenced by nearly a million abortions yearly...so it cannot be counted on to lower the number of abortions. Abortions effect mainly single women...not married so NFP is not a reasonable attempt to lower the number of abortions either.

I, nor my wife, nor even one of my aquaintences was a virgin at marriage. How about you and your wife? Sex outside of marriage is a stark reality that needs to be addressed in a real way...not an idealistic way.

[carverRepublicans]

Thank you for your video! I am a Marquette graduate, taught by Jesuits ... you honor all Catholics and I join your prayers for the conversion of Pres. Obama, Notre Dame, Marquette (which banned prayer in its Dental school) and all who have lost their way. Thank you!

[ladydi5319]

Shame on those students and parents who showed up for this! The room should have been EMPTY!

Come on TRUE people of faith know that there is NO gray area regarding the issue of life.

So once again, people who consider themselves people of faith have COMPROMISED, proving that they are nothing more than pew warmers and their priests, pastors, ministers are nothing more than entertainers.

[wittumy]

ladydi...the fact that 54% of Catholics voted for Obama and the fact that Obama got an extremely warm reception should be a clear indication to you that THERE IS gray areas in Catholics minds as to their beliefs. You can call us pew warmers if you wish...it isn't going to have a positive result though.

[ladydi5319]

wittumy, if we (Christians/Catholics) truly believe in God and have accepted Jesus as our Savior, then how can we blur the definition of life? How can we blur our morals?

How can something be almost right or almost wrong?

Where is the gray area on life and death?

[charlesND95]

The Gallup Poll reported 05/15/09 that 51% of Americans now call themselves "pro-life" rather than "pro-choice" on the issue of abortion..

Related Info: Dr. Nathanson, who supervised the first and largest abortion clinic in the world describes the tactics used to make abortion acceptable : We fed the public a line of deceit... fabricated statistics and figures... We fabricated polls which indicated that 85% of the public favoured unrestricted abortion, when we knew it was only 5%."

[charlesND95]

Wittumy,

Please notice my reply in message-string below.

(Just making sure you see it since you have to scroll down to see it).

[charlesND95]

I removed several posts that were disrespectful of various religions. Such posts are not constructive and will not be tolerated here.

Please continue the dialogue respectfully. Thank you.

[HillsoGold]

A wonderful video. There are a lot of American Catholics who need to WAKE-UP! And any so-called Catholics who voted for obama are the most confused of all. Can anyone who claims to be "Christian" have voted for obama? Simply, no.

[charlesND95]

Thank you.

Let us seize the opportunity to explain our position, with charity, to our fellow Catholics.

Total executions of violent criminals by death penalty in US since 1976: 1,161

Total murders of innocent babies by abortion in US since 1973: 49,551,703

Yes, let us work to eliminate both. Let us give appropriate attention to each based on gravity and magnitude.

Reference Catechism of Catholic Church, Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2, Article 5.

[wittumy]

charlesND...I understand the numbers so let's do what we can do to reduce them. Let's see what we can do to reduce wars that our Church also condemns. Let's work to get our Church to become realistic regarding contraceptives. Since we are talking gravity and magnitude... would the Church rather have widespread use of the morning after pill or close to a million aborted babies who are much further developed? The decision to disregard contraceptives has in itself kept the abortion rate higher.

[charlesND95]

Wittumy,

Thank you and others for lively and civil dialogue!

Agreed regarding: reducing wars that our Church condemns, continue to work on BOTH supply-side and demand-side methods of reducing abortions and unwanted pregnancies.

Regarding contraceptives: Church teaching is clear... NFP respects the dignity of the married couple and promotes responsibility and self-control, whereas artificial methods do not. Saliva sample + 50x microscope is all you need. Morning after pill = abortion.

[wittumy]

charlesND...I too appreciate your civil diologue and do respect your opinions...if not agree. Ugliness has never been a successfull tool to solve complex issues. I understand the Church's position on contraceptives...I disagree wholeheartedly with it. When I was getting married 33 years ago my priest suggested contraceptives were much more preferable to the Church than abortion. I believe the Church needs to make the same kind of judgements and let God judge us on our life's body of work.

[wittumy]

charlesND....I understand totally the Church's stances on abortion and contraceptives..I'm asking for your opinion on adjustments to those stances.

Would we not be better off with a million aborted 1 day old fetusses than a million six weeks and older?

If we were to come up with a "day before" pill that didn't allow fertillization....would it not be better than a million abortions?

The issue of abortion will not be decided for several years at best..the Church has to make a tough decision.

[charlesND95]

Wittumy,

1. Catholics in full communion with the Church cannot practice artificial contraception (ref. CCC#2399).  To continue receiving the Eucharist, I follow this Magisterial teaching. This Church teaching cannot be adjusted (ref. CCC#2370).

2. Aborting a 1 day old baby is just as intrinsically evil as aborting a 6wks+ baby.

3. NFP (simple as viewing saliva w/ 50x microscope) is more effective, cheaper, and morally acceptable vis-a-vis intrinsically evil artificial contraception.

[wittumy]

Hillso..I claim to be..and I am a Christian. I claim to be...and I am a Catholic. I voted for Obama as did 54% of Catholics in this country did. Whether you like it or not I have no control over. We don't need to wake up at all...we understand exactly the position the Catholic Church takes on the matter of abortion and we've decided we simply do not agree with those who suggest voting for someone who cannot abolish abortion is an intrinsic sin. We are confused how you can be used so politically.

[HillsoGold]

Witt, you can call youself "Catholic" all you want, but you are horribly confused. Go speak with the Bishop, a Monsignor or a Priest. Any Christian who voted for Obama is quite clearly confused beyond belief. How can a "Christian" vote for Obama? They cannot. And there's no verifiable % of Christians who voted for Obama. There's no way to quantify that. I wish you well and hope you seriously think this issue through completely, as the other psuedo christians who actually voted for obama.

[wittumy]

HillsoG....I'm not horribly confused at all... I disagree with my Church on this issue. I don't call myself a Catholic...I am one. I hope you psuedo Christians who are pro-death penalty and unjustifiable wars think issues like those through as completely as I did for mine. I vote for who's the best choice for all Americans...I'm not at all a one issue voter. American Catholics spoke loud and clear last November...they aren't either.

[CalifSunshine2008]

God wll never bless a man with innocent blood on his hands. How can a man lead a nation, when he is responsible for the deaths of the unborn? You cannot truly lead without God's blessings. God only listens, if you purge sin from your life. Killing off future generations is a sin...comparable to what King Herrod did in the Bible. God will judge us all.

[wittumy]

Califsun....God will judge us all you are correct. I welcome God's judgement...it's yours I think that should be kept to yourself.

[CalifSunshine2008]

Jesus replied, 'If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him' " (John 14:23).

[wittumy]

CalifSun...you better be getting that explanation of why you voted to support the death penalty and unjust wars for when you meet God. You might also be ready to explain why the living who are needy are ignored by you. God values all life...not just the unborn. I pray for your forgiveness.

[CalifSunshine2008]

"Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." (John 3:36).

[wormer105]

Go strong Brother.

[Xcesschick]

Filling your staff, Mr. President, with hard-core, pro-abortion advocates from Emilys List, the National Abortion Rights Action League and Planned Parenthood isnt the way to find common ground with those who respect life. Further, your support of the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which would wipe out any law that protects unborn children and their mothers—such as parental consent, partial-birth abortion or tax funding of abortion-on-demand—leaves no room for even the tiniest compromise.

[charlesND95]

Abortion Economics 101:

- Supply: Abolition of Abortion will greatly reduce the number of abortions. Aggressive enforcement will be needed to prevent illegal abortion clinics (just as we aggressively enforce other high demand illegal activity).

- Demand: Education, Education, Education is needed to lower the number of unplanned pregancies.

Supply-side and Demand-side solutions ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE. Catholics (among others) are actively fighting this on both fronts.

[m3a3t]

Gloria Deo.

No Obama.

[afiblackrose]

Wow this is really stupid! IF you didn't want him to be your President then you should have got off your ass and VOTED!!! If you don't want women to have to make a choice than cut this abstinence shit and help give information on safe sex and help lower the number of STDs and and unexpected pregnancy! So Stop Complaining and Do Your Part!!!!

[HillsoGold]

Notre Dame has brought great shame on to themselves. Hopefully all donation monies and Alumni monies will dry-up immediately.

[wittumy]

I find it ironic that those self annointed "good Catholics" call their Catholic brothers and sisters "cafeteria Catholics" when they themselves pick and choose which Catholic issues they decide to get up in arms about. We have many rules in our Church....yet is seems there is only one many care about.

[fatkenstein]

I agree that this issue has been blown out of proportion but we must realize that abortion is a pretty hot button topic. However, I believe that protesting Obama will do nothing to help stop abortion, it will simply serve to further polarize and separate people. I agree with Obama that we need fair minded discussion.

[wittumy]

fatken....fair minded discussions is the only way the issue will ever move forward.

[bubba5000]

Did you pray the rosary to change Bush's heart about the war?

[charlesND95]

Yes.

[bubba5000]

How'd that work out?

[laughinacorner]

owned.

[luvsumtay]

What is praying the rosary?

[charlesND95]

Praying the Rosary:

A series of prayers while reflecting on the life of Jesus (from His conception to death, and then throughout His resurrected life).

[peopleRdumb]

dont pray for obama's heart to change, pray the he is blessed by the holy spirit, and pray that the court system does not throw out cases aginst his eligibility to even be president!

[laughinacorner]

...umm, what are the cases against his eligibility to become president?

[peopleRdumb]

are you serious?

[laughinacorner]

well, clearly you believe people are dumb.

enlighten those who are otherwise un-enlightened.

[Providencehouse]

Wonderful video. It looks like some students received a Cathokic education despite the university's best efforts to derail them!

[trombokinase]

class of 2009 embraced obama, go pray more.

[HayabusaSenToTai]

ND92 here, Sorin Hall. Nice vid, I disagree with your stand, but domers are still domers, this is STILL a heck of a lot classier response than all the rubbish out there, GO IRISH!!

[charlesND95]

Thank you, Col. Kato.

- Anti-Semitism and Jewish genocide was once propogated by the Nazis; fortunately the US and Allies realized it was intrinsically evil and fought against and ultimately brought an end to this Holocaust.

- Slavery was once allowed but fortunately the time came when the US majority realized it was intrinsically evil and fought for and enacted abolition.

- Sadly, abortion is still allowed. Pray that the US majority that opposes abortion will fight until it is abolished.

[HayabusaSenToTai]

Haha! Only an ND alum does his research and knows about the film! Good luck with your endeavours, and I hope the 2009 grads don't find their day stolen by the protestors. Godbless!

[fatkenstein]

("- Sadly, abortion is still allowed. Pray that the US majority that opposes abortion will fight until it is abolished. ")

Amen charleND95, Amen.

[pleasewakeup2God]

Notre dame is too political and those in charge should relinquish their positon. they should be ashamed for arresting priest who are supposto support what is protest for. dispikable. I prey to God they find their way again.

[charlesND95]

Take Action Now:

Please join Notre Dame students in praying the Holy Rosary. An all-night prayer vigil and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament began at 9:45pm, and will continue until Benediction tomorrow morning 10:45am.

Pray with your family if possible.

Click on my channel (CharlesND95) for a children's version of the Holy Rosary.

[charlesND95]

Update 05/16/09: ND protesters joined by "Jane Roe" from Roe v. Wade court decision.

Norma McCorvey (aka "Jane Roe") became a pro-life Christian in 1995, and in 1998 was initiated into the Catholic Church.

She now has her own pro-life ministry, known as Crossing Over Ministry.

[charlesND95]

USCCB Statement "Catholics in Political Life":

- Catholics NEED TO ACT in support of these principles and policies in public life. It is the particular vocation of the laity to TRANSFORM THE WORLD.

[charlesND95]

USCCB Statement "Catholics in Political Life":

- We need to continue to teach clearly and help other Catholic leaders to teach clearly on our unequivocal commitment to the legal protection of human life from the moment of conception until natural death.

- We need to do more to persuade all people that human life is precious and human dignity must be defended.

[charlesND95]

"So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16.

Let us pray for courage to live and act on our Faith... including in the public square.

[BBQkrewe]

this is just the beginning of his divisive actions. watch and see.

[beaglenuts55]

P.S.

At this point in time, President Obama's "words of wisdom" are not welcome at any insitution of higher learning in this country. He has, however, received several requests to speak at the University of Havana. Maybe he'll take Nancy "my nose is growing" Pelosi with him.

[rchlovn]

I'm a Protestant but I agree with the Catholics on this. God bless Dr. Keyes for what he and these wonderful people are doing. We all need to stand together as Christians in a Non-Denominational way to have God's Word in the Name of Jesus be Christ (Who IS the LIVING WORD) be known to those lost half of Americans. To plant the seed of Life into their hearts in hopes that they will accept Christ who will take it from there to help bring The United States back to a STRONG Nation! God Bless.

[charlesND95]

Amen. "Now the word of the Lord came to me saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I consecrated you; a prophet to the nations I appointed you."

Jeremiah 1:5

[beaglenuts55]

One of my favorite passages. Thank you for posting this.

[nickf13678]

I believe the great Mr. Keyes lost to President Barack H. Obama in 2004. Oh yea Mr. Keyes has NEVER won an elelction.

[nickf13678]

We must realize that we cant governor through the Bible or any other religious beliefs. What if a Muslim was elected President? Would we, as Christians, want core Muslim beliefs governing us? As a nation we have to separate our own personal religious beliefs and morals from our government policies. According to the Constitution abortion is legal; women have the right to choose. We need to unite to reduce the number of abortions; not to protest a commencement speech.

[TresobYr]

1) The beginning of an individual human life is not a religious argument. It's a scientific one. The individual begins its life cycle at conception. There is simply no other point at which one can reasonably say that an individual's life cycle begins.

2) Where does the Constitution explicitly give anyone the right to kill an unborn human? Does one person's right to privacy really trump another individual's right to be born?

[fatkenstein]

A publicity stunt? Personally, I don't see why the University would go so far simply to attract students. Furthermore, I do not think that having Obama as a speaker will attract a significant number of new students. However, I do believe that the university's reputation was boosted because hosting Obama demonstrates that it is willing to engage those who disagree with them. Nevertheless, I believe the reputation boost was secondary and not the primary goal of ND.

[TresobYr]

It's not a one time publicity stunt. All commencement speakers at all institutions are chosen for the publicity they will bring--and ND has a tradition of inviting presidents. All universities crave publicity as a means of attracting students, faculty, and, more importantly, the money that comes with those students and faculty. Fr. Jenkins wasn't thinking about ideology when he invited Obama. He was thinking about marketing. The problem is that it doesn't look like ND disagrees with Obama.

[wittumy]

Tres...I'm sure ND does disagree with Obama on the issue of abortion but agrees with him that there are far more effective ways to deal with the issue than calling each other names. I know of no one who is pro abortion but plenty of pro choice. I beleive the best thing anyone can do is to lower unwanted pregnancies and make adoption more available.

[TresobYr]

I don't know, Witt. I think the images this commencement produced have many people uncertain that ND and Obama have a fundamental disagreement on the value of human life. It produced images of Fr. Jenkins sitting cozy with an extreme abortion supporter while arresting pro-life protesters. That sends a very confusing message. It either makes Obama look less radical than he really is or ND look less pro-life than it really is.

[wittumy]

Tresob....those who were being arrested were breaking laws....sitting next to someone with a different view on an issue and treating them with warmth and respect is just being polite. This is only confusing to those who wish it so....

[TresobYr]

What laws did they break? Trespassing on private property? Do you really think ND arrests every weird looking person who trespasses on campus? I managed to stroll unannounced across its campus without an arrest.

The question here isn't whether ND should be polite to the President. It's whether it should have honored him as a model for their students to emulate given the fact that he has promised to further jeopardize the lives of the unborn.

[1Catholic2theCore]

On one video, when Alan Keyes was being warned not to continue onto ND property, the man speaking with Keyes said John Jenkins requested that the pro-life protesters not be allowed on campus. Can you imagine? A Catholic priest telling campus security to arrest Catholics for a pro-life demonstration? Unbelievable. John Jenkins needs our prayers.

[TresobYr]

I can't say that I'm Alan Keyes' biggest fan; I don't think he speaks for me personally. Some of the people in that "march" were on the tackier side of the pro-life movement. But where was the politeness, the tolerance, and the willingness to engage in debate when ND was threatening him with arrest? To Keyes: "I'm sorry, you are not welcome to come and agree with my values." To Obama: "Oh, please, come to my campus and undermine my most fundamental belief! Let me get the door for you, too!"

[wittumy]

tresob....I don't know exactly which laws but I would probably guess gathering without a permit or tresspassing. If it's that important to you I'd suggest asking those who made the arrests....they'd give you more accurate information than anyone here on youtube.

You are the one who was complaining about Fr. Jenkins "sitting cozy"...what does that comment have to do with whether or not the University honored Obama? Would not the alternative be inpolite?

[TresobYr]

Witt--but you were the one arguing they deserved to be arrested because they broke the law.

One alternative to "sitting cozy" is "not inviting over to be honored." There is nothing impolite in choosing to honor someone more deserving of honor. ND should not have chosen to honor someone who has threatened the lives of the unborn. Instead, it honors those who threaten the unborn and declares pro-lifers unwelcome on campus.

[wittumy]

tres....you brought up the fact that they were getting arrested while Fr. Jenkins was sitting cozy with Obama.....not I. I can only assume they were arrested for breaking a law as I said previously.

ND did honor Obama.....get over it and go do something productive to reduce unwanted pregnancies instead of whining about a freaking honorary degree. While you're at it please protest against all those who are pro death penalty, divorce, contraceptive use and ilegal wars too...

[TresobYr]

You must understand that there is a larger concern over the Catholic identity of colleges beyond the Obama issue. Too many Catholic colleges advertise themselves as Catholic for admissions purposes but then fail to deliver the goods once students attend them...by doing things like teaching students to emulate politicians who push laws that disregard the sacredness of early human life. This is important because it's about defining Catholic identity which in turn shapes cultural values.

[wittumy]

Tres...When Catholic Universities decide to honor only those who adhere to 100% of Catholic beliefs ...I'll be on your side. American Catholics spoke loudly last november....we will not be forced to vote for one issue. We are absolutely thumbing our noses at the cafeteria bishops who choose to only be concerned by abortion as they hide from other issues like war, the death penalty, contraceptives and care for the needy. We'll follow the other Bishops.

[arslp]

It is certainly not my intention to sound condescending, but it is God whom we should follow, first and foremost. I cannot conceive Him directing any group of His followers to systematically tolerate the infanticide that occurs 3 - 4 thousand times per day in this country. Last November the most pro-abortion zealot was voted into office. He voted against the Infant Born Alive Protection Act as senator, and immediately set about to remove restrictions on abortion & fund in US & internationally

[wittumy]

ars....I cannot conceive Him directing any group to wage wars over lies and self interest, turning your back on homeless, the sick. I cannot conceive Him directing any group to judge others and he has asked us to leave that to Him.

[arslp]

He also said to "Judge yourselves, that ye be not judged". He also gave instruction to obey the laws of the land, unless it is contradictory to the laws of God.

How does any of what you say negate the fact that Barak Obama has signed more pro-abortion legislation, which results in far more lives being lost - and these are the most innocent of the innocent - than the instances you are citing? Is this president still fighting the war in Iraq; and about to begin a conflict in Afghanistan?

[wittumy]

ars...I'm not opposed to the war in afghanistan nor did the Pope condemn it as he did the Iraq war. Obama inherited both wars and I'm thinking he said he would end the Iraq war didn't he?

Lives are lives....I don't put more value on the unborn than I do the born.

As far as obeying laws that are contradictory to the laws of God....unjust wars, the death penalty, divorce and contraceptive use all qualify....yet you ignore all except abortion.

[ladydi5319]

wittumy,

The people who are facing the death penalty make the premeditated "choice" to kill first.

The unborn do not "choose" to die. Someone makes the choice to kill them too.

The unborn are innocent!

Those facing the death penalty are guilty!

There is no lumping the two together!

[bubba5000]

Do you know whom else doesn't "choose" to die: The women and children called "collateral damage" by the Bush administration.

[wittumy]

ladydi....I've yet to see that explanation in the bible or in any of my Catholic studies.....that is someones OPINION. It's very clear God hates all killing..that's why war and the death penalty are against his word. There is no lumping together because it doesn't suit your agenda.

[charlesND95]

Wittumy,

Catechism of Catholic Church, Part 3, Section 2, Chapter 2, Article 5:

2267 Assuming that the guilty party's identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor.

[wittumy]

charlesnd....when was it determined that the death penalty is the ONLYpossible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggresor? Life in prison certainly qualifies as a way.

[charlesND95]

wittumy,

Agreed in principal, per paragraph 2 of CCC#2267:

"If, instead, bloodless means are sufficient to defend against the aggressor and to protect the safety of persons, public authority should limit itself to such means, because they better correspond to the concrete conditions of the common good and are more in conformity to the dignity of the human person."

Can you acknowledge the difference between "... does not exclude recourse to DP" and "... moral evil of every procured abortion"?

[ladydi5319]

Wittumy, I do not have an agenda.

But I do know that the man who brutally murdered two of my class mates who was given the death penalty is not worthy of the same protection as the 4,000 innocent human unborn lives who are brutally killed daily!

One question: How many born people who are on death row are actually executed versus the 4,000 unborn people who are actually executed daily?

[wittumy]

ladydi...you most certainly have an agenda..you elevate simply voting for someone who supports current law to be much more grieveous than the actual commiting of sins...including mortal ones.

As you can see your voting for Bush did not eliminate abortion...at what point are those of you who voted for him responsible for his failure to? You had congress the presidency and a majority of conservatives on the SC. I never saw a single attempt to completely overturn abortion..not one.

[ladydi5319]

Wittumy, Bush did pass a few pro-life laws while there was a Republican held Congress, however the SC was not and is still not to the point where a ruling on Roe would be in favor of life so it would have been unwise to address it.

The SC is still made up of 4 pro-life justices, 4 pro-choice justices and 1 swing justice who could easily cave from pressure which would legalize abortion forever. It was not worth taking the risk at that time and I think Bush knew that.

[charlesND95]

Catholic teaching regarding abortion:

Catechism of Catholic Church, PART 3, SECTION 2, CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 5:

2270 Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.72

2271 Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion.

[charlesND95]

Catholic teaching regarding death penalty:

Catechism of Catholic Church, PART 3, SECTION 2, CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE 5:

2267 Assuming that the guilty party's identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor.

[charlesND95]

Total executions of criminals by death penalty in US since 1976: 1,161

Total murders of innocent babies by abortion in US since 1973: 49,551,703

[PaulRon2008]

The Congregation of Holy Cross is controlled by the Purple Mafia and Dick Warner, CSC.

[BridgetoSomewhere]

What is the background music and name of choir ensemble please? It's so beautiful.

[clairemarie0109]

God Bless you for putting this video together. Please pray the rosary on the 17th in reparation of Fr Jenkins' sin against Our Lord

[charlesND95]

Thank you to all those posting comments relevant to the topic of this video: Catholic Identity of Notre Dame, a self-proclaimed Catholic Institution. Should ND honor abortion promoter President Obama with a platform to speak (not dialogue) during commencement and further honor him with an honorary law degree?

[fatkenstein]

Sorry for getting off topic. To answer your question, I see no problem with what Notre Dame did. I believe we need to judge Obama on his stances on all issues not just on the singular issue of abortion. While I myself am pro-life, I looked to his other stances and saw that I agreed with him more. I think this is the logic ND was using, looking at him as a whole rather than characterizing him with one issue and I think that is fine.

[wittumy]

fatkenstein....ND allowed many speakers who were pro divorce, death penalty, contraceptive and pro war without a peep. It's a shame so many have politicized this issue.

[TresobYr]

I disagree. I think ND just wanted the prestige of having a presidential speaker so they could use pictures of Obama in its admissions fliers and hopefully get more applicants in these hard economic times. That's the how university presidents think. Of course, in the process, they have just alienated orthodox Catholic applicants...but they will get plenty of heretics to apply now.

[mattmarth7777777]

That is a very good explanation to this, perfectly stated.

[178551]

doctrine is keyterm here. Doctrine.

[carl6352]

it is a sad day if they let this man speak at notredame. i have a counter since the man cant speak with out a teleprompter just leyt the crowd read his response and give him his fake robe after. you could mail it. the school should be ashamed for making seniors have to make a stand after 4yrs to get there diplomas by mail because of this. the man is soul less his response on abortion is right out of the democratic handbook.

[stocksnfossils]

I can only pray now that somehow and in someway this leads to the stregthening of faith of those who were wavering or to a conversion of heart for Obama. With God all things are possible.

[carl6352]

convert to what a guy who cant memorize a speech who needs a teleprompter. that is a puppet not a man or faith!

[CK1REP]

BARACK OBAMA in no way supports the Catholic church.He is ANTI-LIFE. His staff are ALL ANTI-LIFE. Sebelius, Kagan, Ogden,Steinberg,Emanuel,Daschl­e, Johnsen, Moran, Barnes, Clinton, Lambrew, Kaine, Perrelli, etc. All Pro-Abortion! How dare they be so arrogant and try to silence those FOR LIFE! They cannot silence God! Their Anti-life agenda will be the demise of a once good America. They have brought their evil agenda into the whitehouse. Notre Dame University is a disgrace for supporting this!

[raymeo888]

It is to the eternal shame before GOD that the university would invite, and the Church allow, the world's most prominent enemy of life and Christian belief since Hitler to appear and to speak at your university.

This single act reduces to zero all the moral authority the Church pretends to represent in a world of lost hope, and it makes the Church no more important to the world than any modest and errant school of thought and philosophy.

GOD bless us, please.

[KatyKane]

all we can do now is pray. pray. pray.

[mcknzia]

Hi KatyKane, It's sad that we end up praying after we get into a mess, wanting to be bailed out. Let our knees hit the deck now and BEFORE the next perversion takes place.

[KatyKane]

i cannot speak for everyone, but i for one DO pray BEFORE, during and after. but - yes, you're right too many wait until the ship is sinking and then try to bail out the water with teaspoons. so i continue praying.

[elorasmom]

Wrong, Katy the time for action is here, Praying is good but get out and make a difference!

[KatyKane]

what action do you propose i take? i have signed petitions, sent letters and emails expressing my concerns and outrage, and prayed (continuing to pray as a matter of fact). prayer is action. so tell, me - i am willing to listen - what action should i take next?

[frankieoc]

And Notre Dame, well they used to have a legacy of allowing minority points of views and for those to express those opinions, openly and without judgment on campus, so their students can become better adults by the example set forth by the ND faculty and administration, an example of not judging but allowing for understanding of those who see things differently that there may be a chance for conversations under stand the Church's views.

[frankieoc]

The President does not have an Anti-Catholic views!

Some Catholic Church, self-proclaimed representatives (75 bishops out of 425 in US signed what?) are so sad in their intolerance for those they used to court.

Once upon a time the Catholic Church was a great institution. Now it appears relegated to slander and lies to boost their base. Sounds like the Republican Party. LOL

[daddiosgarage]

i doubt obama is anti-catholic but his policies are in direct contradiction to the catholic church's beliefs

[petrusprimus]

An anti-Catholic institution invites and anti-Catholic speaker. More accurately, an antichrist University invites an antichrist speaker. I think the problem is removing the antichrist from both.

[buchedda]

How does the Catholic Church lie? If you have no facts or even evidence that the Catholic Church lied, I do not want to hear it. Just because you face opposition to the Catholic Church does not mean you should make lies up.

How does the Republican party lie? I have heard more lies out of the Democratic party.

[fatkenstein]

I am sorry to tell you this but the Catholic Church has a record of lying throughout history. All the way back to when it thought the Sun circled the Earth. Don't forget the Inquisitions and the Crusades. Now, don't get me wrong I am a Christian but assuming that any church(or anything else on this planet) is Infallible is patently stupid

[buchedda]

The Catholic Church did do all of that. Each has been separately apologized for by a Pope or Popes.The Catholic Church's teachings have been rendered infallible teaching of God. To deny this infallibility (one of the teachings) is denying God.

[fatkenstein]

Well, I am not Roman Catholic, rather I am Episcopal. As such I don't believe there is any one true branch of Christianity, I believe that all Christians belong to the true church whether they are Catholic, Lutheran, Protestant etc. That being said, judging from historical evidence it seems that the church is not infallible. However, I believe that God is the only one who is infallible and I strive to follow his teachings.

[buchedda]

Uner which TEACHINGS is the Catholic Church not infallible. As we all stive for unity, one must see the true Church in which God has created for His people, the Catholic Church. If you disagree with this please feel free to state your opinion.

[fatkenstein]

Which teachings? I would say that there teachings on the death penalty is flawed. I would also say that their teachings that Roman Catholicism is the only true faith is wrong. I freely admit that the religious doctrine of the various churches is not my strong point and it is quite possible that I am misrepresenting the views of the Roman Catholic Church. If you think I am please inform and correct me.

[buchedda]

All of the teachings the Church puts into Doctrine and states in encyclicals and all other documentation is infallible. If you have notice, all other Christian, and some non-Christian, denominations jus twisted these doctrines and documents the Church teaches to fit their own way of thinking. Lutheranism, Protestantism, and so forth have all broken off from the Catholic Church because of differences in their OWN views, not becase the Catholic Church had a different view from God's own

[fatkenstein]

Well, I disagree with you on the infallibility of the Roman Catholic Church. In fact I believe that no church(even my own Episcopal church) is infallible because none of us know the whole truth about God's views. Perhaps the Roman Catholic Church is the perfect representation of God's views, then again, perhaps not.

[buchedda]

It is our job to question such things, and it is good because sometimes the truth will be revealed to those who do. The teachings are infallible because the Holy Spirit has guded those who made these teachings. Those who believe the teachings that the Church revealed are not infallible, you are denying the truth which lies in God Himself.

[wcygan1]

The most pro-abortion president ever will receive an honorary degree from a Roman Catholic University? What a joke! Shame on you ND! A baby-murderer who chooses death over life will receive an honorary degree. ND had a brain fart. What a joke!

[CCDW08]

Obama is a baby killer... Should not be allowed to speak at ND....

[mssedmebich]

Tell them mail your diploma to you and let Obama address a bunch of empty chairs.

[Presscrawler]

The Catholics in the Graduating Class will stand During Obama's Commencement Address with their backs to the President in protest to the Universtiy Administration's betrayal of Catholic Teaching.

[darylaco]

seriously people?

[benhur2127]

o! HOLY SPIRIT pls enlighted pres obama not to endorse the use of the people's tax money in supporting abortion and thanks GOD for having these young courageous students who started this petition againts obama being honored in notre dame....by the way i did sign the petion...

[giagoddess]

The Catholic Church also opposes the death penalty, but most of the Obama detractors didn't view that as an impediment to George W. Bush or George H.W. Bush speaking at Notre Dame.

HYPOCRITES!

Catholics are being used by evangelicals --rise up Catholics, our institutions have always encouraged critical thinking in matters of public policy.

[aim2him]

I hope that President Obama hears this music and his soul weeps for his past decisions, and realizes his mistakes.

[Parigoris]

No matter what your feelings on the Catholic Church, the Church has pretty much stated inblack and white what is acceptable and what is not. Obama is not acceptable to even be speaking at ND, no less getting an honorary degree.

[FrCEB]

Beautiful, thank you! May more Bishops stand and be heard in this coming week!

[jackieiii]

Obama said determining when life began was above his pay grade. Why is it that Notre Dame thinks it should not enlighten the man? After all, according to our Blessed Mother, Her Son, and the Pope, it begins at conception. Refusing to let Obama speak seems like a no-brainer to me.

[icommservices]

An arrogant and cynical speaker for an arrogant and cynical president: Jenkins.

Please ask for atonement from Mary for this appropriately named "scandal."

Fr. Jenkins, you will go down in history for the disgrace you are perpetuating...

[tngramof6]

You had better go to confession.

[fanofEscriva]

This is awesome. Thank you for your courage and for your integrity.

[scragsma]

Beautifully done. Thank you for posting this, and I hope it gets a lot of viewing.