"D’Arcy to shun Obama, skip Notre Dame speech"
Bishop John M. D’Arcy said Tuesday he will not attend the University of Notre Dame’s graduation ceremony, where President Obama is scheduled to deliver the commencement speech and receive an honorary degree.
“I wish no disrespect to the president, I pray for him and I wish him well. I have always revered the office of the presidency. But a bishop must teach the Catholic faith ‘in season and out of season,’ and he teaches not only by his words – but by his actions,” D’Arcy said.
Saying the decision to host Obama was “shocking” to many, the bishop argued that Notre Dame had chosen the “prestige” of having the president speak over principles.
“Indeed, the measure of any Catholic institution is not only what it stands for, but also what it will not stand for,” D’Arcy’s statement said.
THEN WE READ THIS ON 'CATHNEWS USA'...
"I urge all Catholics and others of good will to stay away from unseemly and unhelpful demonstrations against our nation's President or Notre Dame or Father John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.," Bishop D'Arcy wrote.
"The Notre Dame community is well-equipped to supervise and support discussions and prayer within their own campus.
"I had a positive meeting this week with Father Jenkins, and I expect further dialogue will continue. These are days of prayer and hope when we should turn to the Risen Christ for light and wisdom.
"Let us all work towards a peaceful graduation experience for the Class of 2009 at our beloved Notre Dame," Bishop D'Arcy concluded.
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