The email I got on this one linked me to EWTN. Makes sense what with his being the ordinary there, I guess. Striking on a issue that has only been raised by Archbishop Gomez thus far, Bishop Baker recalls the recent words of the Holy Father on what makes a Catholic university:
Nationwide astounded and upset Catholics have reacted critically to the news that Notre Dame University will host and honor President Barack Obama at its May Commencement. I also feel the need to express my deep disappointment over such an invitation, extended by one of our nation's Catholic Universities.
That a Catholic school should publicly recognize a man who unashamedly promotes values clearly opposed to the Church's teaching on the Gospel of Life is a travesty to the legacy of Catholic education. In his address at Catholic University almost one year ago, Pope Benedict XVI pointed out that the identity of Catholic universities cannot be "equated simply with orthodoxy of course content. It demands and inspires much more: namely that each and every aspect of your learning communities reverberates within the ecclesial life of faith." To educate students in fundamental moral principles cannot be reconciled with subsequent bestowal of tribute to a public official who supports and promotes the values contrary to those principles.
Bishop Baker also mirrors Bishop Olmsted in calling this whole fiasco an act of disobedience by the ND administration. Moreover, adding something I didn't expect to see from any bishop, His Excellency states agreement with Prof. Charles Rice of ND, who absolutely blasted everybody involved with the commencement invitation in this letter reproduced at CatholicOnline. He even references Nazis. I advise you to read the whole thing. For the folks who think that there's nothing good associated with ND now, maybe Prof. Rice can change your mind.
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