More News Highlights

Some more recent news highlights...

* Vatican spokesman Fr. Lombardi is reportedly 'downplaying' WikiLeaks disclosures, claiming that "There’s nothing new, nothing that wasn’t abundantly well known" in the disclosures

* Various reports indicate that the Vatican Bank is under 'new scrutiny' in the money-laundering case which led to the seizure of millions of dollars a few months ago. Reportedly, court documents indicate that the bank "deliberately flouted anti-laundering laws 'with the aim of hiding the ownership, destination and origin of the capital'" and "reveal investigators' suspicions that clergy may have acted as fronts for corrupt businessmen and Mafia"

* Cardinal Burke recently lamented that many American Catholic colleges are 'Catholic in name only'. In an address earlier this month, the prelate noted that "A Catholic college or university at which Jesus Christ alive in His Church is not taught, encountered in the Sacred Liturgy and its extension through prayer and devotion, and followed in a life of virtue is not worthy of the name"

* Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Ireland has apologized for the abuse scandals and subsequent cover-up. He noted that "Many of those who came forward did not want to damage the Church they loved; they simply wanted abuse to be stopped effectively and definitively" and noted that "Their love of the Church was betrayed by leadership in the Church"

* Scandalous: TFP volunteers examined websites of nearly 250 Catholic universities & colleges in America and discovered that "101 (41%) of Catholic universities and colleges currently list pro-homosexual student clubs on their web sites. Among Jesuit-run universities, however, the number increases to 100%" They note that "Many of these clubs sponsor events that promote the homosexual movement’s most radical agenda, the redefinition of marriage and the social acceptance of unnatural vice, which is contrary to Catholic moral teaching". TFPStudentAction.org has launched a petition in protest [Related: Catholic teachings on homosexuality (Topic Page)]

* Here we go again: A dissenting priest in Wisconsin has questioned Church teachings concerning the all-male priesthood. His (inaccurate) comments appear in a newspaper column [Related: Top Reasons Why Women Can't Be Priests]

[12/13]

Gunshots Fired at Catholic University

Gunshots were fired Friday morning on the Catholic University campus in Washington. Reports indicate that no one was injured. Police are seeking a possible suspect. No motive was indicated.

[11/5]

That's Catholic character?

Undaunted by controversy, Notre Dame's Board of Trustees has elected Fr. Jenkins to a second term. It was claimed that "The vision and leadership that Father Jenkins has demonstrated in his first four years in office have been inspiring and innovative." The Fellows of the University claimed Fr. Jenkins "combined courageous leadership with the kind of priestly dedication, pastoral concern and inspiration that we have come to expect of a President of Notre Dame" and expressed appreciation for his commitment to the "Catholic character of the University", where they say "the Catholic faith...[is] celebrated and lived."

Fr. Jenkins responded that he was "humbled" and said he "will continue pursuing the goals I cited at my inauguration four years ago – offering an unsurpassed undergraduate education, becoming even more pre-eminent as a research university, and ensuring that our Catholic character informs all that we do."

Can someone please explain how awarding the "most pro-abortion president in history" with an honorary law degree, disobeying your bishop, scandalizing millions, imprisoning peaceful pro-lifers (including an elderly priest), refusing leniency to the peaceful pro-lifers, paying for students to attend a 'gay rights' rally, permitting vulgar performances on campus, etc., etc. is a means of expressing the university's Catholic character? In light of recent events, how exactly can Fr. Jenkins say his goal is to ensure "that our Catholic character informs all that we do"? What exactly is this "Catholic character" he is referring to? Certainly this is not the Catholic character depicted in Grandma's catechism. One wonders just how much more of this "Catholic character" the Church will tolerate before expunging the university from its list of Catholic schools.

[10/19]

Your chance to help pro-lifers

It is being reported that Notre Dame's president is refusing to drop charges or ask for leniency in the case of pro-life protesters who were arrested earlier this year over their peaceful efforts on the Catholic campus. These protesters may now face a fine of $5,000 and up to 1 year in jail. Why not help your fellow pro-lifers by calling the university on their behalf and voicing your opposition to this injustice?

Phone: (574) 631-3903

[9/5]

Putting her faith first

Rather than putting her own interests first, Mary Ann Glendon, a former ambassador to the Vatican, has declined a prestigious honor from Notre Dame due to their honoring of Obama at their upcoming commencement. In her letter to ND's president she states, "as a longtime consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I could not help but be dismayed by the news that Notre Dame also planned to award the president an honorary degree. This, as you must know, was in disregard of the U.S. bishops’ express request of 2004 that Catholic institutions 'should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles' and that such persons 'should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.' That request, which in no way seeks to control or interfere with an institution’s freedom to invite and engage in serious debate with whomever it wishes, seems to me so reasonable that I am at a loss to understand why a Catholic university should disrespect it." Her letter was released to the public in order "to avoid the inevitable speculation about the reasons for my decision". Way to go, Mary! [4/27]