The Superior General of the Holy Cross Fathers and Brothers, Fr. Hugh W. Cleary, C.S.C., has written a rather long letter to President Obama concerning the controversy over his upcoming appearance at the University of Notre Dame’s Commencement. The letter can be read in its entirety here at Catholic News Agency.
I recommend reading it… to anyone who has been scandalized by the invitation, or, on the other hand, anyone who “just doesn’t see the big deal.” I think Fr. Cleary presents some formidable points. It is a very firm, thoughtful yet respectful letter, and it vaguely reminds me of the apologia Justin Martyr sent to the Emperor Antoninus in the 2nd Century.
Toooooo long. Way too long. Good though.
I spent seven years in a Holy Cross Seminary and graduated from Notre Dame. My feeling is that Father Cleary and Father Jenkins are so disconnected from the real world that they cannot see the damage to the Catholic faith they are causing. Father Cleary’s statements are actually pathetic: he sees the evil of Obama’s policies but refuses to vote; and he congratulates Obama’s upcoming doctorate, writing an unending letter but cannot make the obvious decision to appose his invitation. Father Cleary and Father Jenkins need to step outside where the rest of the world lives and show a spark of spiritual leadership rather than writing long letters of theology. I want to see deeds, not empty words.
Pat Condon