In a statement released Friday, Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston has announced that he will not be attending the commencement ceremonies at Boston College this year. The Cardinal Archbishop of Boston traditionally delivers the benediction at the Jesuit school’s graduation.
Cardinal O’Malley’s decision came after Boston College refused to rescind an invitation to Enda Kenny, the pro-choice Prime Minister of Ireland. Kenny is slated to be the commencement speaker and to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
As reported by The Cardinal Newman Society:
“Since the university has not withdrawn the invitation and because the Taoiseach (prime minister) has not seen fit to decline, I shall not attend the graduation,’’ O’Malley said in a statement released this afternoon. “It is my ardent hope that Boston College will work to redress the confusion, disappointment and harm caused by not adhering to the Bishops’ directives,” he added, referencing the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops instruction that Catholic institutions not honor those whose views are inconsistent with the Church’s teachings.
For the full story, go here.