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Sunday, May 11, 2008
 

ALERT: Pope Benedict Sounds Call to Renewal of Catholic Colleges

Pope Benedict, in a much anticipated speech on April 17 to Catholic college presidents and other educators offered a clear and profound articulation of the role of Catholic education in the 21st century.  “Pope Benedict called Catholic colleges to educate the whole person, heart, mind and soul, by seeking truth in the light of faith and reason,” said Patrick Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society.

“While there is much to reflect on in Pope Benedict’s speech, those concerned with the crisis in Catholic higher education were provided with two critical signposts on the roadmap for renewal:

Catholic colleges must be unwavering in their commitment to Catholic teachings in everything they do, from the classroom to the dorm room; and

Academic freedom at a Catholic college must be informed and tempered by the Catholic faith and the teachings of the Church.

“The renewal of Catholic higher education is well underway, and when its history is written, Pope Benedict’s speech today may well be remembered as the tipping point when Catholic colleges finally and irrevocably recommitted themselves to the critical task of authentic Catholic education.”

Alternatives to the Monologues

In building an understanding of love and sexuality in the Catholic Tradition, as well as addressing the serious issues of violence against women and other affronts to their inherent dignity as children of God, we hope that Catholic colleges and universities will consider alternatives to the offensive play The Vagina Monologues. The Cardinal Newman Society is prepared to help with suggestions, advice, and even financial support for such projects. Contact us at (703) 367-0333 with any questions or use our contact form.

Much healthier and more mature approaches can be used to discuss women’s concerns including violence, health, and sexuality. For example, the Cardinal Newman Society is proud this year to be supporting the Edith Stein Project at the University of Notre Dame. Students organized this two-day conference “toward integral healing for women and culture” as an alternative to The Vagina Monologues that is much more appropriate to an institution of higher education.
Other possible alternatives include:

  • Host a lecture. Possible lecturers could come from the university itself, or from the local area. Perhaps a local doctor or psychiatrist would be fitting. Topics could include violence against women, St. Valentine, the nature of love, or relationships.
  • Organize a mass or prayer event, possibly the rosary.
  • Host a women’s retreat, focusing on the nature of womanhood.
  • Host a truly romantic movie.

We pray that you will take to heart the words of John Paul II, when he said in Mulieris Dignitatem, “Our time in particular awaits the manifestation of that ‘genius’ which belongs to women, and which can ensure sensitivity for human beings in every circumstance: because they are human!”—and because “the greatest of these is love.” Please take a positive step in helping this manifestation arrive on Catholic college campuses.

CNS Alternatives to the V-Monologues | Catholic Teachings on Sexuality | Bishop D'Arcy Statement on the Monologues | Father Shanley Statement on the Monologues
Copyright 2007 by The Cardinal Newman Society