Boston College, a Catholic school, is stirring fresh controversy for honoring a notorious priest and former member of Congress.
Former Congressman Robert Drinan (D-Massachusetts), a late Jesuit priest and abortion rights advocate, will be honored March 7 as the Catholic school draws attention to his work and life, despite the heavy criticism he has received from the Catholic Church for his stance on abortion.
"It's bad enough that a pro-abortion priest that defied church law forbidding priests from holding public office should be celebrated at a Catholic college," laments Michael Hichborn, director of the American Life League's Defend the Faith project. "But to then celebrate this dissident priest by hosting Father (Raymond) Schroth and Congressman Barney Frank (D-Massachusetts), both of whom are stridently pro-abortion, is just unconscionable."
The Cardinal Newman Society (CNS) has issued a letter to the college president, requesting that the school cancel the event and introduce policies to ensure the teachings of the Catholic Church. Hichborn hopes the church hierarchy will follow suit and take action.
"Hopefully, Cardinal (Sean) O'Malley will take steps to either stop this from happening, or strip Boston College from its Catholic status," the Defend the Faith director notes.
He points out that U.S. bishops banned the practice of honoring people who are publicly against the church's teachings in 2004, so Hichborn is encouraging Boston College students to voice their disapproval and refuse to attend the upcoming event.
