‘Monologues’ Planned at 41 Catholic Colleges

http://www.cardinalnewmansociety.org/monologues_04.htm ^ | 1/19/04 | Cardinal Newman Society

[Diago]

‘Monologues’ Planned at 41 Catholic Colleges

(Last Update: 1/19/04)

Cardinal Newman Society has launched its annual protest of the “Vagina Monologues,” a vulgar play that is reportedly planned for 41 Catholic campuses beginning in February 2004.

That number, which is likely to increase in coming weeks, is already more than the 32 Catholic colleges and universities that hosted or sponsored the production last spring.  It was canceled last year at another 14 colleges and universities, thanks in part to the vocal opposition of Cardinal Newman Society and its members.

The Campaign has already had an impact.  A student organizing the play at the Catholic University of America (DC) has canceled plans thanks to the clear opposition of Very Rev. David O'Connell, CM, University President.  St. Joseph's College (IN) has banned the play, and the student previously identified as the event organizer has confirmed that there are, in fact, no plans to present the play.  The University of Detroit Mercy is no longer listed as a host or sponsor of the play for reasons that are not yet known.

The play is a collection of monologues by women describing their personal stories, replete with vulgarity, frequent use of “vagina” to represent women and femininity, and explicit discussions of sexuality and sexual encounters including lesbian activity and masturbation.

In one scene, a woman describes her seduction by a lesbian woman when she was 16 years old, declaring it her “salvation” and an important coming-of-age experience.  The older woman leads the girl into sex by serving her alcohol and abusing her authority as an elder.

“As a Catholic, I am especially appalled and embarrassed that any Catholic institution would present this play in the wake of the priest sex-abuse scandals,” CNS president Patrick Reilly wrote to the presidents of all U.S. Catholic colleges and universities.  “Whether the perpetrator is portrayed as a lesbian woman or a gay priest, it is equally disrespectful to the victims of abuse when this crime is declared ‘salvation.’”

Most disturbing are reported plans to present the play at Loyola University of New Orleans, where the president, Rev. Bernard Knoth, S.J., was recently removed because of sex abuse charges, and at Boston College, located in the diocese most affected by the priest sex-abuse scandals.

CNS is urging concerned Catholics to contact each of the college presidents and ask them to confirm that productions are planned and then put a stop to them.  Faculty and students also are urged to help Cardinal Newman Society’s “Reclaim Saint Valentine’s Day Campaign”, in partnership with LoveMatters.com and the Human Life Alliance of Minnesota, by flooding Catholic campuses with student-oriented publications promoting chastity and respect for human life.  For more information on how to help, including a sample letter to college presidents and contact information for the colleges and universities, use the links below. 

[ Planned “Monologues” productions on Catholic campuses ]
[ Text of 12/15/03 letter from Cardinal Newman Society to Catholic college presidents ]
[ Sample letter to Catholic college presidents ]
[ Reclaim Saint Valentine’s Day Campaign ]

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Planned “Monologues” Productions on Catholic Campuses

Productions of the “Vagina Monologues” are planned beginning February 2004 at the following 41 Catholic colleges and universities, according to the sponsoring organization V-Day.  V-Day licenses the play to college students and faculty for presentation during the months surrounding Saint Valentine’s Day (February 14).

CAUTION: A listing by V-Day generally indicates that a college student or faculty member has requested permission to produce “Vagina Monologues” and has made plans for a production in 2004.  It does not necessarily indicate whether college officials are aware of a planned performance and have given their formal approval—which may or may not be required, depending on rules specific to each college and university.  Nevertheless, the V-Day list is the most accurate information available in advance of the actual events.  Last year’s attempts to confirm planned performances through college presidents were problematic: several presidents denied that productions were planned for their campuses, when in fact they were being organized by students and/or faculty.

Cardinal Newman Society will list planned performances that are associated with Catholic colleges and universities even when administrators claim no official support for the events.  On-campus productions should not be allowed even when they are not formally approved or funded by the college or university administration, and off-campus performances that are sponsored by student clubs or that are otherwise identified with the college or university are also inappropriate.  A Catholic college or university should not host or sponsor this play—with sponsorship meaning any use of a college’s or university’s funds, facilities, or name.  Organizers of such events should be denied opportunities to promote the play to students and faculty.

We have contacted all Catholic college presidents and asked them to investigate whether performances are planned.  Cardinal Newman Society post changes to the list as new information becomes available.  Please notify Cardinal Newman Society at info@cardinalnewmansociety.org of any updates.

Details of each planned production, including the names of “Monologues” organizers, are posted at www.vday.org.  On the V-Action page, click on “find a v-event near you”, then go to the link to search for planned events. 

Planned “Vagina Monologues” Sites  
Source: V-Day organization as of 1/19/04.

Bellarmine University (KY)
Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, President
2001 Newburg Rd., Louisville, KY 40205
Phone: (502) 452-8000
E-mail: jmcgowan@bellarmine.edu

Boston College (MA)
Rev. William Leahy, S.J., President
18 Old Colony Rd., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Phone: (502) 452-8000
E-Mail: William.leahy.1@bc.edu

Carlow College (PA)
Sr. Grace Ann Geibel, RSM, President
3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 578-6123

Carroll College (MT)
Dr. Thomas J. Trebon, President
1601 N. Benton Ave., Helena, MT 59625
Phone: (800) 992-3648 x4401

Catholic University of America (DC)

Student "organizer" confirms that plans were canceled;  president says "Vagina Monologues" not welcome at CUA.

College of the Holy Cross (MA)
Rev. Michael McFarland, S.J., President
1 College St., Worcester, MA 01610
Phone: (508) 793-2011
E-mail: mmcfarla@holycross.edu 

College of St. Rose (NY)
Dr. R. Mark Sullivan, President
432 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203
Phone: (518) 454-5121

College of Santa Fe (NM)
Dr. Linda N. Hanson, President
1600 St. Michael’s Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 473-6234
E-mail: president@csf.edu 

DePaul University (IL) – Main Campus (Chicago) & Barat Campus (Lake Forest)
Rev. John P. Minogue, C.M., President
1 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 362-8000
E-mail: jminogue@shrike.depaul.edu

Dominican University (CA)
Dr. Joseph R. Fink, President
50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: (415) 485-3200
E-mail: jrf@dominican.edu

Edgewood College (WI)
Dr. James A. Ebben, President
1000 Edgewood College Dr., Madison, WI 53711
Phone: (608) 663-2262
E-mail: ebben@edgewood.edu

Emmanuel College (MA)
Sr. Janet Eisner, SND, President
400 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 735-9825

Fordham University (NY) - Lincoln Center Campus & Rose Hill Campus
Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., President
441 E. Fordham Rd., Bronx, NY 10458
Phone: (718) 817-3000
E-mail (c/o executive secretary): lmccormick@fordham.edu

Georgetown University (DC) – Main Campus & Law Center
Dr. John DeGioia, President
37^th & O Sts. NW, Washington, DC 20057
Phone: (202) 687-4134
E-mail: president@georgetown.edu

Holy Names College (CA)
Sr. Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, President
3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland, CA 94619
Phone: (510) 436-1000

John Carroll University (OH)
Rev. Edward Glynn, S.J., President
20700 N. Park Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118
Phone: (216) 397-1886
E-mail: eglynn@jcu.edu

Loyola College (MD)
Rev. Harold Ridley, S.J., President
4501 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21210
Phone: (410) 617-2201
E-mail: vweller@loyola.edu

Loyola Marymount University (CA)
Rev. Robert B. Lawton, S.J., President
1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: (310) 338-2775
E-mail: rlawton@lmu.edu

Loyola University of Chicago (IL) – Stritch School of Medicine (Chicago), Rome Center (Italy)
Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., President
Phone: (312) 915-6400
E-mail: mgaranz@luc.edu

Father Michael Garanzini, S.J., President has responded to a protester: "The play, Vagina Monologues, is sponsored by several different departments and they use sections from it to introduce topics for reflection.  It obviously resonates with the experience of many women today.  Promoting homosexuality is not an aim of the play.  Besides, one IS homosexual or not, just as one is Caucasian or not.  No one is induced or talked into it."

Loyola University New Orleans (LA)
Rev. William J. Byron, S.J., Acting President
Box 9, 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: (504) 865-3847
E-mail: ramagos@loyno.edu

Marymount Manhattan College (NY)
Dr. Judson R. Shaver, President
221 E. 71^st St., New York, NY 10021
Phone: 517-0560
E-mail: jshaver@mmm.edu

Mount St. Mary’s College (CA)
Dr. Jacqueline Powers Doud, President
12001 Chalon Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 954-4011

Nazareth College (NY)
Dr. Robert A. Miller, President
4245 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: (585) 389-2000
E-mail: ramiller@naz.edu

Providence College (RI)
Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P., President
549 River Ave., Providence, RI 02918
Phone: (401) 865-1000

Regis College (MA)
Dr. Mary Jane England, President
208 College Hall, 235 Wellesley St., Weston, MA 02394
Phone: (781) 768-7120
E-mail (c/o secretary): phyllis.porrell@regiscollege.edu

Barbara Clancy, Director of Alumnae Relations, has responded to a protester: " The production of the play you are concerned about 'Vagina Monologues' is not Regis College sponsored.  Nor is it part of any program in the Theater Department.  A small group of students over the age of eighteen has independently chosen to produce a dramatic reading of this text."

St. Ambrose University (IA)
Dr. Edward Rogalski, President
518 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA 52803
Phone: (563) 333-6000

St. John Fisher College (NY)
Dr. Katherine E. Keough, President
3690 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: (585) 385-8010
E-mail: keough@sjfc.edu

St. John’s University (NY)
Rev. Donald J. Harrington, CM, President
Newman Hall, Rm. 318, Jamaica, NY 11439
Phone: (718) 990-6301
E-mail: pres@stjohns.edu

St. Joseph College (CT)
Dr. Winifred E. Coleman, President
1678 Asylum Ave., W. Hartford, CT 06117
Phone: (860) 232-4571
E-mail: wcoleman@sjc.edu

St. Joseph’s College (IN)

College ruled: "Vagina monologues would not be appropriate for our campus"; students confirm no planned production.

St. Louis University (MO)
Rev. Lawrence Biondi, S.J., President
221 North Grand Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 977-7777
E-mail: biondi@slu.edu

St. Mary’s College (CA)
Bro. Craig Joseph Franz, C.S.C., President
P.O. Box 3005, Moraga, CA 94575
Phone: (925) 631-4203
E-mail: cfranz@stmarys-ca.edu

St. Norbert College (WI)
Dr. William Hynes, President
100 Grant St., De Pere, WI 54115
Phone: (920) 403-3165
E-mail: whines@snc.edu

Seattle University (WA)
Rev. Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J., President
900 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 296-1891
E-mail: lesleyl@seattleu.edu

Seton Hill University (PA)
Dr. JoAnne Boyle, President
Seton Hill Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: (724) 838-4211
E-mail: boyle@setonhill.edu

Siena College (NY)
Rev. Kevin Mackin, OFM,  President
515 Loudon Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211
Phone: (518) 783-2300

Stonehill College (MA)
Rev. Mark T. Cregan, CSC, President
320 Washington St., Easton, MA 02357
Phone: (508) 565-1000
E-mail: presidentcregan@stonehill.edu

University of Dayton (OH)
Dr. Daniel J. Curran, President
300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469
Phone: (937) 229-1000
E-mail: daniel.curran@notes.udayton.edu

University of Detroit Mercy (MI)

Removed from V-Day website; reason unknown.

University of Notre Dame (IN)
Rev. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., President
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Phone: (574) 631-3903
E-mail: malloy.5@nd.edu

Nathan Hatch, Provost, has responded to a protester: "The performances are being co-sponsored by the Gender Studies Department and several other campus organizations.  As an offering by an academic department (Gender Studies) we respect their right to present this material."

University of Portland (OR)
Bro. Donald J. Strabowski, CSC, Acting President
5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, OR 97203
Phone: (503) 943-7105
E-mail: stabrows@up.edu

University of St. Francis (IL)
Dr. Michael Vinciguerra, President
500 Wilcox St., Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: (815) 740-3369
E-mail: mvinciguerra@stfrancis.edu

University of San Francisco (CA)
Rev. Stephen A. Privett, S.J., President
2130 Fulton St., San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 422-6762
E-mail: privet@usfca.edu

Wheeling Jesuit University (WV)
Rev. Joseph R. Hacala, S.J., President
316 Washington Ave., Wheeling, WV 26003
Phone: (304) 243-2233
E-mail: jhacala@wju.edu

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Text of 12/17/03 letter from Cardinal Newman Society
 to Catholic college presidents

  

MEMORANDUM

 TO:                 Presidents of U.S. Catholic Colleges & Universities

 FROM:           Patrick J. Reilly

                        President, Cardinal Newman Society

 DATE:            December 17, 2003

 RE:                 “Vagina Monologues” at Catholic Colleges

_________________________________________________________________

In each of the past few years, a number of Catholic colleges and universities have hosted and/or sponsored productions of the vulgar play, “Vagina Monologues”.  Last spring, 32 Catholic colleges hosted or sponsored the production, and planned performances were canceled at another 14 colleges.  In the spring of 2004, productions are reportedly planned in connection with at least 41 Catholic colleges and universities. 

The play is a collection of monologues by women describing their personal stories, replete with vulgarity, frequent use of “vagina” to represent women and femininity, and explicit discussions of sexuality and sexual encounters including lesbian activity and masturbation.  In one scene, a woman describes her seduction by a lesbian woman when she was 16 years old, declaring it her “salvation” and an important coming-of-age experience.  The older woman leads the girl into sex by serving her alcohol and abusing her authority as an elder.

Cardinal Newman Society sees no valid reason for these productions.  Although they are usually part of an effort to raise funds and bring attention to the problem of violence against women, the play itself does not contribute to a healthy image of women and could easily be substituted with a more appropriate event.  Only the most radical notion of academic freedom favors the alleged rights of students, faculty or staff to produce the play in contradiction to the Catholic mission and values of the college or university.  Even when presented with companion programs to discuss the play and give it some academic weight, the play itself is not an academic exercise and is a poor choice of entertainment.

As a Catholic, I am especially appalled and embarrassed that any Catholic institution would present this play in the wake of the priest sex-abuse scandals.  The scene declaring the lesbian rape of a girl her “salvation” is horrific and contrary to everything a Catholic college or university stands for.  By what logic is it appropriate to condemn the terrible actions of some priests, even while Catholic institutions glorify homosexual abuse of teenagers on the stage?  Whether the perpetrator is portrayed as a lesbian woman or a gay priest, it is equally disrespectful to the victims of abuse when this crime is declared “salvation”.

Below is the list of 41 Catholic colleges and universities where “Vagina Monologues” performances are planned, according to the sponsoring organization V-Day.  We are aware that there was at least one mistake in V-Day’s list last year, and a listing does not necessarily indicate whether college officials are aware of a planned performance and have given their formal approval.  On the other hand, last year several college presidents denied that productions were planned for their campuses, when in fact they were being organized by students and/or faculty.  Given the inability of many college presidents to accurately confirm or deny planned performances, the V-Day list is the most accurate information available in advance of the actual events.

If your institution is listed below, you can find details including the names of organizers at www.vday.org.  Please look into this, and notify me immediately of any changes to the list.

Whether or not your institution is listed below, Cardinal Newman Society urges you to be on alert for students or faculty who may be planning “Vagina Monologues” productions and immediately cancel them.  On-campus productions should not be allowed even when they are not formally approved or funded by the college or university administration, and off-campus performances that are sponsored by student clubs or that are otherwise identified with the college or university should also be canceled.  Please clearly explain that your college or university will not host or sponsor this play—with sponsorship meaning any use of a college’s or university’s funds, facilities, or name.  Organizers of such events should be denied opportunities to promote the play to students and faculty.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at (703) 367-0333 with any questions.  Thank you for considering these requests and for your leadership in Catholic higher education.  May God bless you!

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Sample letter to Catholic college presidents

Cardinal Newman Society encourages letters to the presidents of Catholic colleges and universities on V-Day’s list—whether by mail or e-mail—urging them to halt the planned productions.  Letters should be respectful, keeping in mind the possibility that the V-Day list may be incorrect or that presidents may not be aware of the productions on their own campuses.  For presidents’ contact information, click here.

A sample letter is below, to be copied verbatim or used as a model for your own letter.

Letters to the editor and op-ed articles in college and local newspapers are also very helpful.  Although secular media won’t appreciate your concerns about Catholic identity, they should be especially attentive to concerns about glorifying sexual abuse.  Contact reporters and encourage them to cover this travesty.

--------------------------------------------

Dear President:

It has come to my attention that the V-Day organization lists your college [university] as presenting the vulgar play, “Vagina Monologues”, in the coming weeks.

The play is a collection of monologues by women describing their personal stories, replete with vulgarity, frequent use of “vagina” to represent women and femininity, and explicit discussions of sexuality and sexual encounters including lesbian activity and masturbation.  In one scene, a woman describes her seduction by a lesbian woman when she was 16 years old, declaring it her “salvation” and an important coming-of-age experience.  The older woman leads the girl into sex by serving her alcohol and abusing her authority as an elder.

No Catholic college or university should be associated with “Monologues”.  It promotes an unhealthy image of women and is a poor choice of entertainment.  I am especially appalled that any Catholic institution would present this play—including the scene declaring the lesbian rape of a girl her “salvation”—in the wake of the priest sex-abuse scandals.

Please go to www.vday.org to find V-Day’s report of your college [university] presentation, including the names of organizers.  Please look into this, and if the V-Day listing is accurate, please cancel any planned production.

I urge you to stop any on-campus production, even if it is not formally approved or funded by your administration, and any off-campus performance that is sponsored by a student club or that is otherwise identified with the your institution.  Please clearly explain to students that your institution will not host or sponsor this play—with sponsorship meaning any use of the institution’s funds, facilities, or name.  Organizers of such events should be denied opportunities to promote the play to students and faculty.

Please respond to me as soon as possible with updated information on this situation.  Thank you for sharing my concern about this play and for your leadership in Catholic higher education!

Sincerely yours,  

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Last modified on 01/19/2004

© Cardinal Newman Society
10562 Associates Court, Manassas, VA 20109
Tel (703) 367-0333 / Fax (703) 396-8668

 

[Diago]

Is it time to simply accept this as a Catholic school tradition or should we continue to fight?

I like this:

CNS is urging concerned Catholics to contact each of the college presidents and ask them to confirm that productions are planned and then put a stop to them. Faculty and students also are urged to help Cardinal Newman Society’s “Reclaim Saint Valentine’s Day Campaign”, in partnership with LoveMatters.com and the Human Life Alliance of Minnesota, by flooding Catholic campuses with student-oriented publications promoting chastity and respect for human life.

[Diago]

Is it time to simply accept this as a Catholic school tradition or should we continue to fight?

I like this:

CNS is urging concerned Catholics to contact each of the college presidents and ask them to confirm that productions are planned and then put a stop to them. Faculty and students also are urged to help Cardinal Newman Society’s “Reclaim Saint Valentine’s Day Campaign”, in partnership with LoveMatters.com and the Human Life Alliance of Minnesota, by flooding Catholic campuses with student-oriented publications promoting chastity and respect for human life.

[american colleen]

bump! Thanks for the info.

[RunningJoke]

In the 1960s and 1970s, many Catholic colleges thinned out their religious identity to the vanishing point, claiming they had to do so to get government money. Over the past decade Pope John Paul II and, to some extent, the U.S. bishops, have prodded the schools to reverse course, with limited results.

Grove City College, a small, well-regarded Christian liberal-arts institution north of Pittsburgh, is one of the very few schools in American higher education deliberately to have turned its back on federal money.

Why yes, Viginia there are strings attached to that money.

[Unam Sanctam]

God bless the Cardinal Newman Society and shame on these "Catholic" institutions for promoting obscenity.

[Coleus]

For Catholics and Non-Catholics alike, this garbage should be on NO campus.

CNS is urging concerned Catholics to contact each of the college presidents and ask them to confirm that productions are planned and then put a stop to them. Faculty and students also are urged to help Cardinal Newman Society’s “Reclaim Saint Valentine’s Day Campaign”, in partnership with LoveMatters.com and the Human Life Alliance of Minnesota, by flooding Catholic campuses with student-oriented publications promoting chastity and respect for human life.

jmcgowan@bellarmine.edu; William.leahy.1@bc.edu;
mmcfarla@holycross.edu; president@csf.edu;
jminogue@shrike.depaul.edu; jrf@dominican.edu;
ebben@edgewood.edu; lmccormick@fordham.edu;
president@georgetown.edu; eglynn@jcu.edu;
vweller@loyola.edu;rlawton@lmu.edu; mgaranz@luc.edu;
ramagos@loyno.edu; jshaver@mmm.edu; ramiller@naz.edu;
phyllis.porrell@regiscollege.edu; keough@sjfc.edu;
pres@stjohns.edu; wcoleman@sjc.edu; biondi@slu.edu;
cfranz@stmarys-ca.edu; whines@snc.edu; lesleyl@seattleu.edu;
boyle@setonhill.edu; presidentcregan@stonehill.edu;
daniel.curran@notes.udayton.edu; malloy.5@nd.edu;
stabrows@up.edu;mvinciguerra@stfrancis.edu;
privet@usfca.edu; jhacala@wju.edu

[Coleus]

 

Ex Corde Ecclesiae
APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION
OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF
JOHN PAUL II
ON CATHOLIC UNIVERSITIES

 

 

Ex Corde Ecclesiae
The Application to the United States

[cpforlife.org]

‘Monologues’ Planned at 41 Catholic Colleges

I don't know how much more of "this" I can take.

[doug from upland]

Next year's play at the Catholic Colleges: MALE AROUSAL ANECDOTES.

[Diago]

Let's see how many blogs we can get to cover this. Amy Welborn is first in line. Let me if you find any others.

"It's that time of year again"

http://amywelborn.typepad.com/openbook/2004/01/its_that_time_o.html

[Diago]

How about some coverage for this campaign!

[Salvation]

Looks like we have a lot of FReeping to do! Action Alert Ping!

Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Action Alert Ping list.

[workerbee]

Did you catch this quote from Fr. Garanzini @ Loyola (Chicago):

"The play, Vagina Monologues, is sponsored by several different departments and they use sections from it to introduce topics for reflection. It obviously resonates with the experience of many women today. Promoting homosexuality is not an aim of the play. Besides, one IS homosexual or not, just as one is Caucasian or not. No one is induced or talked into it."

He must be in line for bishop.

[kstewskis]

God bless the Cardinal Newman Society and shame on these "Catholic" institutions for promoting obscenity.

Shame on my alma mater, Mount St. Mary's in Los Angeles for showing this tripe. They will hear from me, adding this to the many reasons why they never see one DIME of my alumni dollars.

[Bigg Red]

Thanks for the ping.
I sent an e-mail to the Loyola College in Maryland.

[Salvation]

Thanks, Bigg Red!

[narses]

"V" Day is coming, what will YOU do?

[Maeve]

FReeping BUMP

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[AnimalLover]

Bump

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

Perhaps it should rain eggs on those campuses.

It might come as a shock to some of these crude slimeballs if more people showed up to protest. Any Catholic educators who would permit such outrages as these ridiculous V-Day dreck events really must be completely insane. They should be removed and replaced with real Catholics. Bishops need to get involved. The rights of the faithful MUST be defended on consecrated ground even if the violators have to be removed physically from the campuses.

[Aquinasfan]

Looks like the usual suspects.

More evidence that Catholic University of America is turning around.

[RunningJoke]

I actually graduated from one of these listed colleges. It is interesting that, I was berated by a Christian Brother for swearing, during a hallway conversation he overheard. He told me that if I was to be successful in life, I would have to give up my vulgar ways. Although at the time I was angry at him, his advice did sink into my adolescent concrete head. Although on certain occasions, I will swear, I try to restrain myself.

I wonder what he thinks about this vulgarity which passes as culture.

We live in times where right is wrong and wrong is right or as Hesiod foresaw the day when Aidos (the goddess of shame) and Nemesis (the goddess who avenges offenses against shame) would forsake mankind "and bitter sorrow will be left for mortal man, and there will be no help against evil."

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

"...this vulgarity which passes as culture." 23 posted on 01/26/2004 5:40:25 AM PST by RunningJoke

Well...alas, some of these types are too ignorant and uncultivated to realize or understand the banality of their vulgarity and lack of taste. Outside of the protections of grace, monstrosities abound. It's the "good Catholics" in positions of authority who tolerate and condone this crap who have no excuse. They become apologists for Lucifer and his minions.

Lot of work out there to be done at restoring and re-civilizing Catholic higher education in the U.S.

[ventana]

My letter:

Dear College Presidents:

As leaders of institutions educating Catholic men and women, it is incumbent upon you to refrain from sponsoring, hosting, or in any way lending credibility to the production of this onerous bit of cultural bilge: the V_Monologues.

It is your job to aid in raising the cultural bar in a society where the crass and vulgar dominate. Indeed, it is a spiritual act of mercy to point your students the way to uplifting art; certainly, it would be sinful to provide a vehicle which would degrade any in your care.

Please, let us hear no more of such sponsoring blunders in this most abysmal of cultural times.

In His Name,

V's wife.

[lrslattery]

I posted it earlier today as well as a response I received from the Jesuit priest Mike May from St Louis University.

[Diago]

Great blog, Slatts!

http://slatts.blogspot.com

[Diago]

Another blogger is heard from here:

http://bettnet.dyndns.org/blog/comments.php?id=P2523_0_1_0

[Diago]

We got some pretty strong comments from three leading Catholic bloggers. Hopefully, more folks we join in. If you have a favotire Catholic blogger, perhaps you could encourage him to cover this important effort:

http://amywelborn.typepad.com/openbook/2004/01/its_that_time_o.html


http://slatts.blogspot.com/archives/2004_01_25_slatts_archive.html#107513419965208013


http://bettnet.dyndns.org/blog/comments.php?id=P2523_0_1_0

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

Dear Bishops:

Is the Catholic Church being infiltrated by anti-Catholic organizations?

The Catholic faithful should not be humiliated and degraded by these outrages. At some of these colleges it appears anti-Catholic and anti-Christian liberals and extremists are allowed to subject students and their families to disgusting displays inconsistent with the ideals of Catholic education. This is wrong. It is wrong for bishops and other leaders of the Church to sit back and allow Catholic students to be subjected to such absurd abuse.

Must we always be left to appeal to Rome when our leaders here in America fail to defend the Church from anti-Catholic extremism in our midst? The abuse of Catholic property at Roman Catholic institutions of learning must end. Live the call of Christ and defend our Church !!!

[Terriergal]

reportedly planned for 41 Catholic campuses

Unbelieveable!!!

[Coleus]

Here is a list of GOOD Catholic Universities and Colleges, If you know of any more please let me know so I can add them to the list.

Good Catholic Colleges Universities
- Assumption College
- Ave Maria College
- Campion College
- Christendom College
- The College of St. Thomas More
- Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Magdalen College
- Our Lady of Corpus Christi
- Thomas Aquinas College
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

[Diago]

Two more bloggers are heard from:


http://weblog.theviewfromthecore.com/2004_01/ind_003035.html

http://www.exceptionalmarriages.com/weblog/BlogDetail.asp?ID=12683

[Coleus]

how do find these blogs? I've seen some on the FR and that's about it.

[Diago]

Most Catholic blogs have a big list of links to other Catholic blogs. For instance, I usually go to:

http://bettnet.dyndns.org/blog/weblog.php?id=0

and scroll down about a quarter of the page. In the left hand margin there is a big list of Catholic blogs. I am not sure how widely read they are, but the folks who read them seem to be the activist types who are willing to freep pro-abortion heretics when necessary.

[pax_et_bonum]

sick ping

[3catsanadog]

In one scene, a woman describes her seduction by a lesbian woman when she was 16 years old, declaring it her “salvation” and an important coming-of-age experience. The older woman leads the girl into sex by serving her alcohol and abusing her authority as an elder

So I guess this means that the lesbian half of the gay movement is into rape and molestation. Yet they are allowed to come into our schools and seduce kids under the guise of tolerance and acceptance.

I can hardly wait to find out what we must accept and tolerate and yes, even celebrate (!) next.

[3catsanadog]

Prayers for Grove City College.

[3catsanadog]

Maybe "The NAMBLA Chronicles".

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[3catsanadog]

What's the difference between a blog and, for instance, Free Republics forums? (Or maybe FR is a blog?)

[ventana]

In reply to my email:

"I am sure you will be interested in knowing that St. John's University has never had a production of the Vagina Monologues scheduled nor has anyone here ever even requested that it be allowed. Had someone so requested, they would have received a negative reply.

The Cardinal Newman Society continues to publish inaccurate information and justify itself by publishing a disclaimer as to its accuracy. Responsible and dedicated Catholic institutions such as St. John's and Catholic University are then besieged by individuals who presume the Society would never publish an inaccurate list. Unfortunately, such false representations do not appear to be of concern to its sponsors. This is most troubling to me and I hope to you.

Again, this information is totally false and without basis."

Fr. Donald Harrington, C.M. President

Duly noted for the record.

V's wife.

[George from New England]

You probably would want to add Benedictine College in Atchison, KS.

http://www.benedictine.edu/

[Coleus]

Free Republic is a bulletin board where members sign up and are encouraged to post articles and respond to the articles and those who post comments.

A Blog is someone who uses it as a "personal" way for the public to see his views and opinions and does not have people register to post comments nor does elicit comments, some include e mail address for personal responses but nothing is made public.

[Coleus]

He's shifting the blame to the CNS and us.


I want to assure you that none of the dire and unchristian things you are worried might happen are heppening, at least not on this campus.

Yes, a few of the monologues are performed but not those that as sexually indiscrete. (You realize it is a colection of monologues and not a "play or story forom beginning to end?) The few pieces that are performed are about violence against women and protecting yourself. Then the students have a discussion about how women need to be courageous and yet charitable. I think you would actually be proud of the way young men and women discuss how to respect one another and not simply use one another for their own pleasure.

As a priest and educator I am not as worried about the use of pieces of this play, but more about the adults who dont want the kids to talk about these issues. They live in a world that takes the body for granted and abuses it and this play becomes a springboard for a healthy discussion of why that attitude has been disasterous for men and for women.

Frankly, I worry about the people that think stopping these
discussions will help anything but increase interest in what is in fact dirty and unholy.

I hope you will not believe the story being told by some that our Catholic colleges are hosting filth and encouraging promiscuous behavor. That is far from what is happening. I am copying Fr. Donal Godfrey in our campus ministry program so that he can be aware that some thing our students are being mislead. He will certainly be on the look-out for the kind of thing you are concenred about.

Sincerely,
Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.

Loyola University of Chicago (IL) – Stritch School of Medicine (Chicago), Rome Center (Italy)
Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., President
Phone: (312) 915-6400
E-mail: mgaranz@luc.edu

[Arthur McGowan]

Wheeling Jesuit University, formerly known as Wheeling Jesuit College, and Wheeling College, now has a tradition of honoring baby-killers. Wheeling invited baby-killer Janet Reno to be Commencement Speaker in 2000. The Commencement Speaker in 2002 was Governor Wise of West Virginia, who had vetoed a state Birth-Canal-Brain-Suctioning Ban. Pro-lifers stood peacefully outside the gates of the campus, while the Jesuits and other faculty expressed their approval of abortion by fawning over the pro-abortion guests.

[ventana]

Thanks! seamole. I e-mailed the President, Father Harrington, with this link. Eternal vigilence is necessary these days. Much appreciated. V's wife.

[ventana]

Ahh, the time honored ends-justifies-the-means argument. Father should no better. Associating in this way with a scandalous play, whether it has been edited or not, is still associating with an entity which in and of itself is scandalous and thus it is disqualified. V's wife.

[lrslattery]

Diago:

Thanks! It helps me practice virtues, like patience.