In light of Mary Ann Glendon's wise decision to turn down Notre Dame's Laetare Medal and Fr. Jenkins' curt response, indicating that the search for a new recipient has already begun, I think it's appropriate to ask whether or not there is any meaning to the award anymore. The Laetare Medal is frequently touted as one of the most prestigious Catholic recognitions in the nation and, yet, the increasingly isolated Fr. Jenkins has made it clear through his actions that his priorities and concerns reside decidedly outside the boundaries of the teachings of the Catholic Church and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. So what significance does a medal carry if, in the final analysis, those awarding it opt to discard the values and principles traditionally associated with that same recognition? Until Notre Dame rectifies this snafu, which it has brought upon itself, I think it's fair to say that the Laetare Medal is a hollow, fatuous, hypocritical prize. A blue ribbon at a county fair talent show carries far more worth as far as I'm concerned.
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