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Massachusetts Bishop to Boycott Graduation at Jesuit College

Boston, May. 22 (CWNews.com/LifeSiteNews.com) - Bishop Daniel Reilly of Worcester, Massachusetts, has pulled out of a scheduled appearance at graduation ceremonies for Holy Cross College, because the Jesuit-run school is honouring a proponent of legal abortion.

Bishop Reilly announced on Wednesday, May 21, that he will not attend the commencement exercises at Holy Cross on May 23. The main speaker at that event will be Chris Matthews, a political commentator who supports abortion.

The bishop explained his withdrawal in a public statement. ''I cannot let my presence imply support for anything less than the protection of all life at all its stages." He added that he would absent himself from the ceremonies at Holy Cross-- the largest Catholic university in his diocese-- "with a heavy heart." But Bishop Reilly stressed that he was "not questioning the fidelity of the College of the Holy Cross to its mission as a Catholic college or its dedication to the mission of the Catholic Church."

Bishop Reilly made his decision to withdraw after Holy Cross alumni had mounted an energetic protest campaign against the selection of Matthews as commencement speaker.

Rev. Michael McFarland, the president of Holy Cross, defended the choice, making the implausible argument that Matthews' support for legal abortion "is arguable within Catholic thought." In reaction to the announcement that Bishop Reilly was boycotting the commencement ceremonies, a spokesman for the school said, "We are proud of our alumnus Chris Matthews."

Catholic World News commented that it is good that the bishop has withdrawn from the graduation ceremonies because the college is honouring Chris Matthews. "So far, so good." says CWN, "But the bishop emphasizes that he does not doubt the commitment of Holy Cross to Catholic education. Huh? If they're committed to the Church, why do they honour an abortion advocate?"
http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/holy05222003.htm

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