By Kathleen Gilbert

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, April 3, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Undeterred by the Notre Dame scandal, another Catholic University has invited a pro-abortion celebrity to address the school and receive an honorary degree at this year’s graduation ceremony.

St Joseph’s University of Philadelphia announced in March that political commentator Chris Matthews, a vocal proponent of abortion, is due to offer the commencement address and receive an honorary doctorate in communications at the 2009 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16.

Despite his avowed identity as a Roman Catholic, Matthews is known for his strong support of legalized abortion.

Matthews recently sparked criticism on the March 2 edition of his program, MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” for a statement comparing pro-life advocates to terrorists.

Referring to the Senate confirmation of Kathleen Sebelius, President Obama’s radically pro-abortion pick to head the Dept. of Health and Human Services, Matthews asked Lois Romano of the Washington Post, “Is she gonna get through the terrorism of the anti-abortion people?”

Matthews went on to complain about the possibility that Sebelius’ connections to notorious late-term abortionist George Tiller could slow up the Senate proceedings.

In 2003, when Matthews was honored at commencement ceremonies at both Holy Cross College of Massachusetts and the University of Scranton, the bishops of both Catholic schools – Worcester Bishop Daniel P. Reilly and Scranton Bishop James Timlin – boycotted the ceremonies.

The office of Philadelphia’s Cardinal Rigali, who heads the pro-life arm of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, did not have immediate comment.

St. Joseph’s University did not immediately return calls from LifeSiteNews.com seeking comment.

To contact St. Joseph’s University:
Timothy R. Lannon, S.J.
Office of the President
Saint Joseph’s University
5600 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395
[email protected]
University operator: 610-660-1000