News

By Gudrun Schultz

HOLYOKE, Massachusetts, March 3, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell, of Springfield Diocese, has said he will not present an award for distinguished achievement to a recipient who is pro-abortion.

In long-standing tradition, Bishop McDonnell presents an annual award, on behalf of the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, to honor someone of Irish descent for distinguished achievement.

This year, the John F. Kennedy Award will be presented to a recipient who is pro-abortion, and the Bishop has expressed his objection.

Thomas J. Ridge was selected by the Committee to receive the award on the basis of his work as the first chief of homeland security. Mr. Ridge, who served six years as governor of Pennsylvania, became chief of homeland security in 2001, and served as the first secretary of homeland security when it became a Cabinet position in 2003.

Bishop McDonnell learned of Mr. Ridge’s selection for the award after the announcement was made in January, said Mark E. Dupont, spokesman for the Springfield Diocese.

“The bishop is aware he is pro-abortion and he has expressed his thoughts on the matter to the appropriate channels in the parade committee,” Dupont said to the Republican.