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| The feast of St. Valentine has become a stage for feminists on 30 American Catholic Universities to attack the Church's traditional moral teaching. |
Feminists on thirty American Catholic universities are planning a new St. Valentine's Day "Massacre," where the Church's traditional moral teaching is the victim, by organizing showings of the lewd play, "The V***** Monologues" in the weeks surrounding St. Valentine's Day. (Asterisks added for the sake of modesty).
The choice of St. Valentine's Day is particularly offensive, since it is a feast day of the Church instituted to honor three martyrs who died to defend the Faith.
According to the Cardinal Newman Society's website (www.cardinalnewmansociety.org), the play is a conglomeration of vulgarities, obscenities and explicit discussions of sexuality and sexual encounters including lesbian activity and masturbation.
Their description continues: "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."
CLICK HERE TO SIGN YOUR PROTEST CARD
"I cannot imagine an immoral play like this being shown at one Catholic university, let alone thirty of them," said TFP Student Action director John Ritchie. "It's very indicative of the times in which we live!"
Bishop John M. D'Arcy issued a statement regarding this scandal: "Freedom in the academy is always subject to a particular discipline. It is never an absolute… Freedom in the Catholic tradition is not the right to do this rather than that. That would be an entirely superficial idea of freedom… Freedom is the capacity to choose the good."
(www.diocesefwsb.org/communications/monologues.htm)
Now, TFP Student Action web site readers can SEND A PROTEST LETTER to the presidents of all 30 Catholic universities. Everyone needs to be concerned.
After being forced to see the play as part of a class, Christopher, a Catholic student from Massachusetts wrote:
…it was a horrible exhibit of vice, lust, and infidelity. Everything about the play - the content, the performers, the atmosphere - was decidedly opposed to just about everything the Church teaches, whether it be about sexuality, abortion, contraception, holy matrimony, modesty, chastity, vulgarity, humility, reverence, you name it…
Please defend Catholic morality and support students like Christopher.
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Click here to send an instant protest e-mail to the presidents of all 30 Catholic colleges that are planning to show this play around St. Valentine’s Day. |
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Pray and sacrifice in reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the immorality of our days. |
Note: We are grateful to Mr. Patrick Reilly, president of the Cardinal Newman Society, for his efforts to stop this play on Catholic campuses. He kindly provided TFP Student Action with a list of campuses where "The V***** Monologues" is scheduled and of his organization's efforts to have the play banned. The list below was compiled by the Cardinal Newman Society and will be updated as the protest develops, using the information CNS places on their web site:
1. Bellarmine University (KY)
Dr. Joseph J. McGowan, President
2001 Newburg Rd., Louisville, KY 40205
Phone: (502) 452-8000
Fax: (502) 452-8033
E-mail: jmcgowan@bellarmine.edu
According to V-Day, campus performances will be on February 17, 18 & 19. President McGowan has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
2. Boston College (MA)
Rev. William Leahy, S.J., President
18 Old Colony Rd., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Phone: (617) 552-8000
Fax: (617) 552-4812
E-Mail: William.leahy.1@bc.edu
Listed by V-Day, but no details yet available. President Father Leahy has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
3. Carlow College (PA)
Sr. Grace Ann Geibel, RSM, President
3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 578-6123
Fax: (412) 578-6358
E-mail: geibelga@carlow.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports a performance on campus on February 17, sponsored by FEMME, a student club. After President Sister Geibel denied to Cardinal Newman Society (1/28/05) that "as of this date there are no definitive plans concerning this production," the student organizer, Amanda Fritz, confirmed (1/31/05) that the campus performance on February 17. When asked for clarification, Sister Geibel responded on 2/4/05 by providing a statement she had issued one day prior to her earlier communication (1/27/05), explaining why she had granted students permission to perform the Monologues on campus. In her statement, Sister Geibel agrees that "significant portions" of the Monologues "fly in the face of the beliefs, doctrines and spiritual ideals of the Catholic Church." Yet Geibel argues for "academic freedom" and the right of students to perform the play in a small campus facility without official sponsorship or endorsement by the University.
4. College of Mount Saint Vincent (NY)
Charles Flynn, Jr., President
6301 Riverdale Ave., Riverdale, NY 10471
Phone: (718) 405- 3233
Fax: (718) 549-2603
E-mail: charles.flynn@mountsaintvincent.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on campus on February 11, 12 & 14. The organizer, Brittany Pierce, has confirmed (1/27/05) the campus performances on those dates. President Flynn has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
5. College of Saint Benedict (MN)
Dr. MaryAnn Baenninger, President
37 S. College Ave., St. Joseph, MN 46374
Phone: (320) 363-5505
Fax: (320) 363-6091
Listed by V-Day, which reports a performance on campus on February 11. On the College's website, we find information about a "Women's Lives Series" of events including a "V***** Monologues Reading Group"-which appears to be sponsored by the Gender and Women's Studies program. The reading group is organized by Johanna Hatch, who is also identified by V-Day as the organizer of The V***** Monologues on February 11. The Women's Lives events calendar mentions a V***** Monologues "reading" on February 11. President Baenninger has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
6. College of St. Rose (NY)
Dr. R. Mark Sullivan, President
432 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203
Phone: (518) 454-5121
Fax: (518) 454-2080
Listed by V-Day, but no details yet available. President Sullivan has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
7. College of St. Scholastica (MN)
Dr. Larry Goodwin, President
1200 Kenwood Ave., Duluth, MN 55811
Phone: (218) 723-6035
Fax: (218) 723-6278
E-mail: lgoodwin@css.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on February 8 & 16. The organizer, Allison Ehlert, responded (1/27/05) to an e-mail query without providing details of the performance(s), noting that the College has restricted attendance to students only. President Goodwin has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
8. College of the Holy Cross (MA)
Rev. Michael McFarland, S.J., President
1 College St., Worcester, MA 01610
Phone: (508) 793-2011
Fax: (508) 793-2347
E-mail: mmcfarla@holycross.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on campus on February 15 & 16, sponsored by the Holy Cross Women's Forum. President Father McFarland has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
9. DePaul University (IL)
Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., President
55 E. Jackson Blvd., 22nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: (312) 362-8890
Fax: (312) 362-6822
E-mail: dholtsch@depaul.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on campus on February 19 & 20, with details on purchasing tickets. The V-Day site mentions related events, including a "Stitch and B****" knitting circle and "a class based on women's pelvic health" provided by "a women's nonprofit health organization." The event is announced on the University website by the student club Spectrum. President Father Holtschneider has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
10. Dominican University of California (CA)
Dr. Joseph R. Fink, President
50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: (415) 485-3200
Fax: (415) 485-0483
E-mail: jrf@dominican.edu
Listed by V-Day, but no details are yet available. President Fink has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
11. Fordham University (NY) - Lincoln Center Campus
Fordham University (NY) - Rose Hill Campus
Fordham University (NY) - Marymount College
Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., President
441 E. Fordham Rd., Bronx, NY 10458
Phone: (718) 817-3000
Fax: (718) 817-3005
E-mail (c/o executive secretary): lmccormick@fordham.edu
Lincoln Center Campus: Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on February 18 &19. The student newspaper, The Observer, has printed articles reporting that the Division of Student Affairs refused to allow the recognized student group ISIS to sponsor the performance, thus preventing the use of student activities funds, but has not prevented the performance from being held on campus under the sponsorship of "various academic departments." The College Council, a faculty body, and the United Student Government have passed resolutions critical of Student Affairs. President Father McShane has not responded to two requests for verification.
Rose Hill Campus: Listed by V-Day, but no details are yet available. On the University website, the Student Activities calendar includes a notice: "Spread the word... The V***** Monologues are coming," without further details. President Father McShane has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
Marymount College: Listed by V-Day, but no details are yet available. President Father McShane has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
12. Georgetown University (DC) - Main Campus
Georgetown University (DC) - Law Center
Dr. John DeGioia, President
37th & O Sts. NW, Washington, DC 20057
Phone: (202) 687-4134
E-mail: president@georgetown.edu
Main Campus: Listed by V-Day, but no details are yet available. On the University website, the constitution of the recognized student club Take Back the Night includes "performances of The V***** Monologues on February 14" as part of its mission. President DeGioia has not responded to two requests for verification.
Law Center: Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on campus on February 24 & 25. Co-director Samantha Kanner has confirmed (1/27/05) the campus performances on those dates and provided details on purchasing tickets. President DeGioia has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
13. John Carroll University (OH)
Rev. Edward Glynn, S.J., President
20700 N. Park Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118
Phone: (216) 397-4281
Fax: (216) 397-3089
E-mail: eglynn@jcu.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on campus on February 11, 12 & 13. President Father Glynn has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
14. Loyola University of Chicago (IL)
Rev. Michael Garanzini, S.J., President
820 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-2196
Phone: (312) 915-6700
Fax: (312) 915-6414
E-mail: mgaranz@luc.edu
Listed by V-Day, but no details are yet available. President Father Garanzini has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
15. Loyola University of New Orleans (LA)
Rev. Kevin W. Wildes, S.J., President
6363 St. Charles Ave., Campus Box 009, New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: (504) 865-3847
Fax: (504) 865-3851
Listed by V-Day, but no details are yet available. On the University's website, the Women's Issues Organization reports that it "hopes to stage The V***** Monologues in the spring." President Father Wildes has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
16. Marymount Manhattan College (NY)
Dr. Judson R. Shaver, President
221 E. 71st St., New York, NY 10021
Phone: (212) 517-0560
Fax: (212) 517-0567
E-mail: jshaver@mmm.edu
Listed by V-Day, but no details are yet available. On the College's website, the Health Services "Wellness" calendar includes "V***** Week (V***** Monologues)" in February. (It also includes "National [Prophylactics] Day & Safe Love/Sexual Responsibility Week" in February and "National Coming Out Day" in October.) President Father Lawton has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
17. Providence College (RI)
Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P., President
549 River Ave., Providence, RI 02918
Phone: (401) 865-1000
Fax: (401) 865-1205
E-mail: emyers@providence.edu
Listed by V-Day, but no details are yet available. On the College's website, the Women's Studies events calendar announces The V***** Monologues on February 16 & 17. President Father Smith has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
18. Regis College (MA)
Dr. Mary Jane England, President
235 Wellesley St., Weston, MA 02493
Phone: (781) 768-7122
Fax: (781) 768-7016
E-mail: England@regiscollege.edu
Listed by V-Day, but no details are yet available. Mary Jane Daugherty, Special Assistant to the President, responded to Cardinal Newman Society (2/2/05) on behalf of President Dr. Mary Jane England and confirmed that a student-organized on-campus performance is planned this year.
19. Saint Francis University (PA)
Rev. Gabriel Zeis, TOR, President
P.O. Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940
Phone: (814) 472-3001
Fax: (814) 472-3335
E-mail: psoplinski@francis.edu (secretary)
Listed by V-Day, but details are not yet available. President Father Zeis has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
20. Saint John Fisher College (NY)
Dr. Donald E. Bain, Interim President
3690 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: (585) 385-8010
Fax: (585) 385-8289
Listed by V-Day, but details are not yet available. President Bain has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
21. Saint Louis University (MO)
Rev. Lawrence Biondi, S.J., President
221 North Grand Blvd., Saint Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 977-7777
Fax: (314) 977-7105
E-mail: biondi@slu.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on campus on February 11, 12 & 13, sponsored by the School of Social Service, Center for Social Justice and Una, a student organization. On the university's website, Una has announced the performances. The event organizer, Laura Hills, has confirmed (1/27/05) the performances on campus on those dates and provided instructions for purchasing tickets. Dr. Susan Tebb, Dean of the School of Social Service, responded (1/12/05) to Cardinal Newman Society on behalf of Rev. Lawrence Biondi, S.J., President, with a defense of the play: "In an academic university it is important to support events that promote discussion and understanding. It is our hope that all student events will facilitate active dialogue...", and so on.
22. Saint Mary's College (IN)
Carol Ann Mooney, President
St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN 46556
Phone: (574) 284-4602
Fax: (574) 284-4800
The College is NOT listed by V-Day. On February 26 & 27, in lieu of the usual performance of The V***** Monologues, faculty and students will be presenting "a new adaptation called SMC Monologues," in which the actresses will present their own stories and reflections similar to The V***** Monologues. (Source: The Observer student newspaper.) Details on the content are not yet available, but The Observer suggests something at least as shocking as the original. President Mooney has not responded to a request for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
23. Saint Mary's College of California (CA)
Bro. Ronald Gallagher, F.S.C., President
P.O. Box 3005, Moraga, CA 94575
Phone: (925) 631-4203
Fax: (925) 376-2150
E-mail: rgallagh@stmarys-ca.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on campus on February 11, with the Women's Resource Center as the contact for information. Tickets are being sold. The event organizer, Ella Moreno, confirmed (1/28/05) the performances on February 11 and provided a marketing flyer. President Brother Gallagher has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
24. Saint Xavier University (IL)
Dr. Judith Dwyer, President
Warde Academic Center, Rm A225
3700 West 103rd St., Chicago, IL 60655
Phone: (773) 298-3309
Fax: (773) 779-4763
E-mail: jadwyer@sxu.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports one performance on campus on February 14, sponsored by the Department of Women and Gender Studies. Tickets are being sold. The event organizer, Colleen Sullivan, has confirmed (1/27/05) the date and time. President Dwyer has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
25. Seattle University (WA)
Rev. Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J., President
900 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 296-1891
Fax: (206) 296-6200
E-mail: lesleyl@seattleu.edu
Listed by V-Day, but details are not yet available. President Father Sundborg has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
26. Stonehill College (MA)
Rev. Mark T. Cregan, CSC, President
320 Washington St., Easton, MA 02357
Phone: (508) 565-1000
Fax: (508) 565-1658
E-mail: presidentcregan@stonehill.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on campus on February 23 & 24, described as "student-organized." The V-Day announcement includes this disclaimer: "The administration of the College supports our efforts to raise awareness and support for victims of domestic violence; however, the use of the Monologues to affect [sic] this end is solely a student decision and is not endorsed by the administration of the College." President Father Cregan has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
27. University of Dayton (OH)
Dr. Daniel J. Curran, President
300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469
Phone: (937) 229-1000
Fax: (937) 229-3396
E-mail: daniel.curran@notes.udayton.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on February 11, 12 & 13. The V-Day announcement also notes that the play is part of a weeklong event called V-Week, including a student "poetry/expression session." Dr. Daniel Curran, President, responded (1/5/05) to Cardinal Newman Society with the assurance that the University is not "sponsoring" but allowing the student performance, that the students "edited out objectionable materials," and the University believes it "must respect all points-of-view." He also stated that the weeklong event will not be called "V-Week."
28. University of Detroit Mercy (MI)
Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., President
4001 W. McNichols Rd., P.O. Box 19900, Detroit, MI 48219
Phone: (313) 993-1455
Fax: (313) 993-1534
Listed by V-Day, which reports one performance on campus on February 14, sponsored by the Women's Studies and Theatre Programs. Tickets are being sold. On the University's website, the play is announced by a University News posting, Student Life and the College of Engineering and Science. President Father Stockhausen has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
29. University of Notre Dame (IN)
Rev. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., President
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Phone: (574) 631-3903
Fax: (574) 631-7428
E-mail: malloy.5@nd.edu
Listed by V-Day, which reports performances on campus on February 16, 17 & 18, sponsored by the Department of English, Department of Film Television and Theatre, and Program in Gender Studies. President Father Malloy has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.
30. University of San Francisco (CA)
Rev. Stephen A. Privett, S.J., President
2130 Fulton St., San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 422-6762
Fax: (415) 422-2303
E-mail: privet@usfca.edu
Listed by V-Day, but details are not yet available. President Father Privett has not responded to two requests for verification sent by the Cardinal Newman Society.