Thursday, May 21, 2009
It should come as no surprise that press coverage of President Barack Obama’s commencement address to the graduating class at Notre Dame University, the foremost Catholic institution of higher learning in America, focused on the controversy surrounding the differences between his and the church’s position on abortion.
For weeks leading up to Sunday’s ceremonies in South Bend, those opposed to abortion and those who believe in a woman’s right to choose clashed in the pages of newspapers, on television and radio and even at the university. Tensions were heightened by the fact that Notre Dame had decided to give Obama an honorary degree, which many Catholics found objectionable because he is pro-choice. The church’s teachings on the sanctity of life served as the backdrop for the debate.
The president, well aware of the buzz generated by his invitation and the honorary degree, could easily have chosen to stay away. But that isn’t who he is. All through last year’s presidential campaign and in the first 100 days of his administration, Obama has shown a willingness to take on the tough issues of the day and to keep the lines of communications open with those who have differing points of view.
Indeed, the 12,000 or so students, parents, faculty, staff and members of the administration, led by the Rev. John Jenkins, the university’s president, were generous in expressing their appreciation for Obama’s attendance, his willingness to deal with the abortion issue head-on, and his thoughtful and inspiring comments about the challenges and opportunities that await the new graduates.
Service
One of the main themes of his address was the call to service, an appropriate topic given the long-standing tradition at Notre Dame. As the president noted, upward of 80 percent of the university’s students have volunteered at schools and hospitals, international relief agencies and local charities.
“That is incredibly impressive, and a powerful testament to this institution,” Obama said. “Now you must carry the tradition forward. Make it a way of life. Because when you serve, it doesn’t just improve your community, it makes you a part of your community. It breaks down walls. It fosters cooperation. And when that happens — when people set aside their differences to work in common effort toward a common good; when they struggle together, and sacrifice together, and learn from one another — all things are possible.”
It is this poignant message — as well as the president’s challenge to all Americans to find a way to live together as one human family — that made his appearance at Notre Dame so memorable. While it is true that the abortion issue is what most Americans will associate with the commencement address, we have no doubt that the graduates who were fortunate to have the president in their midst will be inspired by his call to service and his challenge to all Americans to find common ground and live as one.
The president pointed out that the major threats we face in the 21st century, whether global recession or violent extremism, the spread of nuclear weapons or pandemic disease, do not discriminate.
“They do not recognize borders. They do not see color. They do not target specific ethnic groups.
“Moreover, no one person, or religion, or nation can meet these challenges alone. Our very survival has never required greater cooperation and understanding among all people from all places than at this moment in history.”
A message for us all.