‘Editorial’ Archives
Escaping the clutches of the culture of comfort
We live in a culture of comfort. The way some go on about it, “comfortable” is a state of being that should be strived for, like a plushy nirvana. Anything that helps us achieve this end, whether it is the clothes we wear or the collective experiences and viewpoints to which we confine ourselves, is worthy of praise and distinguished status. We’ve even developed an entire category of [...]
Vocation, identity, and the pursuit of happiness
What is a vocation? In many Catholic circles, the term "vocation" generally refers to a calling to the priesthood or consecrated life. As a chair of this year's upcoming Edith Stein Project, a student-organized conference that will explore the concept of vocation, I would argue that the notion of personal vocation is a richer, more compelling idea than this narrow usage - and ultimately more [...]
Defending the Spirit of Inclusion
With Solidarity Sunday two weeks behind us, we might ask, “As a Catholic university, how can we love the homosexual members of our community with the same love that Christ taught us? Is the Spirit of Inclusion statement enough of a response to homosexuality at Notre Dame?” The Spirit of Inclusion statement is one of welcome; it is a universal invitation to become part of the Notre Dame [...]
Thanksgiving, without the pumpkin pie
In the spirit of Kathleen Kelly, one of the charming characters in You’ve Got Mail, I’d like to begin this reflection on the grateful student as if we were in the middle of conversation. In fact, I am in the midst of conversation with a number of you who are reading this. For some, as with my family, our conversation has been nearly a lifelong exchange, and, for others, it has begun more [...]
Great Books at Notre Dame: How Catholic is PLS?
I chose PLS for its uniquely Catholic label. Though I deeply love PLS for its close-knit community and intellectual life, I have been surprised by the number of times I’ve heard students ask, “Why do we read this Catholic text?” or “Why don’t we read some other great book instead of this Catholic one?” or “Why do we listen to so much Catholic liturgical music in our music [...]
On Learning to Love Rightly
Ponder with me the following three scenarios, based on real life events. Scene one: You’re at a luxurious media retreat on the university’s dollar, lounging in your armchairs after a sumptuous square meal, and ready to humor the “diversity” training segment. The moderator poses the question, “Where do we, as a Catholic institution, draw the line on rap music? Though the beat may [...]
Reclaiming Conscience
A preliminary note: This editorial is intended as a reflective response to Judge Michael McConnell’s recent lecture at Notre Dame about John F. Kennedy’s 1960 “Address to the Houston Ministerial Administration.” With an eye to the upcoming midterm elections, the focus of this piece is not McConnell’s lecture, but rather the meaning of conscience for today’s Catholic politicians, an [...]
Independent Journalism at Notre Dame: The Telos of The Irish Rover
I am beginning the year as Editor-in-Chief of The Irish Rover with a return to first principles. As a sign of The Rover’s commitment to honest journalism, I wish to reaffirm our mission while inviting open discussion between campus publications at Notre Dame. The Irish Rover was founded with three objectives in mind: 1. Defend the Faith and honorable traditions of this great [...]
The Need for “Consistency”
Nearly a year has passed since pro-life activists protesting President Obama were arrested on Commencement Day last spring. Every member of the group, known as the ND88, currently faces prosecution from the University for trespassing. Pro-lifers outside the Notre Dame community have expressed anger toward the administration for pressing charges. Others have argued that “the principle of the [...]