This decision by Notre Dame to associate itself with someone of Peter Buttigieg’s background is however completely predicable as it continues the “Hesburghian” legacy of rationalization of abortion as OK – in direct contradiction to Catholic belief and teachings. It follows directly along the path set in motion by Father Theodor Hesburgh, former Notre Dame President, who underhandedly supported abortion through his John D. Rockefeller and Governor Mario Cuomo connections, and then through to Father John Jenkin’s (Notre Dame’s current President) gratuitous awards of the University’s highest honors to former President Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden, both strong advocates of unfettered abortion.
One cannot imagine what Buttigieg could say or write that would have any validity or utility on the subject of Trust. This would be tantamount to expecting Satan to give a rational discourse on Methods to Avoid Sin. It is difficult to name another public persona who is less qualified to discuss Trust. He is not in trust of his own Christian education regarding teachings on abortion and same-sex marriage. Truth is the parent of Trust. To know Truth and understand Trust requires a close association with the embodiment and source of all Truth, Jesus Christ himself. This is an association which it would seem Buttigieg needs to further develop before he speaks about Trust. He is a hollow man seeking sanction for his untrustworthy and unCatholic life style by gaining an underserved affiliation with a Catholic university.
Father Jenkins offers this association free and without recompense so that Buttigieg may use it as he pleases to misinform the world about Catholic beliefs with the appearance of Notre Dame’s endorsement. Notre Dame, in the name of Truth and Trust, should reverse course and terminate its shameful and misguided association with Buttigieg.