Candidate for U.S. Senate MARCO RUBIO Speaks to Marielena Montesino de Stuart

The Roman Catholic World

September 30, 2010

by Marielena Montesino de Stuart

“I am pro-life.” “I do not support the destruction of human embryos… and I do not support the government funding it.”

Marco Rubio– September 18, 2010, St. Augustine, Florida

On September 18^th a large contingency comprised of fourteen different TEA Party groups  gathered at Francis Field in St. Augustine, Florida, to welcome Marco Rubio, who is running as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate.  Rick Scott and Pam Bondi were also special guests, as Republican candidates for Governor and State Attorney General, respectively.  

MARCO RUBIO Speaks to MARIELENA MONTESINO de STUART (St. Augustine, Florida - September 18, 2010)

St. Augustine, FL, September 18, 2010: 

In recent times, few candidates– if any, have had the presence and impact of Marco Rubio.  His decency in character, determination and intelligence are worthy of respect.  His composure and decorum in front of the camera has been called “presidential.”

Almost every day, we hear him proudly speaking about his parents and his humble beginnings, as he describes how they worked tirelessly to make sure that their children could climb onto that incredible

Candidate to the U.S. Senate, Marco Rubio, and the author, Marielena Montesino de Stuart - September 18, 2010 - St. Augustine, Florida

stage called the “American Dream.”  Marco Rubio has done an impressive job of climbing that stage, as the American son of Cuban parents who fled the tyranny of Fidel Castro.

It has been a long time since a discussion about the tragedy in Cuba has taken a prominent position in American political races.  But in Florida, being home to the largest community of exiled Cubans anywhere in the world, the discussion of the long Cuban diaspora is inevitable.  Indeed, a discussion of great importance– because it serves as a reminder of the oppression that follows socialism.  Cuba, after all, has become like a comatose patient, being kept alive for decades in the heart of the Western Hemisphere, but forgotten by many.  Politicians and historians love to rewrite history, and the longer that Cuba remains under communism, the more that the truth behind its tragedy will be conveniently erased.   But Marco Rubio is making sure that the tragedy of communism in Cuba is not forgotten, and he speaks about it often at his campaign stops, and through the prism of his family’s  struggles.

Francis Field, St. Augustine, Florida - Sep. 18, 2010

Rubio’s campaign may be taking place in America—but it would not be happening, had his parents not taken a stand against socialism and communism.  A providential decision  that led to Marco Rubio’s birth in America.

Excerpts from Mr. Rubio’s speech in St. Augustine:

“Our’s is the greatest society in all of human history.  In all the history of humanity, there is no country to compare us to.  People call us exceptional.  We are not just exceptional.  Let me be blunt—we are better than anywhere else that has ever existed.”

“But that didn’t happen automatically, and is not going to continue on its own.  Every single generation of Americans has had to stand up and face the challenges to our greatness.  And because every single generation has, every American has left the next generation better off. ”

“This election is nothing less than a referendum on our identity as a nation, and as a people.”

“When I got into this race a year and a half ago the entire Republican establishment in Washington did not support us.  But that was OK.  The establishment of the Republican party in Florida did not support us.  But that was OK.  You see, I’m glad that happened to me.  I thank God that that happened to me—and I’ll tell you why–  because it forced me to answer what I think is the most important question that any candidate should have to answer.  That is, why are you running for office?  Are you running to be somebody, or are you running to do something?”

“My parents were not born in this country.  My parents were born in a place called Cuba.  We are proud of our heritage.  But, my parents lost their country.  I will not be part of a generation of Americans that loses theirs.”

Marco Rubio listens 

MARCO RUBIO at Francis Field, St. Augustine, Florida - Sep. 18, 2010

Mr. Rubio has a track record of paying careful attention to not just his home county, but to the whole state of Florida, as reflected in the following statement on his campaign website:

During the two years prior to assuming the speakership, Rubio traveled around the state hosting “Idearaisers” to solicit Floridians’ input on ways to strengthen Florida. The 100 best ideas were compiled into a book entitled “100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future”which served as the basis for his term. All 100 ideas were passed by the Florida House. Fifty-seven of these ideas ultimately became law, including measures to crack down on gangs and sexual predators, promote energy efficient buildings, appliances and vehicles, and help small businesses obtain affordable health coverage. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich hailed the effort as “a work of genius.” 

In addition to these ideas, Rubio championed a major overhaul of the Florida tax system that would have eliminated all property taxes on primary residences in favor of a flat consumption tax. The effort garnered national attention, with

Grover Norquist, president of the fiscally conservative Americans for Tax Reform, praising Rubio as “the most pro-taxpayer legislative leader in the country.” 

The Jackson Lab

THE JACKSON LABORATORIES - RESOURCES FOR HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH

While Rubio crisscrosses the state of Florida, a battle is raging over the Jackson Lab proposal in Collier County.  A proposal that involves millions of taxpayer dollars.  A proposal that would not meet the approval of a pro-life and pro-taxpayer legislator like Marco Rubio– a fearless candidate, who, in his own words, started his campaign in spite of not having the support of the Republican establishment.

The Jackson Lab is a company whose activities include workshops and resources for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.

The Jackson Lab’s VP, Chuck Hewett. has stated that the Jackson Lab will not rule out actually doing Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research (HESC)—a bold statement, considering that the proposed move to Collier County is under tremendous moral and financial scrutiny.

In addition to being involved in the world of HESC, the Jackson Lab also  has a  dark past in Eugenics.  But to be fair, one must credit Mr. Hewett for not hiding the Jackson Lab’s agenda.  At least, he is putting the public on notice.

The Jackson Lab is hoping to open a new branch in Ave Maria, a town in Eastern Collier County, founded in 2007 under a controversial “Special District” government.

Collier County taxpayers are worried

Productivity reports, meetings, polls, conversations, media interviews and articles, and many, many heated arguments have taken place for many months, as a result of the Board of Collier County Commissioners’ refusal to allow Collier County citizens to vote on the use of taxpayer funding for the Jackson Lab.  But the Board of Collier  County Commissioners remains unmoved by public pressure, and continues to push the Jackson Lab agenda.

The Letters to the Editor section of the Naples Daily News is a living testament to the indignation felt by so many, about the way in which the county commissioners have handled this matter.  The Naples Daily News public poll continues to show that 84% of responders are against ANY taxpayer funding of the Jackson Lab.  

St. Augustine  

Castillo de San Marcos - St. Augustine, Florida

Mr. Rubio’s pro-life stance, the description as “the most pro-taxpayer legislative leader in the country” –and his attention to details on issues affecting Floridians, inspired me to speak with him on September 18^th, during his visit to St. Augustine.  My questions were focused on the defense of human life, and the taxpayer issue related to the Jackson Lab controversy:

 

 

 

MM de S:   Mr. Rubio, I understand that you are pro-life.

MR:  Yes, I am pro-life.

MM de S:  Where do you stand on the Jackson Lab proposal in Collier County?  The Jackson Lab holds workshops and provides resources for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.

MR:  I’m not too familiar with the Jackson Lab issue, but I do not support the destruction of human embryos.  I supported the decision that President Bush made when he was president, and I do not support the decision that Obama’s administration made last year.

MM de S:  There are millions of dollars from taxpayers that could go to the Jackson Lab project, and people are very concerned.

MR:  I did hear something about it [the Jackson Lab issue] I’m just not too familiar with that specific case, but I do want you to know where I stand on the issue [Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research].  I do not support that [Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research] and I do not support government funding it, but we can follow up with you.

MM de S:  Yes, thank you very much.

A Conversation with Marco Rubio’s U.S. Senate campaign spokesman

MARCO RUBIO Speaks from the Stage of the "DARTMOUTH"-- reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party ship

I accepted Mr. Rubio’s kind invitation, and spoke with his U.S. Senate campaign spokesman, Alex Burgos.  During my conversation with Mr. Burgos I commented on the important statements that appear on Marco Rubio’s campaign website, indicating that he is a “dynamic spokesman for the principles of limited government and economic freedom,”  as well as Grover Norquist’s statement calling Marco Rubio “the most pro-taxpayer legislative leader in the country.”  As such, it is of great value to hear Marco Rubio’s opinion on the issue of the Jackson Lab proposal in Collier County.

In addition, I explained to Mr. Burgos that further evidence of the importance of the Jackson Lab issue, is reflected in a public opinion poll being conducted by the Naples Daily News– which shows that 84% of responders have given an absolute NO to any use of taxpayer dollars.

My two follow-up questions for Mr. Burgos were:

1.  Where does Mr. Rubio stand on the proposed taxpayer funding, for the Jackson Lab to establish a facility in Collier County?

2.  Where does Mr. Rubio stand on the fact that Collier County citizens are being denied the right to vote on the use of  taxpayer dollars for the Jackson Lab deal?

The following are excerpts of my conversation with Mr. Burgos: 

ALEX BURGOS:  We can’t really speak to the specific local issue.  He [Marco Rubio] does oppose taxpayer funding of abortion or the destruction of human embryos.  That is his overriding principle and position.  Those are the types of policies that he’ll fight for, and to make sure that taxpayers funds, federal taxpayer funds are not used for these purposes, and it is part of his record in the State House. 

I proceeded to explain that the Jackson Lab’s activities include workshops and resources for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.  I also pointed to the Naples Daily News (April 10, 2010) article where Chuck Hewett, Vice President of the Jackson Lab, states that the Jackson Lab is actually “not willing to rule out doing Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.”

ALEX BURGOS:  Abortion, destruction of human embryos, anything that comes up in the U.S. Senate related to that—it is very clear on which side he’ll come down on.  That is, to oppose any measures that lead to federal taxpayer funds being used for these purposes.

This [the Jackson Lab proposal] is a specific local issue, that I have not had a chance to discuss with him.  I don’t know how familiar he is with it.  The bottom line is he opposes taxpayer dollars being used for these purposes.  And, regardless of how it happens, he is opposed to the use of it.  Regardless of the process that is used to make it possible, he simply flat out opposes it.  He believes that the use of taxpayer dollars, regardless of how it happens, should not be used for these purposes. 

 

The Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida speaks about the moral and ethical impact of the Jackson Lab proposal

The Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida

The Most Reverend  Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, issued the following statement concerning the Jackson Lab on July 23, 2010, through the Diocese’s spokesman:

“While the Catholic Diocese of Venice in Florida is aware of the potential economic benefits of any company coming to the region, there are other questions which have a profound moral and ethical impact that must also be considered. Indeed, moral and ethical questions are at the very core of what constitutes truly authentic human and economic development. Authentic human and economic development, in keeping with the Teachings of the Catholic Church, highlights not only the ‘wants’ of life, but more profoundly, the ‘oughts.’ This is also the case with regard to The Jackson Laboratory’s proposal to operate in Collier County.

”Jackson Laboratory’s purported association with and openness to human embryonic stem cell research causes the Diocese of Venice concern. Of particular note is a public statement made by the company that they are “not willing to rule out doing human embryonic stem cell research” (Naples Daily News, April 10, 2010) “…as is well known, since work on human embryonic stem cells involves the destruction of innocent human life, the Church does not approve of such research.

” While encouraging and supporting biomedical research which respects innocent human life and advances the common good and in keeping fully with the Teachings of the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Venice has ethical and moral concerns as regards the potential activities at the proposed Jackson Laboratory facility.”

“Economic growth and development are not only components which impact the life of a community. An organization which truly respects the rights of all human beings could and should “rule out” human embryonic stem cell research. This is precisely because it involves the destruction of innocent human life and consequently, affects the community. Without such an understanding, the plan of Jackson Laboratory, as it has been reported, presents difficulty for the Diocese of Venice in Florida.”

 

Marco Rubio’s record is clear

There is no question that Mr. Rubio’s record is pro-life, and consistent with his Roman Catholic faith, as reflected in his legislative history with the Florida House of Representatives:

No right to privacy, that resulted in the Roe v. Wade:  “I support judges who will respect the rule of law, strictly interpret our Constitution and not legislate from the bench. I opposed Judge Sonia Sotomayor [based on] her case history and testimony regarding the Second Amendment at the state level, eminent domain takings and the so-called constitutional right to privacy that resulted in the Roe v. Wade decision. Together, these and other cases point to a nominee who would bring an activist approach to the highest court in the land.” Source: Campaign website, www.marcorubio.com, “Issues” Feb 3, 2010

Require ultrasounds before performing abortions:  “I am pro-life. As a state legislator, I supported various pieces of pro-life legislation that, among other things, would require doctors to perform ultrasounds before performing abortions and another bill that would ban the use of taxpayer dollars to fund stem cell research.” Source: Campaign website, www.marcorubio.com, “Issues” Feb 3, 2010

Voted against funding stem cell research: Rubio voted NO on Amendment A990241, Stem Cell Research Funding Amendment (rejected by the House, 40 – 73).

State government synopsis: This amendment earmarks $1,000,000 from the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program to fund research grants on adult, umbilical cord and embryonic stem cell projects.  Source: Florida state legislative voting records Apr 6, 2006

Marco Rubio’s legacy

MARCO RUBIO - Sep. 18, 2010 - St. Augustine, Florida

Greatness has been thrusted upon Marco Rubio, and he must not only remain consistent as a “pro-taxpayer” candidate– but most important, as a “pro-life” candidate.

The Jackson Lab controversy involves issues that Marco Rubio strongly opposes, hence his opinion and experience as a legislator would be of great value.   As such, one can only anticipate that Mr. Rubio will give serious consideration to the taxpayers of Collier County, and to Bishop Frank Dewane’s statement and concerns over the Jackson Lab proposal.

The defense of innocent human life cannot be nuanced.  It cannot be fought in silence.  It is indeed, a battle cry for life.

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Related Story:  RICK SCOTT Speaks to Marielena Montesino de Stuart 

(also available through Spero News and U.S. Politics Today – a EIN News Service )

(EIN News is a leading online news service which serves millions of readers around the world, including  a community of professionals from private industry, institutions, and governments that rely on EIN News as a critical source for research and breaking news).

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By Marielena Montesino de Stuart

You may read Marielena Montesino de Stuart’s observations and opinions through RenewAmerica, USAToday, U.S. Politics Today (a EIN News Service for Political Professionals) Poynter Online, Spero News, The New Liturgical Movement-Poland, The Naples Daily News, Les Femmes-The Truth, Culture War Notes,  ProLife Blogs, The Wanderer, etc.   

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:  Marco Rubio + Cuba + Fidel Castro + Socialism + Communism +St. Augustine, Florida + The Jackson Lab + Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research + Eugenics +  Taxation + Ave Maria, Florida + Ave Maria Stewardship Community District +Board of Collier County Commissioners + Rick Scott + Pam Bondi + Bishop Frank J. Dewane 

E-Mail:  ContactTRCW@aol.com    © All Rights Reserved    www.TheRomanCatholicWorld.com

NOTICE TO READERS

Florida Gubernatorial Candidate RICK SCOTT Speaks to Marielena Montesino de Stuart

UPDATE -Sunday,  Sep. 26, 2010:    Two Host Committees, which include strong Jackson Lab supporters, such as Blake Gable, from the Ave Maria-Barron Collier team, are putting together two fundraisers for Rick Scott.   

The first fundraiser is scheduled for October 12th at the Port Royal Club in Naples (contribution $500 per person).  The second fundraiser is scheduled for October 22nd at the home of Ned and Cindy Lautenbach, in Naples (VIP Reception $10,000 per couple, and general reception at $2,500 per couple). 

Members of McCollum’s former fundraising group are listed as contacts for these two fundraisers.

UPDATE: Sunday, Sep. 26, 2010:  This anti-embryonic stem cell research statement no longer appears on Rick Scott’s campaign website. 

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The Roman Catholic World

September 25, 2010

by Marielena Montesino de Stuart

“I have not taken a position on that.”  “I have not taken a position on that.”  “I have not taken a position on that.”

– Rick Scott, Republican gubernatorial candidate, Sep. 18, 2010 in St. Augustine, Florida– when asked about the Jackson Lab proposal, which could involve funding with millions of taxpayer dollars, in Collier County—the place Mr. Scott calls home.

 

Rick Scott speaks to Marielena Montesino de Stuart, St. Augustine, FL - Sep. 18, 2010

St. Augustine, FL – Sep. 18, 2010:

On a sunny and very warm Saturday afternoon, Florida’s Republican gubernatorial candidate, Rick Scott, stepped out of an SUV.  His wife of 37 years was with him.   Fourteen TEA Party groups had gathered to welcome Rick Scott, Marco Rubio and Pam Bondi to St. Augustine.   Rubio and Bondi, both Republicans, are candidates for  U.S. Senator and State Attorney General, respectively.

Had the political banners not been present, one could have easily mistaken this Saturday’s enormous crowd for a rock concert.  The stage from where Scott, Rubio and Bondi would speak was designed in the form of a ship, the Dartmouth, reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party ship, with a huge American flag for a backdrop.

FRANCIS FIELD - ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA - SEP. 18, 2010

Thousands of people waited at Francis Field, very close to the historic site of Castillo de San Marcos, where Spaniards once stood defending the city of St. Augustine.  Not far away is what remains of the old walls which surrounded this city, founded by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, on the eighth of September, 1565—carrying a cross and intoning the Te Deum Laudamus (“We Praise Thee, O God”) with banners waving in the sultry air, much like banners waved today to welcome these political aspirants, to the oldest city in the United States of America.

The 16^th century Spaniards who founded this city defended their faith and their beliefs.  Likewise,  Rick Scott was here this afternoon to defend what he believes are the principles that made America great.

Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, FL - Sep. 18, 2010

The opportunity to speak to Rick Scott was indeed, a unique one.  Scott is an enigma in the world of politics, and there are many issues that need to be addressed— issues that require a commitment  beyond Scott’s slogan of “Let’s get to work.”

RICK SCOTT - Francis Field, St. Augustine, Florida - Sep. 18, 2010

One such issue is a scandal that continues to unfold in Collier County, in the heart of Naples, where Rick Scott resides.  This scandal has erupted as a result of the Jackson lab proposal, which could involve millions in taxpayer dollars.

The Jackson lab is a genetic facility hoping to open a new branch in Ave Maria, a town in Eastern Collier County, founded in 2007, under a controversial “Special District” government.  The Jackson Lab proposal of using tax payer dollars is of great concern to Collier County taxpayers, and has angered many Collier County citizens.  Meetings, polls, conversations, media interviews, and many, many heated arguments have taken place as a result of the Board of Collier County Commissioners refusing to allow Collier County citizens to vote on the use of taxpayer funding for the Jackson Lab.  The Letters to the Editor section of the Naples Daily News is a living testament of the indignation felt by so many.  The Naples Daily News poll continues to show that 84% of responders are against ANY taxpayer funding of the Jackson Lab.

COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS - MEETING REGARDING THE JACKSON LAB PROPOSAL - JULY 27, 2010 - NAPLES, FLORIDA

The battle over the Jackson Lab “deal” has raged in Collier County for several months.  On August 22, 2010 the Naples Daily News published a story titled “Naples’ Rick Scott, candidate for Florida governor, speaks out against Jackson Lab deal at hometown meet up.”   

The following are excerpts from the NDN story:

Rick Scott entered a Naples restaurant and pub filled predominantly with his supporters and took a stance against Jackson Labs. Previously the candidate was somewhat unclear about his views on the proposal.

The Jackson Labs deal doesn’t look to be the answer, he said on Sunday night.

It was standing room only at Mulligan’s Sports Grille in Naples near the Coastland Center mall as Scott, who began with his somewhat vague and noncommittal stance on the Jackson Labs proposal in Collier County finished his sentence saying it looked to be a bad deal for taxpayers.

Regarding similar deals across the state, including U.S. Sugar and the Tri-Rail project, Scott began on Sunday as he had throughout the campaign: “Spend capital where you’re going to get a return on investment.”

“Would we do this with our own money?” he asked the crowd.

After a resounding “no” from many of the hundreds of partakers in the meet and greet, Scott then said:

“The way I look at all these projects, is that there is not a good return, so I wouldn’t support it,” he said.

Scott also doesn’t support the use of stimulus money, on which Jackson Labs is contingent.

On August 23^rd, following the NDN article, I spoke with Rick Scott’s campaign spokeswoman, Jennifer Baker,  regarding Mr. Scott’s stance on The Jackson Lab proposal—having been described by NDN as “previously…. somewhat unclear.”  Ms. Baker offered the following statement, which was published on August 24, 2010 in TheRomanCatholicWorld.com and Spero News.

“This was the first time he [Rick Scott] was asked [about The Jackson Lab proposal].  His comments last night speak to what he thinks about the Jackson lab deal.  This has not been a major issue in the campaign, so we do not talk about it every day.  The Naples Daily News quote, I think, very clearly articulates his position on the deal. I think that Rick’s statement is very clear as to where he stands on the issue. It’s very clear what he thinks about the deal.”

I asked Ms. Baker how Rick Scott feels about the fact that Collier County citizens are not being given the right to vote on the Jackson lab proposal.  Ms. Baker responded that Rick Scott was on an airplane and could not be reached for specific comments. (The Roman Catholic World and Spero News – Aug. 24, 2010).

So, during Mr. Scott’s visit to St. Augustine, I began by asking the following:

MMdeR:  My name is Marielena Montesino de Stuart, from Ave Maria.  I am a writer.

RS:  Oh, that’s really nice.  We’ve been out there [Ave Maria] once.

MMdeR:  I understand that you are against taxpayer funding for the Jackson Lab.

RS:  I have not taken a position on that. [He repeated this three times].

Francis Field - St. Augustine, Florida - Sep. 18, 2010

After my initial question Rick Scott was expected on stage. His Communications Representative was very courteous in allowing me to resume my questions after his speech was over. 

So, I continued by asking Mr. Scott where he stands on the fact that Collier County citizens are being denied the right to vote regarding the use of taxpayer funds in the Jackson Lab proposal.  Mr. Scott responded that he does not support projects that “do not bring a good return to the people” but that the Jackson Lab proposal involves an issue of “representative government,” –and again, Mr. Scott affirmed that he has not taken a position on the Jackson Lab deal.

My questions to Mr. Scott were strictly limited to the Jackson Lab matter.  Yet, in parting, Mr. Scott commented again that he had visited Ave Maria once, and liked “the big cathedral.”   Then, Mr. Scott added

some interesting information:  that he is “good friends” with a senior official at Ave Maria University, and that he is “trading phone calls” with the Tom Monaghan camp.  Tom Monaghan is the controversial pizza tycoon, Chancellor of Ave Maria University—and partner with Barron Collier Companies in the Ave Maria real estate venture.

Monaghan has been reported as giving the “Go ahead with it” to the Jackson Lab’s move to Ave Maria.

Inconsistencies

Mr. Scott’s responses regarding the Jackson Lab deal are inconsistent with what appeared in the Naples Daily News (Aug. 22, 2010) and with the statement quoted above during my interview with his campaign spokeswoman (Aug. 23, 2010); consequently, I have offered Mr. Scott and Ms. Baker the opportunity to make comments and clarifications.

Let’s get to work– now

DARTMOUTH - Francis Field - St. Augustine, Florida - Sep. 18, 2010

Given  Rick Scott’s campaign slogan, “Let’s get to work” — coupled with the fact that Mr. Scott is a resident of Collier County, it would be most appropriate that he put his slogan in action, by taking a clear stand on the Jackson Lab proposal.  Mr. Scott’s failure to define himself on the issue of The Jackson Lab could cost him many votes right in his own home county.  And surely, the thousands of Taxed Enough Already (TEA) Party members that welcomed him here today, did so because they believe that Mr. Scott stands behind their philosophy against government spending, excessive taxation, and suffocation of the economy through regulatory bureaucracies.

The urgency for Mr. Scott to define his stance on the Jackson lab deal cannot be stressed enough.

Rick Scott wants to be held accountable

Conservatives have taken Rick Scott at his word, even though, as I’ve said earlier in this article—he is an enigma as a politician, since he has not held political office before.

One way that Mr. Scott could show his gratitude to those who have believed in him is by putting into action the “accountability” factor,  which is so passionately stressed in his campaign.  By taking a stand on the Jackson Lab taxation proposal, Scott would allow voters in Collier County and elsewhere, to hold him accountable– if he becomes governor of Florida.  Scott’s campaign, after all, is based on transparency, and the Jackson Lab issue cannot wait until election day.

What Rick Scott is saying

Excerpts of Mr. Scott’s speech in St. Augustine:

We have a specific detailed plan.  Seven steps… it’s exactly the way you run your households, and exactly the way you have to run your businesses.  The first thing is—there is no free money.  There is no so-called government money.  We are going to watch how we spend every penny, just like you have to.  If your income goes down, what do you do?  You watch how you spend your money.  What does the government do?  Raise your taxes.  We are not doing that.  We are going to watch how we spend every dollar.  We are going to downsize the size of state government.

We are going to drive down the size of state government, we are going to put all of our focus on how you grow the private sector.  We are going to put a freeze on all regulations, and we are going to get rid of all the regulations that don’t  make sense.  We are going to quit earmarks.

How many of you like your property taxes?  

We are going to drive down property tax rates by 19%.  The only way we can do it is by driving down the size of state government.  We are going to drive… we are going to actually reduce the dollars we spend.

We are going to phase out the business tax, so that everybody in business in the world says, if you are going to do business in America, the first place, absolutely the first place you think about doing business is the great State of Florida, because we are open for business.

Moral issues

Rick Scott says that he is pro-life.  The following statements appear on his website:

Rick believes in the sanctity of human life.

Rick is pro-life. He is opposed to abortion and believes that Roe v. Wade should be overturned.

Scott Applauds Court Decision to Halt Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

August 24, 2010 Fort Lauderdale, FL – A Federal judge today issued a temporary ban on the Obama Administration’s executive order aimed at the expansion of federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research.

“We applaud the court’s decision to halt the Obama Administration’s attempt to expand federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research, this is a good result for those on side of life,” said Scott campaign spokesman Jennifer Baker. “Voters should consider that just a few years ago, Bill McCollum went on the record saying this kind of destruction of life is ‘a pro-life position.’ We look forward to taking on Alex Sink as she tries to push Obama’s liberal pro-abortion agenda on Florida.” 

THE JACKSON LABORATORIES - RESOURCES FOR HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH

The Jackson Lab holds “workshops” and provides “resources” for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.  Charles Hewett, VP of the Jackson Lab, took it a step further by stating to the Naples Daily News on April 10, 2010, “We certainly are very thoughtful about the subject, but not willing to rule out doing human embryonic stem cell research.”

The Most Reverend  Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, issued the following statement concerning the Jackson Lab on July 23, 2010, through the Diocese’s spokesman:

“While the Catholic Diocese of Venice in Florida is aware of the potential economic benefits of any company coming to the region, there are other questions which have a profound moral and ethical impact that must also be considered. Indeed, moral and ethical questions are at the very core of what constitutes truly authentic human and economic development. Authentic human and economic development, in keeping with the Teachings of the Catholic Church, highlights not only the ‘wants’ of life, but more profoundly, the ‘oughts.’ This is also the case with regard to The Jackson Laboratory’s proposal to operate in Collier County.

”Jackson Laboratory’s purported association with and openness to human embryonic stem cell research causes the Diocese of Venice concern. Of particular note is a public statement made by the company that they are “not willing to rule out doing human embryonic stem cell research” (Naples Daily News, April 10, 2010) “…as is well known, since work on human embryonic stem cells involves the destruction of innocent human life, the Church does not approve of such research.

” While encouraging and supporting biomedical research which respects innocent human life and advances the common good and in keeping fully with the Teachings of the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Venice has ethical and moral concerns as regards the potential activities at the proposed Jackson Laboratory facility.”

“Economic growth and development are not only components which impact the life of a community. An organization which truly respects the rights of all human beings could and should “rule out” human embryonic stem cell research. This is precisely because it involves the destruction of innocent human life and consequently, affects the community. Without such an understanding, the plan of Jackson Laboratory, as it has been reported, presents difficulty for the Diocese of Venice in Florida.”

One would think that the issue of the Jackson Lab’s involvement in the world of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, would make Mr. Scott immediately stand up and give  a resounding NO!– to the Jackson Lab’s proposed move to Florida.  And never mind having taxpayer dollars pay for such an enterprise.

Could Ave Maria and Barron Collier Companies create a conflict for Rick Scott’s campaign?

Ave Maria, Florida

The fact that Rick Scott would bring up his friendship with a senior official at Ave Maria University, and the “trading of phone calls” with the Tom Monaghan camp is interesting, to say the least—since, from a moral standpoint, Mr. Monaghan, a Catholic, has been at the center of the controversy over the Jackson Lab being welcomed to Ave Maria.

In addition, Mr. Monaghan has been a great disappointment to many in the pro-life world, for erecting

a building in honor of Tom Golisano, at Ave Maria University.  Tom Golisano, a billionaire/politician who moved to Naples from New York in 2009 in part to avoid taxes, has a notorious history of giving financial support to hard-core, pro-choice NARAL-endorsed politicians, including Barack Obama—while he claims to always having been pro-life.

Tom Monaghan

Indeed, the honoring of Golisano at Ave Maria University is considered by many as an offense to the sacred battle for the defense of human life.

TOM GOLISANO - Supporter of Hard-Core Pro-Choice Politicians and Pro-Choice Institutions

It has also been reported that Mr. Monaghan provided the land for the proposed Jackson Lab site.  But Mr. Monaghan appears, to this day, unpersuaded by Bishop Dewane’s assessment of the moral issues surrounding the Jackson Lab.

In addition, the Jackson Lab is seen by many as a “bail out” of the Ave Maria real estate venture between Mr. Monaghan and Barron Collier Companies.  As such, using taxpayer dollars to bring the Jackson Lab to Ave Maria, may present a double-layer of corporate welfare—something which Rick Scott vehemently opposes.

Given the moral and financial controversies surrounding the Jackson Lab-Ave Maria proposal, and the moral controversy surrounding Mr. Monaghan’s decision on The Jackson Lab and the honoring of Golisano, it appears that associating with the Ave Maria-Barron Collier camp could negatively affect Mr. Scott’s campaign for governor of Florida.

The Jackson Lab “deal” involves issues that are at the very core of what Rick Scott opposes, both morally and financially.

And Mr. Scott, who professes to be a man of faith, should know that, “No one can serve two masters.  You cannot serve both God and Money.”

♦   ♦   ♦

Marielena Montesino de Stuart

You may read Marielena Montesino de Stuart’s observations and opinions through RenewAmerica, USAToday, U.S. Politics Today (a EIN News Service for Political Professionals) Poynter Online, Spero News, The New Liturgical Movement-Poland, The Naples Daily News, Les Femmes-The Truth, Culture War Notes,  ProLife Blogs, The Wanderer, etc.   

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:  Ave Maria, Florida + Ave Maria University +  Rick Scott + “Let’s Get to Work” + The Jackson Laboratory + Workshops and Resources for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research + Eugenics + Margaret Sanger + Tom Monaghan + Tom Golisano +  Nick Healy + Nicholas J. Healy Jr., President of AMU + Barron Collier Companies + The Ave Maria Stewardship Community District + Bishop Frank J. Dewane 

E-Mail:  ContactTRCW@aol.com    © All Rights Reserved    www.TheRomanCatholicWorld.com

NOTICE TO READERS

SISTERS IN REBELLION… In view of the Ave Maria University Scandal

IMPORTANT RELATED ARTICLES:

“Immoral Conduct” by Religious Sister at Ave Maria University

“NICK HEALY Answers the Phone…”

… IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH FROM THE RELIGIOUS SISTER SCANDAL:  Ave Maria University Coach Arrested (Warning: This Naples Daily News article contains graphic language and details).

 

The Roman Catholic World

September 23, 2010

by Marielena Montesino de Stuart

The community [Home of the Mother] did not report the incident to the university. According to the university, Home of the Mother superiors did not follow Vatican-prescribed procedures for reporting such incidents.

CNA, Sep. 11, 2010 

By Marielena Montesino de Stuart

The recent “immoral conduct” by a former Superior of the Home of the Mother (Hogar de la Madre) religious group at Ave Maria University, is calling for deeper scrutiny of the legitimacy and organization (or lack thereof) of certain men and women religious groups, functioning as “Catholic.”   

The sexual scandals plaguing the Church seem at times insurmountable, because of the depth of pain and destruction they leave behind.  The process can be even more difficult if the religious group involved is not clearly defined and understood by those they come in contact with, and by society at large.

In Sisters in Rebellion, the author asks, “Do religious institutes and their members have the right to systematically deny, undermine and subvert Sacred Scripture, Catholic Doctrine and Morals, and still call themselves Catholic and act in the name of the Catholic Church?”   

They don’t—and here is why: 

Sisters in Rebellion – Non Serviam

By Randy Engel 

Part I  

An Apostolic Visitation and CDF Investigation           

In a papal audience of November 17, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI, acting upon the initiative of Franc Cardinal Rodé, C.M., Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, gave his consent to an Apostolic Visitation of the General Houses, Provincial Houses and Centers of Initial Formation of the principle Religious Institutes of Women in the United States (cloistered, contemplative orders are exempt). He also granted to Cardinal Rodé all the faculties necessary to order and carry out an investigation into the state of consecrated life of women religious in America.   In doing so, the pope, acknowledged the official character of and the importance the Holy See attaches to the Visitation which is expected to last three years and cost $1.1 million dollars, an expense which will be borne by the American bishops and ultimately Catholics in the pews.

On December 22, 2008, Cardinal Rodé issued a decree nominating Reverend Mother Mary Clare Millea, Superior General of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as the Apostolic Visitator ad inquirendum et referendum.  Upon the completion of her investigation, Mother Clare, who resides in Rome, is expected to file a detailed and confidential report and set of recommendations with the Prefect of the Sacred Congregation, who will prepare the final presentation summarizing the findings of the Visitation for the Holy See.

It was not until a month later, however, on January 30, 2009, that news of the Apostolic Visitation was made public at a media conference held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. and chaired by Sister Eva-Maria Ackerman, A.S.C.J., who acted as a spokesman for Mother Clare. Just hours before the opening of the press conference, leaders of the two canonically approved, but rival organizations for women religious in the United States – the “progressive” Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and the more “traditional” Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) – received a formal letter from Cardinal Rodé announcing the start of the Visitation.   The latter was pleased with the announcement, the former distraught.

Sister Ackerman opened the well-publicized media event on a high note citing the many contributions that women religious such as Saints Elizabeth Ann Seton, Francis Xavier Cabrini, Rose Philippine Duchesne and Mother Théodore Guérin have made to the Church and society in America in the past. She also acknowledged the role of today’s 59,000 Catholic sisters representing more than 400 religious congregations, in building and maintaining a vast network of schools, health care facilities, and social centers for the most needy and for their “commitment to the cause of truth and justice.”  Nevertheless, she said, the decline in vocations, the rise in the median age of religious, and certain societal changes have presented women religious with “obstacles and challenges” that must be addressed – hence the need for the Visitation. In the words of Cardinal Rodé, the Visitation has as its objective “an increase in vocations and to assure a better future for women religious.”

Phase I of the Visitation program began in early March 2009 and concluded on July 31, 2009. It involved a series of fully voluntary meetings and conversations in Rome and the United States between the Visitator, an American herself, and 125 superiors general of major congregations. Another 119 expressed their hopes and concerns regarding the future of their own congregation to Mother Clare using other forms of communication.

Phase II began on September 18 and was to have ended on November 20, 2009. A Questionnaire of Religious Institutes was sent to the generalate and/or province of 341 apostolic congregations asking for detailed information on their institute as well as a copy of the congregation’s fundamental documents.  The Questionnaire is divided into three sections:

Part A – The opening section of the Questionnaire is primarily data driven and statistical in nature – numbers of postulants, novices and temporary and solemnly professed sisters; their ages, race and ethnicity, living arrangements, numbers of infirmed or retired sisters, types of ministries, numbers seeking/receiving transfer to another institute, exclaustration, and indults of departure; and membership of congregation in national or international organizations (LCWR, CMSWR, etc.). This information is being collected and processed by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. for the Apostolic Visitator and her staff.

Part B – This is the key section of the Questionnaire and the most controversial as it deals with the traditional essentials of the consecrated life. The major superior or her delegated respondent is asked to describe the founding charism of her institute and how its members understand and live out their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

If the institute is “moving toward a new form of religious life,” the respondent is asked, “how is this new form specifically related to the Church’s and your institute’s understanding of religious life?”

Other requested empirical data includes a detailed description of the Governance of the Institute including the procedures for dealing with sisters who dissent publicly from Church teaching and discipline; Vocation Promotion; Admission and Formation Policies including the instruction of new members on “the foundations of Catholic faith and doctrine through the study of Vatican II documents, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and post-Conciliar documents. (emphasis added)”; the Spiritual/Liturgical and Common Life lived out by members of the congregation including the institute’s relationship with the local Ordinary; Mission and Ministry including the specific apostolic purpose of the institute as stated in its Constitutions and carried out by its members; and finally, Financial Administration which reflects each religious’ obligation to faithfully live out her vow of poverty and to share her goods with the poor.

The reader will kindly note that the Questionnaire’s reference to Vatican II and the decrees and documents which followed in its wake as the centerpiece of renewal for women religious institutes is found throughout the official Apostolic Visitation website as well as the Instrmentum Laboris (2008) the working paper that spells out the nature, purpose, and basic procedures and timetable for the Visitation.

Part C – Initially, all superiors general were required to submit to the stateside Apostolic Visitation Office located in Hamden, Conn., a copy of their Constitutions; Plan of Formation; official minutes of documents and decisions of the last two General/Provincial Chapter meetings; the names, birth dates, addresses and type of ministry of each sister belonging to the congregation; list of properties owned or co-sponsored by the institute; and a complete copy of the most recent independent audit or last internal financial statement. Because of the confidential nature of the questions, Sections B and C were to be sent directly to the Visitation’s headquarters in Hamden.

In addition to the required filings of each major superior for her own institute, every sister, having secured a copy of the Instrmentum Laboris from their superior, was asked by Mother Clare, to reflect, personally and/or communally, on the topics contained in Part B of the document and invited to render her thoughts and opinions, on the various matters covered in the questionnaire with a guarantee of strict confidentiality.

Phase III begins this spring, when Mother Clare and official Visitation teams composed of women and male religious in good standing will conduct on-site visits to a representative sample of religious institutes. All team members are required to make a public profession of faith and take an oath of fidelity to the Holy See.  The visitation teams will listen to the superiors and members of the religious communities through written communications and personal meetings.

Phase IV will conclude with Mother Clare’s filing of a comprehensive and confidential report with the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life on each and every institute assessed, whether or not they will have received an on-site visit.  

Investigation of LCWR by the Vatican

Running concurrently with the Apostolic Visitation is a separate but related investigation by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome into the politics of the Maryland-based Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), whose 1,500 members are alleged to represent 95% of the 59,000 women religious in the United States. William Cardinal Levada, Prefect for the CDF, has appointed Bishop Leonard P. Blair of the Diocese of Toledo and a member of the USCCB Doctrinal Committee to chair the ongoing inquiry.

The Roman Congregation for Religious created the Conference of Major Superiors of Women in 1956 for the purpose of giving leaders of pontifical orders of women religious in the United States a greater voice in the Church especially with regard to the fostering of religious vocations and the living out of the consecrated life. In 1971, over the objections of the Holy See, the Conference renamed itself, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, which reflected its new ideology and purpose. Over the years, as an official, canonically established entity, the leaders of the organization have met regularly with Curial officials.

In 2001, LCWR officers were called to the Vatican to report to the CDF on the initiatives taken or planned by their Conference to promote the reception of the Church’s teaching among their member communities as they relate to the non-ordination of women (see John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter Ordinatio sacerdotalis); the promotion of a false ecumenicalism (see CDF Dominus Jesus) and the intrinsic immorality of homosexuality.  Eight years were to pass before the matter attracted any further concern or attention from the LCWR.

The rude awakening for the LCWR came in the form of a letter dated February 20, 2009, from the Office of the CDF addressed to Sister J. Lora Dambroski, OSF,  president of the LCWR, in which the Prefect, Cardinal Levada, announced the creation of an investigative team headed by Bishop Blair which would be making “a doctrinal assessment of the activities and initiatives of the LCWR,” as they relate to the promotion of the three same areas of concern voiced years earlier – female ordination, the theology of religious pluralism, and the morality of homosexuality.  Conspicuous by its absence was any reference by the CDF to LCWR’s support for abortion and abortion advocacy, and the issue of euthanasia.

On April 22, 2009, LCWR officers met with Cardinal Levada during the time usually reserved for the organization’s annual consultation with the Congregation for Religious, which generally has jurisdiction over problems related to the consecrated life. However, the LCWR is not a religious institute or congregation per se. So while Cardinal Rodé will be kept advised of the “assessment” of the LCWR and be involved in whatever decisions are reached, and Bishop Blair has been appointed to chair the inquiry from the States, it is the CDF which, ultimately, will have the last word on the subject.  As yet, no process or timetable has been established for the assessment, although a meeting between officers of the LCWR and Bishop Blair and his staff is expected some time in the spring of 2010.

Rumblings of Discontent and Rebellion 

Amid continuing optimistic and concessionary official statements from Rome concerning the Visitation and the LCWR doctrinal inquiry, there have been indisputable signs of discontent and organized rebellion among some of the nation’s superiors major and women religious to both initiatives by the Holy See. Not that this should come as a surprise to anyone who has followed the rise of the feminist-eco-lesbian ideology within the leadership covens of the LCWR over the last half-century.

After Phase I of the Visitation was concluded by Mother Clare in the summer of 2009, 21 “testimonials” from superiors general with whom she had visited were posted on the Visitation’s official website (www.apostolicvisitation.org). Fifteen of the testimonials come from representatives of congregations who are affiliated with the LCWR, and the remaining six from the more traditional CMSWR and the Institute on Religious Life or are unaffiliated. 

While all correspondents uniformly praised the gracious and respectful manner each was received by the Visitator, there were concerns expressed by some LCWR members related to the motivation for the Visitation and the manner in which it was organized. From the outset, the leaders of the LCWR have been angry that the Vatican had not consulted them before announcing the Visitation. The formation of the Blair Committee to investigate the orthodoxy of the LCWR was a double whammy.

Other LCWR-affiliated superiors expressed their dissatisfaction in an outpouring of  worn-out post-Conciliar clichés, all too familiar to CFN readers, including the desire “to live with integrity the directions and spirit of Vatican II in concert with our lived experiences… .”; the need to follow the “yellow brick road” leading to dialogue… .; “the importance of building common ground,”; and, my personal favorite from the President of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “the “BVM hopes that the official church affirm the beauty and power of the diverse charisms of religious life; open up the pathways to dialogue about actions and decisions that flow from our theology and ecclesiology; and celebrate the integrity, fidelity, and authenticity of our lives.”

At the organization’s annual meeting in New Orleans on August 11-14, 2009, LCWR members also complained about the comprehensive and “intrusive” nature of the Visitation Questionnaire which allegedly violated personal privacy, and then ironically turned around and complained about the strict confidential nature of the Visitation reports which preclude their ever having access to the final evaluations of their institutes. Alas, the poor innocents were simply carrying out the reforms and renewal mandated by the Second Vatican Council.

Even though the Holy See has every canonical and civil right to all of the information contained in the Questionnaire, some, we don’t know how many, but possibly a majority of the superiors general refused to answer all the questions. The leaders of the congregations were joined in their resistance by individual sisters who likewise declared their intension not to respond to the Questionnaire in part or at all.

On November 5, 2009, Mother Clare announced that document number 5, 6, and 7 in Part C of the Questionnaire dealing with individual sisters and their ministry, properties owned by institute, and updated audits or financial statements of the institutes, were no longer required. It appears that the rebel forces have won a small but symbolic victory in wresting this concession from the Visitator, and, true to form, they wasted little time in exploiting it to their advantage.

Less than three weeks later, Thomas C. Fox, the editor of the National Catholic Reporter, wrote a lengthy online article titled “Women religious not complying with Vatican study.” According to Fox, the Visitation Questionnaire had met with a wall of grassroots universal resistance, among a majority of the respondents. A number of congregations had consulted with their canon lawyers and been advised that since they are not officially a part of the Catholic hierarchy, their main responsibility is to their congregation and its members, hence they are not required to provide answers to questions they found objectionable.

In an attempt at damage control, on December 4, 2009, the Office of the Apostolic Visitation issued a short news release stating that while it was true that some congregations had entered incomplete Questionnaires, this action would have no effect on the implementation of Phase 3 of the Visitation, on-site visits to select congregations, which will begin, on schedule, this spring. 

It appears that the war is just heating up.

End of Part I

♦   ♦   ♦

You may read Marielena Montesino de Stuart’s observations and opinions through RenewAmerica, USAToday, Poynter Online, Spero News, The New Liturgical Movement-Poland, The Naples Daily News, Les Femmes-The Truth, Culture War Notes,  ProLife Blogs, The Wanderer, etc.    

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:  Ave Maria, Florida + Ave Maria University + Home of the Mother and Lesbianism at Ave Maria University + Hogar de la Madre and Lesbianism at Ave Maria University + The Jackson Laboratory + Workshops and Resources for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research + Eugenics + Margaret Sanger + Tom Monaghan + Tom Golisano +  Nick Healy + Nicholas J. Healy Jr., President of AMU + Barron Collier Companies + The Ave Maria Stewardship Community District + Bishop Frank J. Dewane 

E-Mail:  ContactTRCW@aol.com    © All Rights Reserved    www.TheRomanCatholicWorld.com 

NOTICE TO READERS

Related Articles

• Vatican inquiry into Irish paedophile priests to meet victim groups (guardian.co.uk)

THE CHRONICLES OF AVE MARIA©: Nick Healy answers the phone…

IMPORTANT RELATED ARTICLE: “Immoral Conduct” by Religious Sister at Ave Maria University

… IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH FROM THE RELIGIOUS SISTER SCANDAL:  Ave Maria University Coach Arrested (Warning: This Naples Daily News article contains graphic language and details).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

By Marielena Montesino de Stuart

The Roman Catholic World

September 9, 2010

On Wednesday, September 8, 2010 I sent a brief media inquiry containing three questions for Nicholas J. Healy, Jr., President of Ave Maria University, regarding the “immoral conduct” scandal involving the AMU-endorsed ‘Home of the Mother”–that led to the expulsion of this religious group from campus:

AMU-MEDIA INQUIRY - FROM MARIELENA MONTESINO DE STUART - SEP. 08 2010 ADDRESSED TO NICHOLAS J. HEALY JR. PRESIDENT OF AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY

At approximately 4:45pm I contacted his office to confirm his receipt of my media inquiry.  Mr. Healy answered the phone himself: 

NICK HEALY:  May I ask what this is in reference to?

MMdeS: It’s in reference to the incident that was reported yesterday regarding Hogar de la Madre.  I sent you a brief letter with three brief questions.  It’s in regard to an article that I’m working on, to be published tonight.

[Upon reading my questions]:

NICK HEALY:  OK, well,  I can answer these.  The first one…

MMdeS:  Would you mind, Mr. Healy, it would be better if you could just respond to it by e-mail.

NICK HEALY:  I’m not sure that I can do it tonight, but I’ll see what I can do. 

MMdeS:  Did you want to respond to these three questions over the phone?

NICK HEALY:  Well, the first one [question] might take a little more explanation or nuancing, because, you know, “concerns” — that’s a very broad word.  There was certainly no never any report of any sexual misconduct, or even anything close to it.

We learned of the incident on August 30^th from the Bishop.

And, number three [question]  I assume she was recalled  by either the Mother General or the Father General of the order.  I don’t know.  We were not… there was no explanation.

MMdeS:  Would you mind if you could respond, just the same thing you have told me, just in a brief note by e-mail.  How long would that take?

[After explaining to me that he was very busy, he said he would send the e-mail  “tomorrow”].

 

Tomorrow is here, and this is what I received instead:

AMU PRESIDENT NICHOLAS J. HEALY JR. E-MAIL RESPONSE REGARDING MY MEDIA INQUIRY OF SEP. 08 2010

Followed by this…  

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMU - DEACON FORREST L. WALLACE - DIRECTOR OF MARKETING - RESPONSE ON SEP. 09 2010 BY E-MAIL

Which ended with this…

AMU - PUBLIC STATEMENT - SEP. 07 2010 REGARDING IMMORAL CONDUCT BY HOGAR DE LA MADRE SUPERIOR AT AMU

 

So, there you have it.  Questions addressed to the president of Ave Maria University– regarding a major scandal involving “immoral conduct” by the Superior of an AMU-endorsed religious group on campus, end up at the Marketing Dept.

Thank God at least Nick answers the phone.

♦   ♦   ♦ 

You may read Marielena Montesino de Stuart’s observations and opinions through RenewAmerica, USAToday, Poynter Online, Spero News, The New Liturgical Movement-Poland, The Naples Daily News, Les Femmes-The Truth, Culture War Notes,  ProLife Blogs, The Wanderer, etc.    

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:  Ave Maria University + Home of the Mother and Lesbianism at Ave Maria University + Hogar de la Madre and Lesbianism at Ave Maria University + The Jackson Laboratory + Workshops and Resources for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research + Eugenics + Margaret Sanger + Tom Monaghan + Tom Golisano +  Nick Healy + Nicholas J. Healy Jr., President of AMU + Barron Collier Companies + The Ave Maria Stewardship Community District + Bishop Frank J. Dewane 

E-Mail:  ContactTRCW@aol.com    © All Rights Reserved    www.TheRomanCatholicWorld.com 

NOTICE TO READERS

THE CHRONICLES OF AVE MARIA©: “Immoral Conduct” by Religious Sister at Ave Maria University

… IT’S BEEN LESS THAN ONE MONTH SINCE THE ”Immoral Conduct” SCANDAL TOOK PLACE:  Now…Ave Maria University Coach Arrested (Warning: This Naples Daily News article contains graphic language and details).

The Roman Catholic World

September 9, 2010

By Marielena Montesino de Stuart

The phones must be ringing today at Ave Maria University.

That is, if parents, students and residents are confronting the university and demanding full disclosure regarding the facts– and environment, surrounding the “immoral conduct” of the former superior of an AMU-endorsed religious community on campus, called Home of the Mother, aka, “Hogar de la Madre.”

The Naples Daily News printed in a Wednesday evening article, that a religious sister “was accused” of having a sexual relationship with a female student, but that Ave Maria University  is “simply referring to it” as “immoral conduct between the religious sister and a female student.”

Parents, students and residents of Ave Maria should demand full disclosure.

Who is this “Home of the Mother” (Hogar de la Madre) religious group– and who brought them here?

Home of the Mother is a religious group that arrived at AMU from Spain, in 2004, as a “Private Association of the Faithful”– at the invitation of the university’s administration, which assigned the religious sisters to run the Women’s Discernment Program on campus.  The religious sisters call themselves “Servant Sisters.”  On June 21st of this year, the Vatican moved Home of the Mother one notch up, by giving them the title of “Public International Association of the Faithful.”

It is important to note that the Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida,  Most Reverend  Frank J. Dewane, did not institute or control this program.  Two priests are also here from Spain as part of the Home of the Mother group, and are very active– and sought after, in providing “spiritual direction” on campus, as well as in the town.

A de facto endorsement

The presence of the Home of the Mother group on campus, has been a de facto endorsement by AMU’s administration.  This Home of the Mother group has had tremendous latitude and influence on students, both at AMU and at the local Ave Maria K-12 school, as well as on town residents.

The university’s  administration may claim that they have no power or control over town residents interacting with these religious sisters and priests from Home of the Mother; however, their role in the Women’s Discernment Program on campus, and as teachers and priests at the local Ave Maria K-12 school (Rhodora J. Donahue Academy of Ave Maria)  has led many in the town to trust them.

Others view them as cult-like and too aggressive in their recruitment tactics– and I strongly agree.

One thing is clear:  Ave Maria University’s administration brought the environment of Home of the Mother to Ave Maria.

CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO READ FULL ENDORSEMENT OF “HOME OF THE MOTHER” BY AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY, ON JANUARY 3, 2009

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW FULL INFORMATION - HOME OF THE MOTHER - AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY WEBSITE - JANUARY 03, 2009

Ave Maria—a fertile ground for recruitment

The Servant Sisters of Home of the Mother have found at AMU and at Ave Maria Town a fertile ground for recruitment into their religious community.  Indeed, good, faithful and trusting young Catholics have joined them and have taken religious vows in the Hogar de la Madre community in Spain.  There are residents in the Town of Ave Maria who have travelled to Spain, to witness their children formally join this religious community, both as religious sisters and as religious brothers.  Some have sent their adolescent children on trips overseas with members of this Hogar community, while others have even sent their young children on Hogar de la Madre retreats in Florida.

HOME OF THE MOTHER - GIRLS RETREAT - E-MAIL JUNE 14, 2008 REQUESTING BLOW-UP MATTRESS

HOME OF THE MOTHER - GIRLS RETREAT - E-MAIL JUNE 01, 2008

 Questioning the credibility of “spiritual direction” by members of Home of the Mother

Now that the president of Ave Maria University, Nicholas J. Healy, Jr.,  has announced this “immoral conduct” scandal, and has terminated the relationship with Hogar de la Madre—what does it say about the credibility of the “spiritual direction” that this group has been imparting to AMU students, students at the Ave Maria K-12 school—as well as to the children and adolescents in the town?

What took place on Tuesday is not just the expulsion of one religious sister.  This is much more serious than that.  This is the termination of a relationship with a religious community—tantamount to the expulsion of the Jesuit order from a campus.

There are questions that need to be asked, given the seriousness of the circumstances, and the fact that AMU has to “determine if there are other victims and help any student that might have been harmed” :

1. The Naples Daily News reported that the religious sister was recalled “last year.”  Exactly when was she recalled “last year”?  What happened between “last year” and March of this year, which according to Mr. Healy, is when the religious sister was recalled.
2. If the religious sister was recalled in March, why was the Bishop not informed until August?   Why didn’t AMU’s administration directly inform the Bishop, who sits on the Board of Trustees as an ex-officio member, that the Superior of the Servant Sisters had been recalled, as soon as it happened?

Even though the Bishop did not invite the Hogar group here, nor did he endorse it (this can’t be emphasized enough)—it would seem a fundamental courtesy and proper behavior of an “unabashedly Catholic” university to keep the local ordinary apprised of such a significant change in the Women’s Discernment Program.

       3.   What is the responsibility of  the Student Life Dept., which has endorsed this program on campus?

       4.  Will the two priests that are part of this Home of the Mother group, and are acting as “Spiritual Directors” on campus, be sent back to Spain as well?  Their names are Fr. Colum Power and Father Henry Kowalczyk– and they still appear today on the AMU website:

UPDATE – Sep. 10, 2010:  The names of Father Colum Power and Father Henry Kowalczyk have been removed from the Campus Ministry Directory of the AMU website.

AMU - CAMPUS MINISTRY - SEP. 09, 2010

    5.  What is the legacy of Home of the Mother?  How many from Ave Maria University and Ave Maria Town have been recruited, professed or joined this religious group?

    6. Have these former AMU students and residents of Ave Maria Town been contacted and informed, in Spain, about the “immoral conduct” that has been reported, and that this Hogar religious group has been expelled from Ave Maria?

This terrible situation may have been prevented, had the local Bishop been able to appoint a religious order with full canonical approval, and to provide full Episcopal oversight of the Discernment Program.

But would that involve granting Ave Maria University official Catholic recognition? – something  which the Bishop has not done– of which one shouldn’t be surprised.

Finally, this Hogar de la Madre / Women’s Discernment Program disaster shows that the set-up of  Ave Maria University with the Catholic Diocese of Venice in Florida is fundamentally flawed, in terms of authority.

♦   ♦   ♦

NOTE – Wednesday, Sep. 8, 2010:  Ave Maria University’s president, Nicholas J. Healy, Jr., spoke with me late Wednesday afternoon (at 4:45pm) and personally acknowledged receipt of  questions I presented to him, and answered them.  He said he would send his response (in writing) on Thursday.

NOTE:  CNA – Sep. 11, 2010:  The community did not report the incident to the university. According to the university, Home of the Mother superiors did not follow Vatican-prescribed procedures for reporting such incidents

UPDATE – Thursday, Sep. 9, 2010- The following is AMU President Nicholas J. Healy, Jr.’s written response.  It appears that Mr. Healy is treating as a “Marketing” issue, the answers  I have asked him to provide in writing regarding this serious matter:

AMU PRESIDENT NICHOLAS J. HEALY JR. E-MAIL RESPONSE REGARDING MY MEDIA INQUIRY OF SEP. 08 2010

♦   ♦   ♦

You may read Marielena Montesino de Stuart’s observations and opinions through RenewAmerica, USAToday, Poynter Online, Spero News, The New Liturgical Movement-Poland, The Naples Daily News, Les Femmes-The Truth, Culture War Notes,  ProLife Blogs, The Wanderer, etc.   

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:  Ave Maria University + Home of the Mother and Lesbianism at Ave Maria University + Hogar de la Madre and Lesbianism at Ave Maria University + The Jackson Laboratory + Workshops and Resources for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research + Eugenics + Margaret Sanger + Tom Monaghan + Tom Golisano +  Nick Healy + Nicholas J. Healy Jr., President of AMU + Barron Collier Companies + The Ave Maria Stewardship Community District + Bishop Frank J. Dewane 

E-Mail:  ContactTRCW@aol.com    © All Rights Reserved    www.TheRomanCatholicWorld.com

NOTICE TO READERS

Erased from History

The Roman Catholic World

September 1, 2010

by Marielena Montesino de Stuart

This is an account of how some historians

and many in political power

have attempted to erase a horrible history…

 

“Extermination must be put on a scientific basis if it is ever to be carried out humanely and apologetically as well as thoroughly.”

From On the Rocks– by George Bernard Shaw

Click on image below to view film

(Warning: this film has graphic details)

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION:  + Communists +  Socialists + Eugenics

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Marielena Montesino de Stuart

You may read Marielena Montesino de Stuart’s observations and opinions through RenewAmerica, USAToday, Poynter Online, Spero News, The New Liturgical Movement-Poland, The Naples Daily News, Les Femmes-The Truth, Culture War Notes,  ProLife Blogs, The Wanderer, etc.

E-Mail:  ContactTRCW@aol.com

© All Rights Reserved    www.TheRomanCatholicWorld.com