Changes

The '''Laetare Medal''', established in 1983 <ref>[http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2005/03/18/News/Laetare.Winner.Named-897509.shtml Laetare winner named] The Observer Online, March 18, 2005</ref>, an honorary award of the University of Notre Dame that is considered the most prestigious honor for American Catholics. Father Peter Jarret, counselor to the University President in 2005, ''"The award is meant to recognize the contributions of men and women whose faith energizes their work,"'' and ''"A candidate for the Laetare Medal must be a practicing American Catholic who is said to have made a distinctively Catholic contribution to his or her intellectual or professional life. Ideally, the person's professional life would be one of service to others."''  

The '''Laetare Medal''', established in 1983 <ref>[http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2005/03/18/News/Laetare.Winner.Named-897509.shtml Laetare winner named] The Observer Online, March 18, 2005</ref>, is a honorary award of the University of Notre Dame. The award is considered the most prestigious honor for American Catholics. Counselor to the University President, Father Peter Jarret said in 2005, ''"The award is meant to recognize the contributions of men and women whose faith energizes their work,"'' and ''"A candidate for the Laetare Medal must be a practicing American Catholic who is said to have made a distinctively Catholic contribution to his or her intellectual or professional life. Ideally, the person's professional life would be one of service to others."''  

The medal recipient is chosen by a committee, the final decision rests with Officers of the University.   

The medal recipient is chosen by a committee, the final decision rests with Officers of the University.   

=== Past recipients ===

=== Past recipients ===

*[[John F. Kennedy]]

*[[John F. Kennedy]]

*Dorthy Day

*Dorothy Day

*Sister Helen Prejean

*Sister Helen Prejean

=== Barack Obama ===

=== Barack Obama ===

[[Barack Obama]] is nominated to receive this prestigious award at the May 17th commencement. In addition, the school’s traditional doctoral robe--which is emblazoned with a cross and a prayer to the [[Virgin Mary]], will be worn by Obama. This has stirring anger and resentment for the University honoring a supporter of [[abortion]], against [[Catholic]] doctrine. More Than 250,000 sign petition protesting this decision by The Cardinal Newman Society. <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/Content/Article.aspx?rsrcid=46274 More Than 250,000 Sign Petition Protesting Notre Dame’s Invitation to Obama] CNSNews, April 08, 2009</ref>

[[Barack Obama]] has been nominated to receive the prestigious Laetare Medal at the May 17th commencement. In addition, the school’s traditional doctoral robe--which is emblazoned with a cross and a prayer to the [[Virgin Mary]], will be worn by Obama. This has stirred anger and resentment for the University honoring a supporter of [[abortion]], against [[Catholic]] doctrine. More Than 250,000 people have signed a petition protesting this decision, sponsored by The Cardinal Newman Society. <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/public/Content/Article.aspx?rsrcid=46274 More Than 250,000 Sign Petition Protesting Notre Dame’s Invitation to Obama] CNSNews, April 08, 2009</ref>

=== References ===

=== References ===