In an exciting development, President Rev. Dennis Dease of University of St. Thomas has announced a tangible working relationship between the university and Archbishop Nienstedt. The announcement arrives after almost a year of concern over the action of Board of Trustees removing Nienstedt from the Archbishop of St. Paul-Minneapolis’ traditional capacity as chairman of the board.

In recent months Father Dease has met with the Archbishop to discuss university affairs. As a result of collaboration between the two, the Board of Trustees elected Father Lee Piché, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, as a board member. “He will undoubtedly carry Archbishop Nienstedt’s voice and vote to every matter discussed by the board,” said Father Dease, in a university press release.

In other steps forward, UST board members will now meet annually with the Archbishop “to discuss issues of common interest, especially those involving our Catholic mission and nature.”

Nienstedt will also meet at least biannually with the board’s chairperson. Furthermore, the Board of Trustees will consult Archbishop Nienstedt “before taking any action regarding Catholic identity issues at the university.”

Archbishop Nienstedt has shown particular interest in the spiritual life of students at the university. Over the past year, Archbishop Nienstedt led monthly scripture studies with students, which reportedly attracted hundreds of participants.

These developments are particularly good news given recent apprehension over Catholic identity issues at UST. Last January, The Cardinal Newman Society expressed serious concern over the required English Department text for freshmen. The Handmaid’s Tale, which can best be described as a feminist, anti-Catholic science fiction novel, was protested by many alumni and parents as unfitting for a university calling itself Catholic.

Well known pro-life speaker Star Parker was denied venue by the University of St. Thomas in April, but was invited again after much criticism of the university’s action.