As the petition at NotreDameScandal.com breaks 185,000 supporters in less than a week, the following statement was issued by Bishop Aymond, Diocese of Austin, criticizing the University of Notre Dame’s decision to honor and provide a platform for President Obama at Commencement:

As was announced recently, the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., is presenting President Barack Obama with an honorary degree and have asked him to give the commencement address.

I, along with many other Catholics, express great disappointment and sadness that a Catholic university would honor someone who is pro-choice and who holds many values contrary to our Catholic belief.

In the midst of such a sad situation, as Catholics we must continue to be pro-life and to proclaim with even greater strength the values of Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

In my opinion, it is very clear that in this case the University of Notre Dame does not live up to its Catholic identity in giving this award and their leadership needs our prayerful support.

“Once again faithful Catholics are comforted by another of our bishops affirming the position of more than 186,000 people that have signed the petition at NotreDameScandal.com: that there is no way for Notre Dame to justify honoring President Obama given his clear record on issues in direct opposition to fundamental Catholic teachings,” said Patrick J. Reilly, president of The Cardinal Newman Society.