A Man of Great Courage

This young man is an example of what our Catholic Colleges SHOULD be putting out, however as you can hear, it is an unfortunate truth that he is not the norm, but the exception. Instead of getting a standing ovation as was deserved (tho there are those that did give him an ovation at the end), the speaker, University of St Thomas's 2006 Tommie of the Year, Ben Kessler, had people walking out on him. I could understand the reaction if this were a public institution, but this is a private Catholic university with the following mission statement:
“Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely and work skillfully to advance the common good.” Everything in this young man's speech reflects this mission statement.

Notice at the end how the speaker thanks Ben for the courage of speaking his "thoughts", not for the courage of speaking "Catholic teaching", teaching that all Catholics should know and follow, and not be shocked or upset by. Although many of these students are not Catholic, they should not be so offended by hearing basic Catholic doctrine spoken at their Catholic University.

Unfortunately the University of St Thomas's president, Fr. Dennis Dease, gave an apology for this speech, and required Ben Kessler to also give an apology. I do not know why since Mr. Kessler's speech proves that he is exactly what the mission statement claims the University desires to produce.

Please note that this is merely a 6 minute excerpt of a longer speech made, that this was simply a part of what was said and not the focus of the speech, but rather an example of the focus which was that the graduates should go out into the world with the intent to change it for the Common Good, leaving selfishness behind, in the same tradition of Martin Luther King Jr, Ghandi, and yes, even Jesus who all Christians are supposed to desire to emulate.

(Caution, foul language can be heard on the recording)



If anyone else gives a hoot about this, please write Fr. Dennis Dease at the University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105