By Dr. Donald DeMarco, Catholic Exchange, June 13, 2023
Dr. Donald DeMarco is Professor Emeritus, St. Jerome’s University and Adjunct Professor at Holy Apostles College. …
Some time ago, when I was teaching at a Catholic University, I was a member of the steering committee. Our purpose was to establish the agenda for the next College Council meeting. I thought it would be appropriate to begin forthcoming meetings with a prayer. My colleague on the committee strenuously objected to the idea. He thought it would be “offensive.” As an atheist, he found anything that was inconsistent with his non-belief to be offensive to him and therefore, beginning a meeting with a prayer at a Catholic institution should be prevented. Pope Benedict has remarked that “There are those who argue that the public celebration of festivals such as Christmas should be discouraged, in the questionable belief that it might somehow offend those of other religions or none.” My partner, I am afraid, was one of “those.” …
