Reader Corrections

By Dr. Jeff Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | Feb 24, 2012

Our readers prove again and again that they are an invaluable resources, frequently sending in news and comments about what is going on in their regions, or in areas of particular interest to them. They also correct us when we make mistakes, as happens occasionally in a news report or a commentary item. Often this is done within an hour of the original posting. There is also occasional disagreement in matters of opinion, which prompts a richer exchange of ideas. This assistance makes CatholicCulture.org a better source of information and ideas.

With respect to my On the Culture commentaries, two very specific corrections have been offered recently. In Priestly Fidelity: The Time to Take Prisoners Has Passed, I mentioned that the retirement-under-pressure of Fr. William Rowe of Belleville, Illinois, was relatively simple since the mandatory retirement age for priests was 70. Another priest (who preferred anonymity) wrote in to correct me, and he was right to do so. Canon Law specifies that pastors will offer their resignation from their office at age 75, but does not mention other priests. In most places, priests are permitted to retire at age 70 if they wish, but this is not the same as mandatory retirement.

And in Catholic Universities: Steps on the Way Back, I discussed the workshop that was to be sponsored there by gay activist Tim Miller. This was arranged by a faculty member in the Communications Department, and we had reported it in Catholic World News. Our report was accurate, but Joe McCullen, Jr. of Boston wrote on February 23rd to bring me up to date: “When Fr Peter Donohue, President of Villanova University, learned of Tim Miller's invitation,” wrote McCullen, “he revoked it as ‘not in keeping with Catholic or Augustinian principles’.”

It turns out that we had reported the cancellation the previous day (Villanova withdraws invitation to radical gay activist), but I had not seen the story yet. I am delighted to be able to correct my previous commentary here.