Your weekly weekeND update
March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day had ND feeling the Irish pride
We were all feeling the luck of the Irish this past week.
The Big Dance
The Madness is already well underway, with our Fighting Irish locking down an exciting, come-from-behind 70-63 victory against Michigan in the first round and an anxiety-inducing 76-75 win against Stephen F. Austin to move on to the Sweet 16.
In typical March Madness fashion, many people’s brackets were busted this week due to record-breaking wins and losses in just the first few days of the tournament. Friday marked the first time ever in tournament history that No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 seeds have all lost first-round games on the same day (and subsequently that No. 13, No. 14, and No. 15 seeds have all won first-round games on the same day).
We’re excited to see what madness lies ahead.
Éirinn go Brách
Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, especially at Notre Dame. Here at ND, March 17th is a day just as important as any other Holy Day of Obligation, and certainly more widely recognized. This past Thursday, students observed this high holy day the only way we know how; by vibin’, imbibin’, and dartying the day away. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here’s a visual recap of ND St. Paddy’s 2016.
Former Notre Dame professor and alleged sex offender commits suicide
Reverend Virgilio Elizondo, a former Notre Dame Theology professor and accused sex abuser, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his San Antonio home on Monday. Notre Dame awarded Elizondo with the Laetare Medal – one of the most prestigious awards available to American Catholics – in 1997, nearly 14 years following the allegations against him. Tab reporter Elizabeth House reported on the full story earlier this week.
Speaking of the Laetare Medal…
Notre Dame recently announced that it would be honoring Vice President Joe Biden and former Speaker of the House John Boehner at Commencement. The two politicians, both Catholics, will be receiving the prestigious Laetare Medal, which Notre Dame awards to individuals who have exhibited “outstanding service to the Church and society.” Bishop Kevin Rhoades, the bishop for the Fort Wayne-South Bend area, condemned Notre Dame’s decision to honor them in this way because they both endorse policies that stand at odds with Catholic doctrine and Catholic social teaching. Read Ariana Zlioba’s report on the controversy.