Irish Monthly No. 4 ☘️
My fellow Domers,
I apologize for neglecting this newsletter. It’s been an historic couple months in American politics, the focus of my day job as a news reporter on the Capitol beat in Washington, D.C. where I’ve lived for fifteen years. In 2021, news reporting became for me a mid-career pivot away from a long run as a political operative that began with my internship in the British House of Commons during my junior year in the Notre Dame London Program.
But enough about me! How’d you find Irish Monthly? Our subscriber count nearly doubled in the quiet months since our last update, so don’t be a stranger! Tell us about yourself by replying to this email or commenting below. Go Irish,
Pablo ‘06 — Editor of Irish Monthly
Father Bob’s Inaugural Week
Father Bob Dowd will be formally inaugurated on Friday as Notre Dame’s 18th president, succeeding Father John. Bob’s inaugural activities are scheduled for this Wednesday through Friday, September 11th through 13th. Find a schedule of Bob’s inauguration activities here. The inaugural Mass will be livestreamed at nd.edu on 10am ET on Friday.
There hasn’t been a lot of news about Father Bob Dowd during his first months as Notre Dame’s president (though he delivered an endearing homily about “moving beyond the familiar” at the opening Mass of the academic year on August 28) —which is on-brand for the low-key priest. But that hasn’t stopped Notre Dame’s public affairs teams from telling Bob’s story online.
As I’ve mentioned previously, Bob was the priest-in-residence in St. Edward’s Hall during my undergraduate time on campus. This video I thought did a nice job of authentically capturing Bob as an institution on campus —
☘️WATCH THIS SPACE. In May, Notre Dame booked one of the great musical talents in America today to perform at Father Dowd’s inauguration on Friday. Jean Baptiste will perform as part of an evening concert celebration at 8 p.m. in Purcell Pavilion. If you’re unfamiliar with Baptiste, watch his NPR Tiny Desk Concert. It doesn’t disappoint. Baptiste’s booking continues a long line of legendary musicians to perform at ND. My graduation featured the late Dave Brubeck who played “Traveling Blues” to send us out into the world.
ND Forum to Focus on Israel/Palestine
In June, I wrote about how the transition from Father John’s presidency to Father Bob’s marked a shift from a philosopher to a political scientist running things under the Golden Dome. This Thursday’s Notre Dame Forum could be one such turning point. The annual event asks “What do we owe each other?” It will culminate in a panel moderated by Father Bob featuring Admiral Christopher W. Grady, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Joe Donnelly, the former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.
In response to student protests at the end of the spring semester over Israel’s ongoing war in Palestine, Bob put out a statement on freedom of expression on August 27. The statement draws a clear line on behavior that won’t be tolerated on campus: “The right of free expression does not, of course, extend to speech that threatens violence or constitutes harassment against an individual or a group. Such expressions violate University values and policies and will not be tolerated,” wrote Dowd.
☘️WATCH THIS SPACE. Last semester, The Observer did a great job covering the protests on campus over Israel’s war in Palestine. News Editor Liam Kelly spoke to NPR about an action that escalated somewhat during a celebration of Father John’s presidency.
Father John’s Catholic Mission in Ukaine
Father John I. Jenkins visited Lviv, Ukraine, to express Notre Dame's solidarity with the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) and the Ukrainian people amidst ongoing conflicts. His visit, the first international trip since stepping down as president, highlighted Notre Dame's commitment to supporting UCU, including hosting UCU students and faculty, and fostering collaborative research.
Jenkins emphasized the importance of solidarity and the interconnectedness of global struggles for justice and peace, visiting significant sites like the Garrison Church of Saints Peter and Paul and a center for war-affected individuals, underscoring the human cost of the conflict.
☘️WATCH THIS SPACE. John’s post-presidency promises to be a fruitful one. He is expected to return to the philosophy department after taking time away to travel (in the spirit of Ned and Ted). Wherever he focuses, in this case Ukraine, Jenkins is sure to bring the humility, drive, and focus on the Catholic mission that defined his presidency.
Alumni Spotlight: McMorrow Speaks at DNC Chicago
Michigan State Senator and proud ND grad Mallory McMorrow gave a rousing, 5-minute speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last month. Her speech focused on the dangers posed by Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint which she described as a plan to empower Donald Trump with dictatorial powers.
Sen. McMorrow highlighted a specific proposal from the document that would allow Trump to replace much of the federal government with loyalists, effectively weaponizing agencies like the Department of Justice against his political opponents. Her speech was part of a broader DNC narrative emphasizing unity and patriotism across all Americans, contrasting with what she portrayed as divisive and authoritarian tendencies within the Republican agenda as outlined by Project 2025.
☘️WATCH THIS SPACE. McMorrow is a rising star in Democratic politics. Some predict she will eventually run for Congress, or even governor. Regardless of your politics, it’s good to see Fighting Irish lawmakers rising with conviction in these polarized times. I ran into her on the convention floor at the United Center and snapped a quick selfie —
ICYMI: Fischer Hall Demolished
After 72 years as a men’s dorm, Fischer Hall was demolished in July. The 150 room eye-sore was home to fond memories and important mentors to me when I was a freshman on campus. Here’s a nice reflection by Jack Sirianni for The Observer on “Fisher’s Final Farewell”.
News clips
Notre Dame Researchers Develop Rapid, Affordable Brain Cancer Blood Test (Inside Indiana Business)
Notre Dame Hires Kate the Chemist (WVPE)
Notre Dame and Dorville heirs agree on restitution of artwork (ArtDaily)
Book club
“Notre Dame vs. The Klan” by Todd Tucker
“God, Country, Notre Dame” by Father Ted Hesburgh
“Christianity, Islam, and Liberal Democracy: Lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa” by Father Bob Dowd