"We need to summon the moral strength to create a civilization of peace, and justice, and of course, of love," said United States Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) to Christendom College's graduating class of 2003, the largest in the college's 25 year history.
"This is where you come in. I believe of all the great gifts God has given to the young, the greatest of these are energy, idealism, and rebelliousness. I want to challenge each and every one of you to be a radical, to be a rebel, to rebel against the popular culture. Your task will not be an easy one. You must overcome the temptation of silence."
On May 17, during the graduation ceremony, Christendom College President Dr. Timothy O'Donnell awarded the college's Pro Deo et Patria Medal for Distinguished Service to God and Country, to Senator Santorum. after which he delivered the Commencement Address (excerpts from this address below). The audience interrupted the senator's speech three times with standing ovations.
In his address, Senator Santorum alluded to his recent remarks supporting the Texas law prohibiting homosexual "marriage", which occasioned attacks and accusation s of "hate speech".
(About 100 students walked out before his address on Sunday, May 18, at St. Joseph's Commencement in Philadelphia.)
