For the past few years, I've noticed this same story crop up, and it disgusts me now as it has digusted me then.
From Catholic World News:
At least 30 Catholic colleges and universities are scheduled to host The Vagina Monologues, a play with strong feminist and lesbian themes, during February and March, according to the Cardinal Newman Society. The group urges Catholics to protest the shows, which typically are staged on February 14: St. Valentine's Day.“Performing this offensive play during Lent mocks the Catholic faith, as does the attempt to replace Saint Valentine’s Day with ‘V-Day,’” said Patrick J. Reilly, president of the Cardinal Newman Society. “The Vagina Monologues is contrary to all that Catholics believe about the dignity of women and human sexuality.”
Every day, when I walk through the Busch Student Center at Saint Louis University, I see a table set up with a large sign advertising "The V***** Monologues and some college women sitting around a table with buttons and flyers promoting the show. I do not plan on ever seeing this show, and I hope that no others from the University will see it. You can read more about the show on the Cardinal Newman Society's website. The statement from Bishop John D'Arcy is another informative Catholic perspective of this play.
The Vagina Monologues features a graphic discussion of women's sexuality, including obscene language, explicit description of sexual activity, and the sexual abuse of a young girl. The Cardinal Newman Society has furnished a summary of the Vagina Monologues on its web site for those seeking to understand a better understanding of the campus controversy.
I plan on following the Cardinal Newman Society's advice and letting Fr. Biondi (St. Louis University's president) know what I think. I encourage any St. Louisan, especially those who are affiliated with SLU in any way, to send feedback to Fr. Biondi. With enough support, we may be able to block this play from happening on a Catholic campus.Here is the text of my letter (you may use it as a starting point for your own):
Dear Fr. Biondi,It has come to my attention that Saint Louis University plans to allow a showing of The Vagina Monologues, a performance that is known to be against Catholic teaching on sexuality, and is offensive to the Catholic faith. It greatly displeases me that a Catholic Jesuit University would allow such a performance to be hosted on its campus. I am offended by this, and I request that you do not allow The Vagina Monologues to be performed on SLU's campus or sanctioned by any SLU association.
UPDATE: Dawn Eden of The Dawn Patrol provides another perspective on this issue.