Seton Hall says it regrets award

In today’s Catholic Advocate, the Newark Archdiocese’s newspaper, Archbishop John J. Myers criticized Seton Hall for hosting the ceremony.

Myers wrote that he first learned of the invitations to O’Connor and Barry during Easter Week, a few days before the event. University officials approached the law school about the ceremony, but Law School Dean Patrick Hobbs wanted to hold the ceremony, said James Goodness, a spokesman for Myers.

“I find this action profoundly offensive and contrary to the Catholic mission and identity of Seton Hall Law School, Seton Hall University, and the Archdiocese of Newark,” Myers wrote.

He also wrote he is “proceeding in a way both to clarify the situation and to see that it does not occur again” and is “determining the appropriate action to be taken.” He did not offer details.