Lentorama 2007: The Non-Canonized Catholic Person of the Day

Today's person is Patrick McCartan, who today was named the winner of the 2007 Laetare Medal by the University of Notre Dame. Not conincidentally, McCartan is the chairman of Notre Dame's board of trustees. It seems that he's won it for how his leadership of the school's board has put ND on its current course. I don't know if that qualifies under the medal's purpose of honoring an American Catholic "whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the Church and enriched the heritage of humanity," but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

McCartan is a senior partner at Jones Day, and is nationally-recognized for his work as a trial lawyer.

The Laetare Medal is awarded each year on the fourth Sunday of Lent, known as Laetare Sunday, from the phrase "Laetare Jerusalem" or "Rejoice, O Jerusalem" that appears at the start of the day's Mass. Laetare Sunday is supposed to be a break from the rigors of Lent, kind of a day off that helps people focus for the rest of the season. Its marked in Mass by the appearance of flowers on the altar, priests wearing rose vestments rather than purple, and increased use of organ music during the ceremony. It is also the day that the Pope blesses any golden roses that he awards to churches and Catholic royalty for their devotion to the faith.

Sorry to say I'm not getting any medals or roses today. I suppose musing on a Tom Brady - Mother Angelica union didn't quite enrich the heritage of humanity.