Bravo to Harrison Butker for his electrifying commencement address speaking Catholic truth — faithfully and unapologetically. 

Our Catholic faith is tolerated only when it is contained and “safe” for the secular culture. But when anyone has the guts to escape their secular-controlled containment, then they are met with a hostility intended to demean and neutralize. It shows how “dangerous” the authentic Christian truth is to the wayward “status quo” of our society. 

If people despise Butker’s message, perhaps even within the Church, then it is a sure sign the message has resonated. As Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember it hated me first.” 

Pope Francis told the youth to go to the streets, spread the faith, and “go make a mess.” Butker made a true mess of the status quo and is a role model of bravery for us.

— Fritz Baumgartner, M.D., Los Angeles