Posted by
Commander Craig on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 10:08:36 AM
It will be the second medal that has been returned by those opposed to the doctor, who was made a member of the order on Canada Day. Father Lucien Larré, a Catholic priest in Coquitlam, B.C., who was named to the order 25 years ago, shipped his award back to Ottawa saying that granting the country's highest civilian honour to Dr. Morgentaler "degrades" it.
Catherine Doherty, founder of Madonna House in the community east of Ottawa, was named to the order 32 years ago for her service to the underprivileged. She died in 1985, but had written a letter telling staff that the medal belonged to all of them, said Susanne Stubbs, one of three directors.
Ms. Stubbs said yesterday that staff voted unanimously to return the honour.
"We value this medal. It has been a family treasure. And on a human level, it's with sorrow that we have to give it back. However, we are Gospel people. We're trying to live according to our consciences and our consciences won't let us keep it. We believe that if she [Ms. Doherty] were alive, she would do the same thing."
About five members of Madonna House plan to gather at the gates of Rideau Hall this morning to return the medal.
Governor-General's spokeswoman Lucie Caron said yesterday that the public can express its views to the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall. "Doing so by returning an insignia is a personal decision."