Victory! Fr. James Martin Canceled at Holy Family University
Thanks be to God! Fr. James Martin, S.J.—widely known for promoting views that contradict Catholic teaching—did not speak at Holy Family University’s 2025 commencement ceremony. What seemed inevitable was stopped in its tracks, and TFP Student Action played a key role in this victory for moral values and the Catholic Faith.
What Happened?
When Holy Family University in Newtown, Pennsylvania, announced that Fr. James Martin, S.J. would be receiving an honorary degree and delivering a keynote commencement address on May 17, faithful Catholics were stunned—and then mobilized.
TFP Student Action launched an online petition urging HFU to disinvite Fr. Martin. The campaign quickly caught fire, garnering 11,132 signatures from concerned students, parents, and alumni. In addition, TFP Student Action announced its intent to hold a peaceful protest outside the university if the scandalous invitation was not rescinded.
Shortly thereafter, Fr. Martin’s name quietly disappeared from the list of speakers. No public explanation was given by the university, but the message was clear: faithful Catholics made a difference.
Who Is the Rainbow Jesuit?
To some, it may seem odd to protest a Catholic priest speaking at a Catholic university. But Fr. James Martin’s track record reveals why such action was not only appropriate, but necessary. His public support for positions in direct conflict with Catholic teaching is well documented.
For example:
- Fr. Martin supports transgenderism for children;
- He said Catholics should “reverence” homosexual unions;
- He favors homosexual kissing during Mass (sacrilege);
- He was featured in The New York Times “blessing” a homosexual pair;
- Fr. Martin promoted a “rainbow rosary.”
These sinful actions do not reflect the fidelity expected from a priest—or a Catholic university’s commencement speaker.
Victory Rosary
When news broke that Fr. Martin was no longer speaking, the originally planned protest outside HFU turned into a Rosary rally of thanksgiving.
TFP Student Action volunteers, joined by faithful local Catholics and Holy Family alumni, gathered in front of the campus. They unfurled banners, including one that read: “Thank God, the Rainbow Jesuit Fr. Martin is NOT Speaking at HFU Today.”
Marian hymns rang out on bagpipes and the recitation of the holy Rosary gave joyful public witness to the Faith. Campus security initially allowed the group to stay, but soon reversed course and asked them to leave, failing to clarify where they could legally assemble. However, a police officer intervened and pointed out a nearby public area.
Undeterred, the faithful processed down the road, with TFP bagpipers leading the way. Many drivers arriving for the commencement honked in support, and a group of religious sisters in habit joyfully waved expressing their approval. A few dissenters hurled vulgarities, but their opposition only confirmed the need for courageous Catholic witness.
Honoring the Holy Family
Holy Family University bears a sacred name. Its patrons—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—are the perfect model for family life rooted in purity, obedience, and fidelity to God’s law.
The so-called “rainbow movement,” as promoted by Fr. James Martin, contradicts this model. It confuses charity with affirmation of sin, and seeks to normalize vice under the guise of compassion.
By canceling Fr. Martin speech, Holy Family University avoided scandal and aligned more closely with the holy example of its namesake.
What Comes Next?
Let this victory encourage every young Catholic to stand firm in the Faith. Moral relativism may be loud, but the voice of truth—rooted in tradition, reason, and the Gospel—cannot be silenced.
TFP Student Action will continue defending the honor of the Church, the Angelic virtue of purity, and the sanctity of the family.
We thank every one of the 11,132 people who signed the petition. This is your victory, too.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Holy Family and terror of Demons, pray for us!