PAXTON, Mass. - Anna Maria College has rescinded its invitation to the widow of Sen. Edward Kennedy to speak during spring commencement ceremonies after a local bishop said he found her an "objectionable" choice because of her association with organizations whose points of view are contrary to Church teachings.

Bishop Robert McManus of Worcester, Mass., said he told the president of the college that he would not attend the May 19 commencement if Victoria Reggie Kennedy were the speaker and the recipient of an honorary degree from the institution.

"My difficult is not primarily with Mrs. Kennedy,"said McManus. "My difficulty is with the college choosing her to be honoured by allowing her to be commencement speaker and giving her an honorary degree.