Protest transitions to Prayer service after ND professor declines appointment

SOUTH BEND, Ind.—A march built on controversy shifted course at the University of Notre Dame.

Community members and local Right to Life groups joined students on campus for a march in opposition to a professor who was recently appointed to a leadership position and is known for openly supporting abortion rights, but a day before the event, the professor declined the appointment, turning the protest into a prayer service.

The university did not allow local journalists to record the event, citing privacy concerns for those in attendance. However, attendees were allowed to take photos and record video.

Gabriel Ortner, a Notre Dame junior and co-organizer of March on the Dome and chancellor of the Knights of Columbus Council 1477 spoke to ABC57 following the event.

“When Bishop Rhodes came out with his letter to Notre Dame, he explicitly expressed the hope that we would light candles at the grotto for Notre Dame’s commitment to the gospel of life,” Ortner said.

Extra candles remained following the prayer service because expected attendance dropped after Susan Ostermann declined the appointment to lead the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.

The change transformed the event from a protest into a prayer service of gratitude.

“I see these candles as representing the hope in Notre Dame’s Catholic identity and that they will remain truly faithful to the Catholic Church,” Ortner said.

Ostermann had been set to take the role in July before receiving national criticism for her outward pro-choice stances, which Ortner said go against the university’s Catholic teachings.

Ostermann will remain a faculty member. She did not respond to ABC57’s request for comment in time.

Those Pro- Life groups in attendance said their fight is not over yet.

“I also hope that this is an inspiration and a call within the administration to make sure they all have a clear vision of what it means to be a Catholic college and a Catholic university needs to be on board with this mission and that really has to be clarified and solidified,” Ortner said.

University officials declined to comment on camera but sent a statement that read:

“The University of Notre Dame remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to the inherent dignity of the human person and to the sanctity of life at every stage.

We respect the perspectives of our students and their desire to be heard; this event is an example of the vibrant and deeply engaged community that makes Notre Dame a special place.”

Those who attended the service received candles that were blessed before they walked from the South Quad flagpole to the Grotto for prayer.