Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Obama Speaks at Notre Dame Today Amid Protests, Vigils

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 16, 2009 11:28 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Students at Notre Dame upset that President Obama will deliver today's commencement address began an all-night prayer vigil Saturday night, reports AP. Earlier, campus police arrested 19 anti-abortion protesters—none of them students—and charged them with trespassing, notes CNN. The invitation to pro-choice Obama has raised a ruckus at the Catholic school, and some of the more extreme members of the anti-abortion camp plan to make their presence felt at the college.

"The young people have behaved with great dignity," said the local bishop, John D'Arcy, who won't be attending Obama's speech. "They have been firm in their purpose and strong in their purpose, but prayerful. They haven't followed those who said we're going to make it a circus," he said.

Norma McCorvey, second from left, and Father Norman Weslin, center, lead an anti-abortion protest Saturday, May 16, 2009 in South Bend, Indiana.
Norma McCorvey, second from left, and Father Norman Weslin, center, lead an anti-abortion protest Saturday, May 16, 2009 in South Bend, Indiana.   (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)
The Rev. John Jenkins, president of Notre Dame.
The Rev. John Jenkins, president of Notre Dame.   (AP Photo/Joe Raymond, File)
A Notre Dame police officer, left, instructs anti-abortion protesters to leave the campus Saturday.
A Notre Dame police officer, left, instructs anti-abortion protesters to leave the campus Saturday.   (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)
Bishop John D'Arcy speaks at Notre Dame's Baccalaureate Mass Saturday. He won't be attending Sunday's commencement speech by President Obama.
Bishop John D'Arcy speaks at Notre Dame's Baccalaureate Mass Saturday. He won't be attending Sunday's commencement speech by President Obama.   (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
Rob
May 18, 2009 1:20 AM CDT
That's a lot of people and I bet it would be harder than you think to collect as many, koku.
Rob
May 18, 2009 1:18 AM CDT
Perfect answer!
Rob
May 18, 2009 1:17 AM CDT
I agree with most of this but get real, Catholics and Mormons are not alone in the pro-life stance. (And listen to Mad, no more newser point updates)
US • Health

 
abortion • Notre Dame • Catholic • commencement speech • President Obama

More Newser Stories

Vatican Offers Pilgrims Abortion Forgiveness for 6 Days

Santorum: Obama's Black, So He Should Oppose Abortion

Obama Stresses Need for New 'International Order'

Obama Calls on Black College Grads to Be Role Models

Obama's Commencement Request: Civility
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne