As controversy intensifies over the University of Notre Dame’s decision to appoint a professor with a long record of pro-abortion advocacy to a leadership role, Bishop Kevin Rhoades publicly joined students in prayer on campus — signaling growing national concern about the university’s Catholic identity.

On the evening of Feb. 24, with temperatures dipping below freezing, the Bishop of Fort Wayne–South Bend led a rosary at Notre Dame’s iconic Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, gathering roughly 50 students, Holy Cross priests, faculty, and South Bend residents.

Kneeling before the grotto alongside student organizers Luke Woodyard and Gabriel Ortner, Bishop Rhoades encouraged the faithful who braved the cold:

“I am very proud of you… Keep up the good work.”

The prayer service comes less than two weeks after Rhoades issued a forceful rebuke of Notre Dame for selecting Professor Susan Ostermann—a scholar who has published multiple pro-abortion articles—to lead the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies beginning July 1.

A Growing Clash Over Notre Dame’s Catholic Mission

The Feb. 11 letter from Bishop Rhoades expressed “dismay and strong opposition” to the appointment, arguing that Ostermann’s public advocacy for abortion rights “should disqualify her from leading an institute dedicated to integral human development.”

He urged the university:

“There is still time to make things right.”

While the bishop did not name Ostermann directly during the rosary, he emphasized gratitude for the pro-life witness of Notre Dame’s students and faculty.

He urged Catholics nationwide to pray for the university:

“I entrust the Notre Dame community and its leaders to the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes… asking our Blessed Mother to intercede for Notre Dame and its proclamation of the Gospel of life.”

Freshman Sabrina Richter echoed a growing student sentiment:

“The Catholic character of Notre Dame is worth preserving. If we let one thing slip, another thing might slip.”

Why the Appointment Sparked Outrage

Professor Susan Ostermann has authored 11 published articles arguing that abortion is:

• “freedom-enhancing”
• “consistent with integral human development”
• essential for “social justice and human dignity”

She has also:

• Claimed the pro-life movement was founded in “white supremacy and racism.”
• Labeled pregnancy resource centers as “anti-abortion propaganda sites.”

Momentum against the appointment is significant:

• 18 U.S. bishops now publicly support Bishop Rhoades’ opposition.
• The list includes Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the USCCB.
• Two bishops who are Notre Dame alumni have also joined the criticism:
  • Bishop Thomas Paprocki (Springfield, IL)
  • Bishop Michael Sis (San Angelo, TX)

Two Liu Institute faculty fellows have already resigned in protest.

Despite the nationwide backlash, Notre Dame continues to defend its decision.

A university spokesperson told The Observer (Feb. 24):

“Professor Ostermann respects the University’s position on the sanctity of life… As director, her role is to support research, not advance a personal agenda.”

Students Plan ‘March on the Dome’

The rosary marked the beginning of a larger student movement on campus.

Organizers announced a major demonstration — the “March on the Dome” — scheduled for Friday, aimed at protesting what they call the “demolition of our Catholic identity.”

The demonstration will include:

• Student speeches
• A march to the Main Building
• A candlelight procession to the grotto

Co-organizer Luke Woodyard said Monday’s prayer service set the right foundation:

“We’re not trying to knock Notre Dame down… We want what’s best for her.”
“We want Notre Dame to be truly Catholic — not just in name but in reality.”