Notre Dame 88 protester ready to choose family over fighting in court

News Resources Tools Columns Documents ACI Group

Contenidos del sub-menu

Comments: 33

Laura Rohling protests outside of Notre Dame

Meeting with a group of disadvantaged young people of the rehabilitation community of the University of Notre Dame in the Church of the Sacred Heart in Sydney
Denver bishops’ statement on the death penalty
Vespers Address to Priests, Seminarians, and Deacons at Notre Dame
Address of the Holy Father on the Blessing of the Cornerstone of Madaba University of the Latin Patriarchate

Denver, Colo., Oct 27, 2009 / 04:49 pm (CNA).- A Denver mother who is one of the 88 pro-life protestors arrested for trespassing on the University of Notre Dame's campus during President Obama's appearance last May, has decided that if charges are not dropped soon, she will have to plead guilty.

Laura Rohling, a mother of three young children, told CNA on Monday that the burden on her family and the financial cost of traveling from Denver to South Bend, Ind. are key factors she is considering as the legal proceedings continue.

The saga involving the 88 pro-life protestors began at Notre Dame on May 8, 2009 when the Catholic university decided to confer an honorary degree on the pro-abortion President Barack Obama and allow him to deliver the commencement address.

As Rohling explained to CNA, “the primary reason for going out to South Bend was to tell my story of choosing abortion years before and how it did not 'fix' my problem.”

Rohling said that her abortion “was not the right choice in the long term. The decision haunted me for years, and I wanted to tell the students especially that abortion is not a good option.”

When she went to Notre Dame last Spring, Rohling explained that she had no idea that it would “turn into such a big mess.”

Recalling the day, she said, “the vision that sticks most in my mind is that while we were saying the Rosary, I was holding my 'I Regret My Abortion' sign, there were other groups with pro-Obama shirts on that were allowed to stand aside and watch us get arrested.”

Now, along with 87 other protesters, she is faced with charges in St. Joseph County Court that require each defendant to appear for every hearing. Proxies are not allowed, which makes the uncertain defense process expensive and time consuming, especially for those who do not live near South Bend, Indiana.

On October 20, a motion was filed on behalf of the “Notre Dame 88” requesting that all charges be dropped. However, Rohling noted, the judge appointed to the case is the wife of a retired pro-abortion Notre Dame professor and is markedly pro-abortion herself.

Attorney Thomas Dixon, who is representing the protesters, filed another motion for a change of judge in the case, arguing that St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Jenny Pitts Manier is biased. Judge Manier denied any personal or judicial bias in the case.

The “Defendants' Motion to Dismiss” filed by Dixon in South Bend states that “defendants assert that their constitutionally protected rights of freedom of speech and equal protection under the law were violated by these arrests and criminal charges.” Dixon said that the prosecutor has until November 23 to respond.

The hearing for the motion is set for Dec. 3.

In response to various pleas to the university to drop the charges, Father Jenkins, the school's president, sent out a form letter explaining that the matter is out of his hands. Despite the fact that the arrests were made by the Notre Dame Security Police, St. Joseph County, Indiana is the prosecuting party.

Stating that others have also taken pretrial diversions or plead guilty on account of school schedules and other conflicts, Rohling added, “My job first is to raise my children. I cannot continue to travel to Notre Dame for hearings. They will not allow a proxy, so I have to go for every appearance.”

If Rohling pleads guilty to the charges, she will be fined $250, have to pay another $160 in court costs, perform 20 hours of community service, receive one year of unsupervised probation, and have a 10-day jail sentence suspended. “All this,” she says, “for a Rosary, a protest for Orthodox Catholicism, and my free speech rights.”

Despite the cost, the hassle, and the discouragement, she still says, “I'd do it all over again!”

Comments: 33

Subscriber comments:

Published by: John
Granger, IN 10/31/2009 08:07 AM EST

The sad thing is that Jenkins has now vowed to attend the next March for Life. The man is either a hypocrite or he is going to try to make a mockery of the March for Life. Notre Dame will never be the University it was or could be as long as this low-life remains there.

Published by: lome
SJCA 10/29/2009 10:36 PM EST

You guys did what was needed to be done at the time.No need to apologized. You are fighting to save a Human Person,the unborn from these murderer and their supporters/promoters. Remember that the Devils are mart,astute and cunning. Life is nothing to non-believers. This is not about women rights. The battle for the souls has begun in these end times. Separations of the sheep and the goats. All that are rotten will fall. From the top, down.

Published by: Patrick Ryan
Folsom, Ca. USA 10/29/2009 02:47 PM EST

I have always been praiseful of the Catholic's Church's defense of the unborn child. I am very dissappointed to see that the University I thought would best represent the Church, is disgracing the Church and more importantly the message of Christ. Fr Jenkins has shown very poor character and committment to his vows as a priest. In my eyes the national prestige of this once fine institution has been seriously damaged. I pray for a turn around (repentance) by Fr. Jenkins and the University.

Published by: al
south bend in 10/29/2009 11:16 AM EST

Rate: Regular

excuse me you were warned that you were trespassing, you refused to comply with the law, you are not correct . separation of church and state is necessary to prevent abuse of everyone's civil rights. since you chose to ignore the warnings you have to pay the price.We all have our cross and mine sems to be people like you who will not claim responsibility for their actions

Published by: James Maher
Ireland 10/29/2009 10:52 AM EST

The two words that jump out at me are "big" and "mess"! This woman, Laura Rohling, made a very big sacrifice in order to protest at Notre Dame that day - bigger than those that e-mailed, phoned or wrote letters of protest. I compliment her from my roof-top and suggest that those that protested by e-mail, phone or letter do so again in support of reprieve for her and the other 87 similarly charged. Notre Dame has been irreversably damaged and should be deprived of its Christian ethos.

Published by: Michael
Michigan 10/29/2009 09:00 AM EST

Thank you very much Laura Rohling! You are leading us all to Jesus. As for the Univeristy of Notre Dame. I used to hold them in high esteem. They are now the University of Non Discipleship. They no longer follow Jesus. They and we all need to repent and fast to be healed.

Published by: Agnes Marie
Regan 10/29/2009 07:25 AM EST

Thanks for standing up for truth and for life. Why is it that ND can invite Pres. Obama under the guide of "dialogue" but those standing up for life and truth and arrested and no mercy shown? Shame on you Fr. Jenkins. Have you read the Gospel lately? Or is that too mainline?

Published by: Br. Joseph M. Bernales, CRSP
Philippines 10/29/2009 07:07 AM EST

Dear 88 True Catholics, I am on your side. What you have done is a great sign that good thriumps over evil, you may be jailed, fined or punished but it is witnessing to your true faith. May God bless you!

Published by: Rose
Nashville, TN 10/29/2009 12:09 AM EST

"Notre Dame University is turning into the dungheap of Catholicism." I couldn't have said it better. Can't the St. Thomas More Society do something with this case to help Laura Rohling and all of the other real Catholics involved to receive the justice they so obviously deserve???

Published by: T. Chau Van
Long Beach CA USA 10/28/2009 08:54 PM EST

Dear Mrs L. Rohling, I admire your courage,your strength,and your love for our Lord through your standing up for the little ones who have no voice.I bow down with respect in front of you.May God sustain you and your family in this difficult time.You and other pro-life protestors are an inspiration to others.May all of us can stand up against the face of evils and be as brave as all of you in our daily life.I will ask for a mass to say for you, your family and other pro-life protestors.May God bless and protect you all.

Published by: Joanne
Manhasset, NY 10/28/2009 07:33 PM EST

You should contact the Thomas More Pro Life Society. They are a legal firm and might be able to help you with your financial situation. May God bless you.

Published by: Jack Angelo Territo
Buffalo,ny USA 10/28/2009 05:12 PM EST

fATHER jENKINS WILL HANG THE 88 PROTESTERS,but when a Catholic Church is interupted by homosexuals,their embraced by hypicritical bishops and priests??

Published by: MJ
Oregon 10/28/2009 03:51 PM EST

It's an absolute shame and disgusting they were arrested! It's sad to see what has developed. What did they expect? That true Catholics would be thrilled to have a pro-abortion President honored? It's comforting to remember: there isn't anything hidden that will not be revealed. And Paul said in the Holy Scriptures: "we are...perplexed, but NOT in despair." 2 Cor 4:8 Thank you, Lord!

Published by: Leona Garzelli
Fresno, Ca., USA 10/28/2009 02:39 PM EST

Dear Laura, This cross that you are bearing is going to show many unorthodox Catholics how blinded they are to the Christ who is to be inside of us and how He is to illuminate the world with justice and truth. My prayers are with you and God sees your works. God will provide the money somehow. You've made your confession to the whole world in regards to a very personal trial that you went through and thank you for the martyrdom you are going through. For Jesus predicted that when He comes back He will find the world just as it was during the days of Noah. What sadness that must bring us to know this to be true because our Lord spoke it. You're not guilty of anything but loving God and showing your love for Him. Your cross is heavy but somewhere a woman's cross is going to be lightened because of your strengths and courage to show her how it can be lifted off her shoulders. God love you for this!

Published by: g
USA 10/28/2009 02:10 PM EST

Fr Jenkins' response is the same as Pontius Pilate's...just minus the bowl & water. Ms Rohling, how can the Catholic Church in this poor country THANK YOU enough??

Published by: njbartolini
dunedin,fl,usa 10/28/2009 01:10 PM EST

More time is given to Jenkins to humilate and misrepresent the Roman Catholic Church? Why. The Devil is alive and setting policy for the leaders of ND. When they die they will meet thir REAL LEADER. MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON THEIR SOULS.

Published by: Debbie C.
Gulfport,MS. USA 10/28/2009 12:42 PM EST

This is a discrace to the Catholic Church. I don't for one minute believe that Fr. Jenkins cannot do anything about the charges. He should have stepped don as president of ND. My opinion of ND has dropped considerably. They are not a Catholic University. Laura, thank you for what you did. Imappreciate your doing that. I am sorry you have to go through what you are going through. May God Bless You!

Published by: Pam
Longmont, CO, USA 10/28/2009 12:11 PM EST

The Church has really dropped the ball on this matter. Instead of Christian Soldiers we have Christian slackers. These are high visibility matters to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. I am surprised and disappointed that the Vatican did not take strong and decisive action in enforcing Church doctrine when this matter first surfaced. Even now the Vatican remains afraid to take a firm stand on the matter. In these evil times the Catholic Church should not be concerned about being PC.

Published by: Karen Brauer
Lawrenceburg, Indiana 10/28/2009 11:36 AM EST

Notre Dame Administration is informed that their school is removed from consideration for my kids. They're better off at a public university understanding that they will obtain a technical education,which is. at best. morally neutral. Attending a fraudulent institution which feeds from a past association with the Catholic religion is a waste of resources. Thanks to the pro lifers who accepted personal risk to convey their message.

Published by: lh
McKinney, TX, USA 10/28/2009 11:11 AM EST

Is there any legal recourse for the pro-life protesters? They should bring a lawsuit against the school for selectively having arrested the pro-life advocates over the pro-abortion/pro-obama groups. God bless them and their families for their great sacrifice for the unborn and for their incredible witness to the faith.

Published by: Janeane
Louisville, KY 10/28/2009 11:11 AM EST

Rate: Bad

To John F. Siple, who commented "Smiling Fr. Jenkins. Hmmm,may he and others like him rot in their graves--when they meet their happy NATURAL deaths": Really, who do you think you're fooling? Wink and nod all you like but the world knows the truth: anti-choice is pro-murder. As for Laura Rohling, cry me a river. You can't tell me that she didn't know she was going to Notre Dame to get arrested, since that whole circus was a Randall Terry joint. Terry's entire M.O. is about getting arrested; if you've ever heard him speak to his bunch of sad groupies you know I'm right!

Published by: Andrew Nelson
Columbia, SC 29206 10/28/2009 09:43 AM EST

Notre Dame is only compassionate when it comes to their views. And some of their views are in direct conflict with the Church. But if you disagree with Notre Dame, they want you silenced. Notre Dame needs some humility, when it claims to be a Catholic University. Notre Dame wants to be called a Catholic University without being obedient to the Church.

Published by: Margaret
Lafayette, LA 10/28/2009 08:57 AM EST

Laura and the other 87 protestors are true desciples of Christ. They are awesome witnesses for life and I am awestruck at their bravery and love. They will be in my prayers and I hope that one day I may imitate their courage in defense of the innocent unborn souls.

Published by: Rafael
Miami/FL/US 10/28/2009 08:22 AM EST

Jenkins is some piece of work. As for the Judge, she should recuse herself from the case. She is most definitely bias. The fact that she is the wife of a professor at Notre Dame should be enough. Pray for good outcome and pray for Notre Dame.

Published by: Francis
Wareham MA 10/28/2009 07:55 AM EST

John Jenkins and the board of trustees at Notre Dame have no problem inviting a Godless Marxist tyrant like Barack Hussein Obama, yet won't drop the "charges" on a group of real Catholics that were upholding TRUE Catholic teachings and their Constitutional rights?!! As I said before. Jenkins and his ilk are heretics and should be excommunicated! This passage from scripture came to mind: "But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh". (Matthew 18: 6-7) Douay Rheims Bible.

Published by: Scott Price
Naugatuck, CT USA 10/28/2009 06:06 AM EST

Consider the terrible irony here: the president of a so-called "Catholic" university on one side, pro-life witnesses languishing in judicial limbo on the other. For his contribution to this situation, it cannot be said any other way: Fr. Jenkins is a disgrace to the priesthood and should resign.

Published by: Chien
Antioch/CA/USA 10/27/2009 11:24 PM EST

Laura and the other Notre Dame 87 protesters, thank you for living the Catholic faith, and being witnesses of Christ. May God bless you and your families.

Published by: JLS
Riverside, CA, USA 10/27/2009 11:13 PM EST

Notre Dame University is turning into the dungheap of Catholicism.

Published by: A Rogers
colorado 10/27/2009 10:11 PM EST

Ms Rohling I want to thank you for standing up for the innocent babies of this world. May God Bless you and know that you are in my prayers. Remember God is watching! AR

Published by: boba
centennial/co/usa 10/27/2009 07:59 PM EST

And Fr. Jenkins is serving another term as ND president!

Published by: robert francis
taylor/michigan/usa 10/27/2009 07:41 PM EST

Let us all pray to Our Holy Mother that the unjust tribulation set before Ms Rohling, will be removed and she will be vindicated for objecting to the murder of the unborn! It seems odd that Father Jenkins has the influence to bring the president to the campus and have him do the commencement speech and has the influence to convey upon him an honory doctorate, but has no influence in this matter? That he has no compassion for the advocates on the unborn? What does that say?

Published by: John F. Siple
Santa Rosa 10/27/2009 05:58 PM EST

I have mis-informed you countless times regarding the 'voting' on this great website. I have chosen 'excellent' way too often, but now that I have learned my simple / complex lesson, I'll be voting my heart & mind.

Published by: John F. Siple
Santa Rosa 10/27/2009 05:40 PM EST

Smiling Fr. Jenkins. Hmmm,may he and others like him rot in their graves--when they meet their happy NATURAL deaths.

ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):


NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:

PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:

* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.

ADVERTISING
CNA does not necessarily endorse these advertisers. Please proceed with discretion. If you feel that a website announced has inappropriate or offensive content, please send it by e-mail to catholicna@catholicna.com