Indiana Catholics pray for President Obama during ND graduation

Indianapolis, Ind., May 18, 2009 / 07:26 am

Nearly 200 Catholics prayed at Holy Rosary Church in downtown Indianapolis as President Obama addressed graduates of the University of Notre Dame yesterday afternoon.

The church held a prayer service because so many were "frustrated and confused," with the controversy surrounding President Obam’s reception of an honorary degree at Notre Dame said Monsignor Joseph Schaedel in the Indy Star. "Both sides needed an outlet for their feelings. For Catholics, there’s no better outlet than prayer."

He continued: "It was a no-win situation for everyone. If Notre Dame would have rescinded the invitation, people would still be mad."

One parishioner, Brendan Garvey who was interviewed by the Indy Star adamantly stated his opposition:

"How can Notre Dame, a Catholic university, invite someone whose positions are directly opposed to church doctrine? I understand the prestige of having the president of the United States speak, but how can they give him an honor when he stands against the main principle the university was built on, the sanctity of life?"

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