While there were very vocal protests going on right outside the campus gates, the student protesters were peaceful on the campus at the University of Notre Dame.

Graduating students were able to move peacefully into the Joyce Center, where the commencement ceremony took place Sunday afternoon.

Nearby on the South Quad, however, there was a peaceful protest of the President's invitation with a prayer and meditation service led by the student-formed coalition ND Response.

About 25 students boycotted the ceremony, and gathered at the Grotto on campus.

Hundreds of others joined them for prayer and peaceful protest.

"I just felt really empowered that there's other people who...feel strongly about the right to life and are willing to stand up in a peaceful and respectful way," explained one of the protestors, John Bales.

Meantime, the President's invitation to speak and the protesters that gathered to speak out against his invitation have garnered national attention.

NewsCenter 16 spoke with NBC News correspondent Ron Allen.

He says the day was veryunpredictable, but was orderly and peaceful.

Allen also commented on the number of protesters who are unaffiliated with the University saying, "Catholics feel a great sense of attachment and a great sense of pride in this place."