This week, once again, I had the pleasure of taking students to Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. Like I mentioned on my blog post last year (see September 2005 in the archives), I was incredibly struck by how "Catholic" this place truly is. Sure, it may not always live up to the ideal of Catholic identity, but I can’t think of any school, or place really, that tries so hard.

I visited several places that I especially wanted to single out. First, there is the Grotto, which is a replica of the one at Lourdes, France. It also includes a rock from Lourdes. This is especially beautiful at night and I enjoyed going there a lot. Second, I had a chance to visit Moreau seminary (for the Priests of Holy Cross) and talk to some really gifted seminarians. Interestingly, they mentioned they are trying to bring back the habit! Cool. They also brought out a section of Holy Cross founder Ven. Basil Moreau’s finger bone to look at (he will be beatified next summer). Finally, there is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart which is stunningly beautiful and has an incredible relics collection. Also, there are little spots around campus, like statues and monuments, that show great Catholic influence.

Last year, visiting Notre Dame made me want to go back to school for the PhD. This year, the sentiment was entirely different (for one, I’m not so sure I want to get back into an academic religion department for my sanity). I simply felt proud and grateful to be Catholic and to have the opportunity to experience this place, especially the Catholic heritage and identity of which I am now a part.