My Favorite Place...The University of Notre Dame

Since I was born and raised Irish Catholic I have grown up cheering for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Every Saturday during football season you can guarantee the game is on television and I'm wearing a Notre Dame shirt hoping that this year they'll be more victorious and win more games. Of course I'm a huge fan and love sports so I sit on the edge of my seat in close games, I argue calls and I cheer as loud as I can when something great happens.

I've been fortunate as I have set foot on the campus 5 times and watched 5 games. It's kind of a family tradition. I have a large extended family (60 on my mom's side) who share the same passion and love of Notre Dame. We have taken many trips out to the University together and these trips are some of my most cherished memories.

The campus itself is absolutely beautiful. It truly is a picture perfect place! The Golden Dome is gorgeous and glistens on sunny days. When the sky is blue it is the most beautiful sight to see.
Touchdown Jesus is another hot spot on campus and is absolutely incredible. Even more amazing is seeing the reflection of Touchdown Jesus in the pool of water in front of it. Of course the football stadium is a piece of its own history and is unique in all ways. This past trip to the stadium I got to walk through the tunnel and stand by the field in the endzone. A truly amazing experience and one that any true sports fan should experience. I felt like I was in the movie "Rudy", which of course is a favorite! What you see in the movie "Rudy" is a true picture of the campus but it is absolutely more amazing and beautiful in person. The basilica is beyond description. It is the most gorgeous building and you get chills upon entering. However, none of these places are my favorite.

My favorite spot on campus is the Grotto. It's absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Even more amazing is that all people who walk by, Catholic or not, acknowledge the importance and meaning behind this and walk by silently as this is a place of prayer. Each time I go this is my favorite spot to go to and I spend at least twenty minutes there. I offer my prayers and light a candle. My trip in 2008 was probably one of the more difficult and special visits to the Grotto. My sister Suzanne had passed away in July and we went to campus in September. Arriving at the Grotto we took a few minutes to sit and pray. Shortly after we lit a candle and placed her prayer card on the wall with all the other cards of others' loved ones who had passed. I had chills run through me as I placed her prayer card to become a permanent presence at the Grotto, nothing more fitting for my sister who loved Notre Dame as much as life. Tears followed the placement of her prayer card and more praying came. This was an experience I cannot describe but was absolutely moving.

Notre Dame is an incredible place not just for football but for academics and for prayer. Each time I visit I am reminded of how unique and beautiful this place is. I'm very lucky to have the opportunity to visit as much as I have. Memories I have made there are worth more than I can describe. This truly is one of my favorite places in the world and I wish I had a Grotto in my backyard as it brings peace, serenity and comfort to me.