During the deep dark throes of COVID I found comfort in routine. I walked in the morning. I volunteered at the San Francisco Food Bank on Wednesdays I played golf on Saturdays and every night, I sat down to write at a desk in my hallway. A manuscript was born.
The summer before the start of the pandemic, I was on campus at the University of Notre Dame and I had a vision—a near mystical experience. Standing at the statue of the Holy Family, I saw much more than Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus in the sculpture before me. I saw an invitation. I found an opportunity and an awakening. What took root in that moment was the idea of pilgrimage.
I started to take a mental inventory of the various statues scattered throughout campus. Many were familiar, others were new. The University was intentional in its messaging—including a statue of the Visitation near the Eck Visitors Center at the entry of campus, the unassuming statue of Father Edward Sorin, the founder of Notre Dame toward the front and center of campus. Our Lady as she stands on the Dome.
I started to organize these statues by themes: saints, Holy Cross priests, images of Christ, tributes to Mary and coaches! Go Irish. I decided that I could create and dedicate a specific path of pilgrimage—caminos—as a way to engage with the art and pray. Caminos on Campus: Five Paths of Pilgrimage at the University of Notre Dame need to be written! COVID afforded me the time to do that and I'm excited to share that this Spring Break is dedicated to finding an a publisher and way to get this text into print.
When I got the news that Coach Lou Holtz had died, I couldn't help but wonder if people would make an act of pilgrimage to the statue of him outside of Notre Dame Stadium. Those who place flowers and personal mementos at his feet are pilgrims. That journey to a specific place for a prayerful purpose is pilgrimage.
For those who will make this journey in the days, weeks, and months to come, I would like to share something I wrote in my book for those who undertake the Sports and Spirituality Camino. Each path brings the pilgrim to five to ten different sites. At each statue, the pilgrim can read a short reflection I have written to provide context. After learning a little about the sculpture, the pilgrim is then invited to pray.
I am including both components here as a way to honor Coach Lou Holtz and to invite you into this same space. One does not need to stand before the actual statue to enter into a spiritual pilgrimage.
My hope is that this moment may be meaningful and memorable—a small invitation to see, reflect, and pray at the University of Notre Dame. According to Lou, “Those who know Notre Dame, no explanation’s necessary. Those who don’t, no explanation will suffice.” Maybe this pilgrimage will help.
Coach Lou Holtz
In November 1985, Lou Holtz became the twenty-fifth head coach in Notre Dame football history. Holtz is the fourth to win a national championship in his third year at the helm, leading the Irish—in 1988— to a perfect record of 12-0. Known as a master motivator and a strict disciplinarian, Coach Holtz credits his Catholic faith as the source of such outstanding qualities. Moreover, his vision and philosophy resonate with his belief.
In The Notre Dame Book of Prayer, Holtz wrote “The sisters of Notre Dame preached to me when I was in grade school that God is everywhere. No place is that more evident to me than at the University of Notre Dame. God’s presence permeates the campus. I am not referring just to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart or the Grotto, but to the football stadium as well.
I often felt, during a critical stage of a close football game, that more people in the stadium were praying to God than in most church on Sunday morning, even though they were praying to God for different reasons.
I felt, and still do, that the stadium is a sacred place. Our players would go from our team Mass at Sacred Heart directly to the stadium. After warm-up we would pray the Our Father and the Hail Mary led by our team priest, Jim Riehle, C.S.C. We often asked our football players to conduct their activities both on and off the field according to the Book of Proverbs.
God is always with us wherever we go, and that includes the football field.
It also says in the Bible that when two or more come together to pray, God will be among them. The sisters were right.”
Perhaps you too have felt God’s presence inside of Notre Dame stadium. Maybe you have offered your own prayers of gratitude for moments and memories inside the House that Rockne built. Has gazing at The Word of Life Mural ever called you to give praise to Jesus? or reflect further upon His message? Coach Holtz has reminded us that our workplaces or venues we return to every fall can serve as sacred places. Blessed be!
Prayer: Proverbs 3 1-12
Coach Holtz always wrote a line from this passage on his game plan.
My child, do not forget my teaching, take to heart my commands;
For many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you.
Do not let love and fidelity forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then will you win favor and esteem before God and human beings.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely
In all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and turn away from evil;
This will mean health for your flesh and vigor for your bones.
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce;
Then will your barns be filled with plenty, with new wine your vats will overflow.
The discipline of the LORD, my child, do not spurn do not disdain his reproof;
For whom the LORD loves he reproves, as a father, the son he favors.
Amen
Statue: Thank you to a beloved former student Thomas for taking the photo of the statue!
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