Against the odds, a journey fulfills a dream to honor the Blessed Mother

By John Shaughnessy

The marker recalls one of the most inspiring journeys in the history of Indiana, a journey focused on bringing honor to the Blessed Mother.

The journey took place during the brutal early winter of 1842 when the snow along the way was as deep as a foot, a journey that began in the Diocese of Vincennes, Ind., where the roots of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis started.

In late November of that year, Holy Cross Father Edward Sorin and seven Holy Cross brothers began an 11-day journey of more than 250 miles on foot and in wagons from Vincennes to South Bend.

Arriving in that northern Indiana community, Father Sorin had a dream to create a university dedicated to the Blessed Mother. He shared his dream for the University of Notre Dame in a December 5 letter to Father Basile Moreau in France, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

The essence of that letter is captured on a plaque on a grassy hill overlooking St. Mary’s Lake on Notre Dame’s campus. In part, the letter reads:

“This attractive spot has taken from the lake which surrounds it the beautiful name of Notre Dame du Lac. … It is from here that I write you now.

“Everything was frozen over. Yet it all seemed so beautiful. The lake, especially with its broad carpet of dazzling white snow, quite naturally reminded us of the spotless purity of our august Lady whose name it bears, and also of the purity of soul that should mark the new inhabitants of this chosen spot ...

“Though it was quite cold, we went to the very end of the lake, and like children, came back fascinated with the marvelous beauties of our new home. … Once more we felt that Providence had been good to us and we blessed God from the depths of our soul.

“Will you permit me, dear Father, to share with you a preoccupation which gives me no rest? Briefly, it is this: Notre Dame du Lac was given to us by the bishop only on condition that we establish here a college at the earliest opportunity. As there is no other school within more than a hundred miles, this college cannot fail to succeed. … Before long, it will develop on a large scale. … It will be one of the most powerful means for good in this country.

“Finally, dear Father, you cannot help see that this new branch of your family is destined to grow under the protection of Our Lady of the Lake and of St. Joseph. At least, this is my deep conviction. Time will tell if I am wrong.” †

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