Shenanigans

 

Stories from Grotto Stories: From the Heart of Notre Dame

On the day of my marriage on August 22, 1970, in nearby Mishawaka, my wife and I paid a rather unusual visit to the Grotto. My brother, a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, officiated at the wedding. In the late afternoon, after a brief reception, my bride and I agreed to drive my priest-brother back to Moreau Seminary on the Notre Dame campus. On the way to Notre Dame, I stopped at a relative's home and changed from my tuxedo into casual clothes. My bride, however, was still in her wedding gown. After dropping my brother at Moreau Seminary, we stopped at the Grotto to light a candle. I also wanted photos of my bride at the Grotto. It did not occur to us until some time later that the other visitors at the Grotto at the same time must have been mystified at the sight of a bride - but no groom!


In the fall of 1981, when I had been at Notre Dame only a couple of weeks, I was feeling a little homesick so I went to the Grotto for a few quiet moments. My father, a Notre Dame grad, told me it was the best place to be when you need a friend. When I arrived there I noticed a man praying alone and I stood silently next to him for a few moments until he turned to leave. It was then I recognized him - Gerry Faust. It was the night before the first home game of.his first season at Notre Dame. I suppose he was feeling homesick, too. I wished him luck in the game and he thanked me and left. He didn't have the best record, but we did win the LSU game the next clay and I knew someone was helping him!


To read previous versions of Shenanigans click below:

September 1998
November 1998
January 1999
March 1999
May 1999
July 1999
August 1999
October 1999
December 1999

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