There's Something About Mary

When Marisa and I returned to campus tonight after having dinner with a friend/ACE classmate who lives in South Bend, I had a strong urge to go to the Grotto. I can't explain it - we had already been there this morning (before our jog), but I felt the need to go to Mary. And, as far as this summer goes, I've gone to the Grotto daily because it's pretty and because I promised I would - there hadn't been that burning desire yet...

And it was good to go. So welcoming. So peaceful. In fact, the only person there was a gentleman cleaning up all the candles that had consumed their wax and wicks.

There's something special about Mary. In the words of St. Anselm, "There are many graces that we will not obtain if we ask them of God. But if we ask them of Mary, we will obtain them, not because she is more powerful but because God wants to honor her in this way."

Tonight and always, let us remember to lift up our hearts and minds to the mother of God.

Mary, Our Mother, pray for us.

(Note, I have collected a number of pictures of Notre Dame's Grotto over the years - the photos below are ones I have taken during various stays/visits to campus, as I have yet to take photos at the Grotto this summer...)