August 13, 2017
Dear Notre Dame Family,
University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., celebrates mass with the ND Trail pilgrims at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in Vincennes, Indiana.
I write to you from Vincennes, Indiana, where the Notre Dame Trail began this evening at the Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier, the same church where Rev. Edward F. Sorin, C.S.C. and the first members of the Congregation of Holy Cross community in the United States once worshiped. Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., celebrated Mass, Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined us to walk the first two miles of our pilgrimage to Notre Dame, and we enjoyed dinner along the Wabash River. You can see pictures and video links from tonight’s events at trail.nd.edu.
As we begin retracing the journey of Fr. Sorin and seven Holy Cross brothers, there is still time to join us for the final day and celebration of the University's 175th Anniversary on Saturday, August 26. The events include walking the final three miles of the Notre Dame Trail beginning at 8:30 a.m. from South Bend’s Howard Park, Mass on Bond Quad at 11:30 a.m. which also opens the academic year, and a celebratory picnic on South Quad at 12:30 p.m. with live entertainment and fun for all ages. If you plan to join us for the walk, we ask that you please register at trail.nd.edu. All of these festivities are free of charge, and all are welcome and invited to join us.
If you are not able to be with us physically, we hope you will consider participating virtually. Throughout the next 13 days, you may visit trail.nd.edu for daily updates, including pictures, video, prayers, reflections and blog posts, and follow along on social media @NotreDameTrail.
Just as Fr. Sorin and the Holy Cross brothers traveled as a community 175 years ago, the Notre Dame family has embarked on this pilgrimage dedicated to Our Lady, a journey of hope and thanksgiving for all. We hope to see you on the Notre Dame Trail.
Yours in Our Lady,
Louis M. Nanni