Times of Grace: Spiritual Rhythms of the Year at the University of Notre Dame

Spiritual concerns are part of the substance of the University of Notre Dame. The campus remains a place of pilgrimage, a nostalgic memory of years past, a vibrant university for tomorrow’s leaders, and a unique residential community. Central to its spiritual character is the constant awareness that the presence of God’s truth, goodness, and beauty can be found in daily life, if we develop the eyes to see these times of grace. In Signs of Grace(R & L 2001), Nicholas Ayo, C.S.C. described the spaces and places of the Notre Dame campus. Times of Grace considers the times and events of the school year in South Bend. In four parts divided by season, Times of Grace explores ordinary moments of study and play, quiet times set aside for personal and academic reflection, and official university and Catholic holidays. Ayo touches on the spiritual effects of our first days of class, All Saints Day, Christmas on campus, Junior Parent Weekend, Holy Week, final exams, Graduation Day, and alumni gatherings. He traces through these shared experiences a common thread of community spirit and individual reflection.
We come to know God through the recurring events of our lives. Days at Notre Dame are filled with unnoticed glory in the punctuating events of each year. Wherever we might live, this book sharpens our ability to view the annual events that surround our lives and illuminate their hidden implications for daily grace.