Day Seventy-Six: The Grotto

There are few better places to be on St. Patrick's Day than the home of the Fightin' Irish, Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. And there is no better place on campus for peaceful prayer and reflection than the Grotto.

This cavernous, candlelit sanctuary, located a short walk down the hill from the Basilica of St. Mary, is patterned after the Grotto of Our Lady in Lourdes in France.

The Grotto is a destination for students and residents of the area who wish to offer special intentions, a place for joggers to catch their breath or find a little extra strength for their run, and a compelling reminder of the power of prayer.

Throughout the day a steady stream of people visit the Grotto to light a candle, kneel for prayer, or just sit in peaceful silence.

Here are a few more views of campus I captured on my recent visit to Notre Dame.