A Patriotic Doorway

I love this picture, because it is of a doorway that is not only very beautiful, but one that holds special memories for our family. I've been waiting for the perfect day to use it in a post, and I can't think of a more fitting time to do so than today, Memorial Day.

This is one of the doors to the Sacred Heart Basilica at the University of Notre Dame out in South Bend, IN. And by the way, talk about a place that's chock-full of holy pictures and statues, and how these beautiful images help those who see them "ascend more easily in spirit to Heaven"! (For more on this topic, see May 15, "The Veneration of Holy Images.") The glorious beauty and splendor of Sacred Heart Basilica takes your breath away, it really does. As great as it is to see the inside of the football stadium on game day, with the enormous "Touchdown Jesus" mosaic that graces the library visible in the endzone, it would be a shame to visit the campus and leave without seeing the inside of this magnificent church.

Notre Dame has always been a staunch supporter of our military. They have ROTC units for the Army, Navy, and Air Force on campus. Several of my sons and nieces, after completing four years in ROTC programs, have had their commissioning ceremonies--have become officers in the U.S. Army and Navy--right in front of this door.

I love the saying carved in stone under the arch--a fitting tribute for people who are faithful Catholics, patriots, and diehard Irish fans all rolled into one: God, Country, Notre Dame. (I would, however, amend it to read: God, Family, Country, Notre Dame. If that's what was inscribed on there, this doorway would be quite perfect!)

On this day, we remember all those brave men and women who've served in the military; we remember those who've given their lives for their country; and we pray for our troops who are scattered around the globe, doing what they do with heroic selflessness and courage. God bless our troops! God bless America!