Religious: They're Just Like Us!

Religious - priests, nuns, and brothers – are numerous on the Notre Dame campus. Having religious on campus is part of what makes Notre Dame such a unique place. However, despite the proximity of these wonderful, intelligent, and faith-filled people, how often do we reach out and get to know them? It is easy to pass by these bright, giving souls without taking the time to get to know them.

November 30, 2014 marked the start of the Year of Consecrated Life, which honors men and women who have been called to vocations as priests, nuns, and brothers. Declared by Pope Francis, this year gives us a chance to know and appreciate the works that religious do, as well as the people that they are. From teaching as Notre Dame professors to serving Holy Cross missions overseas, the religious here make substantial contributions to both our campus and the worldwide community. They are truly some of the most phenomenal people we will be exposed to during our time at Notre Dame…

The religious on our campus are “Just Like Us!” They do their own laundry. They reach for the top shelf. They even photobomb on South Quad – hop on over to Megan's blog, Come! Live in the Light!, to view another spread of the religious on our campus being the normal, approachable people that they are.

The Year of Consecrated Life ends on February 2, 2016. As a community, let’s accept Pope Francis’ call to honor these men and women on our campus in particular by making a conscious effort to get to know some of the religious here. We see them riding their bikes across campus. We have them as professors for our classes. We might glimpse them at places such as the dining hall, or they might be the rector or rectress of our dorm.

Next time you see a priest, nun, or brother on campus, consider engaging them in conversation. They are normal people with normal lives who happen to have been called to dedicate their lives to the Church. Ask them to coffee. Be curious about their vocation. Find out their birthday and their favorite flavor of ice cream. Megan and I want to pose a challenge to each member of the Notre Dame community to foster a meaningful relationship with at least one priest, nun, or brother before the Year of Consecrated life ends. As we can see above, They’re Just Like Us!