Notre Dame celebrated the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception last week. On that crisp fall morning the entire learning community of students, faculty and staff made the annual pilgrimage to our downtown place of worship, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. The mass, presided over by Father Kim, incorporated the Notre Dame spirit of diversity as students performed the Filipino candle dance. The liturgy also included the “Put a Dollar in Your Pocket” campaign. This year, the donations support Gardner Health Network's efforts to provide Christmas gifts for local foster care children.

The mass honored the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and gave thanks for the joyful light of hope that she models for us. It was a beautiful moment of prayer and liturgy, marked by candlelight, dance and a shared moment of community joy and hope.