Student champions project to build space to Our Lady of Sorrows

Holy Cross College (HCC) dedicated a new campus shrine to Our Lady of Sorrows on September 4, 2024. Reverend Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend led the blessing of the shrine. 

The project was developed by HCC senior Abbigayle Lemons, who has advocated for construction of the shrine over the last three years. Lemons explained to the Rover: “I wanted a space on Holy Cross’s campus that could be used for prayer outside of the chapel, similar to the Grotto at Notre Dame.” 

Lemons continued, “I felt that it was essential that this space be dedicated to our Blessed Mother, specifically as Our Lady of Sorrows, the patroness of the Congregation of Holy Cross.”

The space includes a bronze cast of the Tree of Life with 12 pomegranates representing the 12 promises of the Holy Spirit, a statue of Jesus, and a sculpture of our Blessed Mother under the title of “Our Lady of Sorrows.”

The shrine has already become a central gathering place for the HCC community. On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Holy Cross celebrated a first Mass in the sacred space that brought together staff, alumni, students, and community members to recognize and enjoy the shrine, which is always open for public use.

HCC President Dr. Marco Clark supported Lemons’ vision from the start. “We want to create a college campus community that is like a retreat center, a place that can help remind people what is really most important and to create for them encounters with Christ through beauty, art, and nature,” Clark said in an interview with the Rover.

Notre Dame sophomore Anna Hale told the Rover, “Since the mission of the Congregation is to educate and evangelize, I think it is very fitting that Holy Cross College now has a unique space in which these two goals can be achieved. Through the statues, plaques of Our Lady, and words from Sacred Scripture, I am certain visitors of this sacred space will be able to encounter God and grow in their faith. In addition to my Grotto visits at Notre Dame, I will also certainly be taking the ‘holy hike’ to visit the new shrine at Holy Cross!”

Lemons initially envisioned a Pietà sculpture surrounded by flowers and kneelers. As the idea was shared with the community, it garnered an unexpected amount of support and doner interest. The influx of donations created the opportunity to grow the project and position the shrine in a prominent part of campus, while keeping Lemons’ idea at its core. It sits on the shore line of the St. Joseph river and spans the area between Pulte and North Halls. The shrine is adorned with seating, landscaping, and multiple sculptures. 

Carolyn Kitz, Director of Student Activities at HCC, became involved in the shrine project three years ago. While accompanying her family on a campus tour, Kitz shared the shrine idea with her father, Charlie Kitz, who volunteered to pay 100 percent of the cost of the project. In an interview with the Rover, he said, “I thought it was a great idea and my mother had an amazing relationship and devotion with our Blessed Mother.” He continued, saying it was an “easy and delightful decision.”

HCC has already used the shrine area as a location to gather and celebrate. Recently, staff and students joined together to celebrate Founders Day and recognize the Brothers of Holy Cross.

Maddie LaPine is a sophomore studying biology at Holy Cross College. Her vodka pasta has stood the test of time (and has received the praise of multiple Italians). Email mlapine@hcc-nd.edu for the recipe.

Photo Credit: Holy Cross College

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