Annual Candle Lighting at the Grotto

[Rambler Fan of NU Football]

Yesterday, I travelled to the University of Notre Dame to continue a tradition that began in 2006. 2006, of course, was the year that Randy Walker died suddenly on June 29. While making a visit to Notre Dame later that August, I visited the Grotto near the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Selecting the available candle closest to the northwest corner of the Grotto, I lit the candle in memory of Coach Walker and for the intentions of the Northwestern football program. This has become an annual tradition I have done every summer, and the candle lighting has segued into not only being for NU football but also for my personal intentions as well as those of my family and friends.

I believe the lighting of the candle at the Grotto has occasionally had an effect on Wildcat football in a positive way. For example, when I travelled to ND for our game there this past November, I lit a candle at the Grotto in hopes of a victory. I think we all know how that one turned out.

 

[shakes3858]

I went to a spring game down there. Believe it was in 2008. My dad wanted to stop and light a candle in memory of his father that passed away. Good moment to spend with my dad.


On a lighter note, I never liked praying for victory. I mean, I want to line up and beat the other team on my own (and by my own, I mean the team that is actually playing's own). I didn't want God to blow Jack Mitchell's field goals through the uprights. I wanted Jack Mitchell to kick it through himself. Angel's in the Outfield was a touching movie, but let's call it what it is... the Angel's were cheaters.