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"So this is who we are, and who we are called to be. Seekers of truth. Sustainers of hope. Builders of bridges. Extending and expanding these gifts we’ve been given—to others and to the world."
Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.
University President
Notre Dame’s mission grounds us in the Catholic intellectual tradition and calls us to be a courageous, committed force for good in the world. As a leading global Catholic research university, we are uniquely called to support the universal Church and engage with pressing global issues through a distinctly Catholic lens, which enhances our intellectual and pastoral service to the Church around the globe.
A group of students gather around a phone to watch the first statement by newly-elected Pope Leo XIV.
The ombrellino (umbrella) and tintinnabulum (bells) are carried in the entrance procession during a Mass of thanksgiving at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the day of the election of Pope Leo XIV.
University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., greets Pope Leo XIV during a private audience in The Vatican.
US CATHOLIC DELEGATION TO HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI
US CATHOLIC DELEGATION TO HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI
Japan
‘Let all the souls here rest in peace; for we shall not repeat the evil.’
Father Dowd traveled to Japan in August as part of a “Pilgrimage of Peace”, to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Father Dowd offered remarks at the Elisabeth University of Music as a guest of its president, Yuji Kawano, and Bishop Alexis Shirahama, “One reason I wanted to be part of this pilgrimage is the opportunity to hear directly from the remaining survivors of the bombings — the hibakusha. Their witness to the reality of these barbarous weapons is irreplaceable in gaining the moral wisdom that will fulfill the promise of the inscription on the Memorial Monument not far from here: ‘Let all the souls here rest in peace; for we shall not repeat the evil.’"
University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. visits the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, commonly known as the Atomic Dome in Hiroshima, Japan.
The delegation was led by Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington, Archbishop Paul Etienne of Seattle, and Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Notre Dame faculty, staff and students also joined the pilgrimage, along with representatives from other US Catholic universities.
Father Dowd’s remarks can also be read in Japanese.
NEWMAN CENTRE FOR FAITH AND REASON
NEWMAN CENTRE FOR FAITH AND REASON
Dublin, Ireland
As in many places, religious practice among young people in Ireland has decreased significantly over recent decades. As a global Catholic research university, and one with special connection to Ireland, Notre Dame is deeply interested in studying the life of the Church in Ireland. Founded by the University of Notre Dame in 2016 at the invitation of local Catholic leaders, the Notre Dame-Newman Centre for Faith and Reason offers a creative and energetic outreach to the young professionals in the historic center of Dublin, and a way for Notre Dame to place its scholarship at the service of a local faith community.
Support from the Cavanaugh Council and President’s Circle is helping the Newman Centre attract many young adults, the future leaders of Ireland, through its inspiring preaching, exquisite music, lively intellectual exchange, and service to the needy of Dublin.
CHURCH IN CHINA INITIATIVE
CHURCH IN CHINA INITIATIVE
Building a Foundation for Biblical Studies in China
McGrath Institute for Church Life
Animated by a spirit of friendship, scholarship, and faithfulness, Fr. James and Sr. Maria*, a Catholic priest and religious sister, are studying in Notre Dame's theology Ph.D. program in Biblical Studies, Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity (CJA).
Their studies are preparing them to preach the Gospel, cultivate their communities, and lay the groundwork for a future foundation of biblical studies in China.
Sr. Maria hopes to grow a biblical scholarly community and establish a library complete with Chinese biblical commentary that engages in the nuances unique to Chinese culture.
‘Whether I am in a university, seminary, or teaching online courses... my academic work here helps me to engage in dialogue at all levels."
Sr. Maria
Through his studies, Fr. James hopes to contribute much-needed Chinese biblical theology to the field, as most current materials are translations. He shared that Notre Dame provides "the best, most authoritative materials”.
Led by Dr. John P. Lindblom and Fr. Michael Agliardo, S.J., funding from the Cavanaugh Council and President’s Circle supports the McGrath Institute for Church Life’s efforts to provide theological formation and resources for leaders, educators, and ministers as part of their Church in China Initiative.
*Names have been changed for security
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