Gabriella Searl
A simple invitation to pray together with new friends on Sundays became a cherished weekly tradition for senior Gabriella Searl.
“I had grown up praying the Rosary with my family, and I knew with so much space in our new room, I wanted us to host a weekly family Rosary beginning that fall. At the beginning of the year, my sister and I contacted everyone we could think of, asking them to join. And on the very first Sunday of the school year, people came! I was struck by the willingness of people to pray with us. We would often have more than 30 people attend and sometimes, over 40.“
This community I have been blessed to be a part of is stunning — a preview of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is very much like this season of Advent when we make so many heartfelt plans and preparations to welcome our family and friends home. I fondly think about the night the idea of the Sunday Family Rosary was born. I could not have anticipated the intimacy born from gathering with a group of people with whom you share not only work and social life but, most importantly, the true matters of the heart. This is Christ in our midst.
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I am so blessed to know you, and to pray with you! Thank you for your beautiful testimony to Christ’s light this Advent season. 🐞
This is why I attended Notre Dame and why I have a child there now. Indescribable to others but known by all who have lived at Our Lady’s University!!! Thank you for sharing
Beautiful!
Thank you for your beautiful testimony– it touched my heart to the point of tears. During this season of Advent when we try to focus on preparing our hearts to welcome the Holy Family anew, it was so inspiring to hear this reminder. So many of us struggle with our “to do” lists this time of year; I appreciate the heartfelt reminder to slow down and rest in Mary’s arms, meditating on her sweet Baby.
A beautiful reflection
❄️ Dear Gabriella, what a Beautiful Story of your initiative with your sister to reach out to your community with an invitation for others to join you in Sunday rosary. It is a good start to a new week, not knowing all that will unfold. But our Redeemer and Our Blessed Mother are with you all the way. You have God’s protection and assurance you are in “good hands” to handle each day.
I had a memorable tour of your campus a few years ago, before Covid. I was on the return trip from Wisconsin when the tour bus stopped at your campus. I enjoyed the little room off to the side in the Basilica where the relics of many saints are on the wall display. You are privileged to be studying at this special University. You will look back to these four years many times in your life.
Continue your mission inspiring others
to Our Blessed Mother’s call. Best wishes in completing your senior year.
I now live outside Buffalo , originally from NJ. My husband and I are retired.
Prayers at the manger for you and your group. See, call them and they will come! The Holy Spirit is always working
I had two cousins graduate from Notre Dame back in the 60’s.
Lucille V. Lenskold 🙏🏻✝️
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Wow! Thank you for sharing your story Gabriella! This is truly Christ in our midst. Merry Christmas!
The daily messages are wonderful.
In these days of despair, young people such as Gabriella and friends bring me hope for the world. What a beautiful tradition to have established.
Love, love, love this!!!!
Way to go Gabriella❗️
ND ‘72🍀
Dear Gabriella,
I was truly moved by your story. My room in 1970-71 was 217 Howard Hall.Very small and very much like yours! I try to pray the Rosary daily and the next time I do I will be transported to that special room.
It is so encouraging to see what you and your “family” have created.May God and his and our Mother, Notre Dame,continue to bless and inspire you!
Jim Brady ‘72
Thanks for sharing this news from my old res hall. I lived in 437 Howard and 441 Howard, 1966 to 1968 and became an RA on the second floor while in grad school.
This is wonderful…thank you Gabriella! This has inspired me to think about how I can do this on Sunday with my family (daughter at ND, son at Gonzaga)…maybe technology and your parents inspiration can get this done! Happy Holidays
My husband John Leino class of 1971 graduated from ND and was a Lutheran when we met at an Irish bar in downtown Wash. DC …16 years later he told me he was going to join the MARINE CORPS OF RELIGIONS ….CATHOLICISM…HE IS NOW DECEASED AFTER 49 YEARS
OF MARRIAGE.. PLEASE PRAY YOUR ROSARY for him and me…Thanks for your story. It warmed my heart and soul!!!!
What a gift! I will think of you when I pray my daily rosary.
Thank you for your beautiful story
What a wonderful inspiration
Lovely!
What a wonderful reflection. I’ll bet I didn’t say the rosary 10 times in my fouryears at Notre Dame. I don’t know why but we just didn’t pray the rosary. About 10 years ago, I was having trouble sleeping and I started to pray the rosary at night tohelp with me to sleep. I was troubled, however, because I never finished my rosary as I fell asleep.
In 2020, the pandemic hit, I thought praying the rosary every day would be a good move. I was surprised at how much peace and solitude I received by praying the rosary daily, a practice I continue to this day. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of using this beautiful prayer in our lives.
“This is Christ in our midst”…INDEED, Gabriella! Your devotion to prayer, and the sharing of that devotion with community, warms my heart and fills me with a hope that can only come from Christ. Blessings…