Matthew Scherber
Junior Matthew Scherber didn’t expect to feel at home halfway across the world. Yet, as a delegate of Notre Dame’s Pilgrimage of Peace to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, that’s exactly what happened. During a hike to visit a monastery built nearly a century ago, he and his friends discovered a grotto that St. Maximilian Kolbe had built for Our Lady. Enveloped by the peace and beauty of his surroundings, a sense of inclusivity washed over him.
“Praying at the grotto during our pilgrimage in Japan felt so familiar to us, a reminder of our other Grotto back on campus. We were reminded of the special grace found in looking to Our Lady—and welcoming her into our hearts—especially amid adversity.”
During Advent, we are invited from the uncertainty of the world into the renewal of our faith. Like our climb, Advent calls us to persevere through the dark forest, believing that God is guiding us even when our paths may feel obscured. And when we reach the clearing—when Christ, our light, arrives—Mary, Notre Dame, Our Mother is there too to greet us and welcome us in the peace and deep joy of knowing we are home wherever we are if we are at home in her loving embrace.z
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Not until we climb an unknown trail do we know where it leads or what we will encounter along it’s way: go with vision and faith
Very nice reflection indeed. The Notre Dame Lourdes Grotto holds a special place for all who have gone to Our Lady’s University. Just look back to many years ago when humanitarian Tom Dooley was ill from cancer in a Hong Kong hospital. He remembered the Notre Dame Grotto & yearned to be back there, even on a snowy evening–back
in prayer to Our Lady, back to a special holy place of peace. May we have a special devotion to Mary the Mother of Giod during this Advent season. Much Aloha to all at Notre Dame from Honolulu, Hawaii. A Blessed Christmas!!
Loved your story! God Bless!
God bless you Matthew & thank you for sharing this life changing blessing from our God!
Merry Christmas & Go Irish!
Michael Caci
A beautiful reflection, Matthew. To be a member of the Notre Dame Peace Delegation to Nagasaki and then to find Our Lady in the mountains of Japan – two blessed gifts you will always treasure!
Keep writing! It’s one of your gifts!
Thank you for sharing your story. So amazing.
Wonderful experience especially the grotto encounter, love the scene
What a Beautiful and memorable experience that must have been for you. I appreciate the darkness and fear you shared emerging into the light and comfort and beauty you found.
And the loving Human Nature, which both Mary and Christ assumed, and remembered on Dec 25,is our Life-Guide, especially in the 21st century.
What a beautiful story. Thank you Matthew. ND’72🍀
Wow!!!!
Thank you for sharing your story.
Notre Dame’s Lourdes Grotto will always hold a special place among side my heart! I’m grateful to all Irish-enthusiasts who will light a candle for me or my family during the harshest of times!