Mike Moore ’68
Amidst a moment of despair, a chance encounter on Thanksgiving on Notre Dame’s campus rekindled hope, steering Michael Moore ’68 towards a fulfilling new chapter.
“North Dining Hall had been my dining hall when I was a freshman in 1964. When we arrived, it was completely dark outside, but when we opened the door, we were met by the warmth of students inviting us to join their Thanksgiving banquet, complete with white tablecloths, candles, and every food imaginable. We had a wonderful meal, talking mostly with international students unable to go home for the short holiday weekend. During that dinner, I noticed that my intense discouragement over the circumstances of my life started to wane, and I began to feel my self-confidence return.
“During Advent, we can celebrate with those who affirm our true dignity and identity, reminding us of our value and worth. No matter what twists and turns in life occur, there are those who know who we really are — God, our friends and loved ones, and yes, our Notre Dame family.”
←
Mike’s story is so powerful and shows the true feeling of family that Notre Dame holds. To be a stranger to the students, yet welcomed to their Thanksgiving dinner is such a moving story.
Such a beautiful story! Notre Dame is always home to many. Glad she was able to restore you!
A beautiful memory. Thank you for sharing!
This is the true meaning of kinship
Like Mike, I love to return to campus to obtain spiritual nourishment from the Grotto and Basilica. Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us!
Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Similar circumstances and my devotion put me at the grotto following a 215 mile drive. The serenity and peace entered my soul and I knew I could turn things around. And I did and never looked back. Thank you Notre Dame
I remember over 20 years ago when I encountered a troubled time in my life. I went to ND. I arrived at night alone and looked up to Our Lady on the Golden Dome and felt the a comfort I couldn’t find anywhere else.
Notre Dame has always been a sacred place to me. It’s almost magical. While the buildings on the grounds are beautiful, they wouldn’t mean a thing if it wasn’t for the wonderful people. Notre Dame will always be home to me.
The miracles of “chance” encounters are very appreciated. Thank you for sharing and reminding us of the tremendous Impact Spirit and it’s carriers may have on each of us; and for how our own Spirit Impacts Each Other. Peace and Healing to Each of Us; Now and Forever.
What a lovely story to begin my day! Thank you 🌹
God bless you. Thank you for inspiring us with your beautiful story. 💕
Can relate to his story. In 2022 I returned to Notre Dame from Hawaii for a football weekend & met ND friends
who live in South Bend. I had been “down” for various reasons before my visit, but became totally
“alive” after my return to campus. Going to confession & Mass at Sacred Heart were key to this, &
meeting dear friends who showed incredible love to me in every way raised my spirits beyond belief.
Also, Holy Cross Village sponsored me to speak on my orphanage mission work in India. A huge number
of residents came to my talk with many contributing to my work, including a Holy Cross Brother who
had spent multi-years in Bangladesh as a missioner. I left Notre Dame totally revived & so appreciative for
how special the university is & how wonderful the Notre Dame community is. In deepest gratitude. Hoping
to get back again soon. A blessed Advent to everyone ssociated with Notre Dame!
I have a completely different take on my freshman year Thanksgiving meal. Everyone in my dorm went home for Thanksgiving. The North Dining Hall was closed and so I had to go the South Dining Hall all alone where I knew no one. When I got back to my dorm I called my mother to see how the family Thanksgiving was and she said they went next door to our Irish neighbors from NYC for Thanksgiving.I immediately could just sense the joy and happiness that they would be having. Both families were very close. Even now, at funerals, we always sit together as family. I told my mother that I’m not ever staying up here in South Bend for another Thanksgiving, I want to be home for their gathering and I always went home after that year. Funny, but even now I always remember that on Thanksgiving day. I was all alone hundres of miles away but all my friends and family were right next door having a good time. Thanksgiving is all about friends and family.
What a much needed boost today! I loved your lovely memory and story of hope and the power and embrace of Our Lady’s university.
Thank you Mike- good story. Merry Christmas.
What a wonder-filled memory. How many times does Scripture tell us of gatherings like your Thanksgiving banquet where miracles happen. What grace that you should experience one in your own life.
For those of us who didn’t share in the beauty and welcome of Notre Dame, beyond our envy, we seek God’s blessing over those who so very fortunately have. God bless you…..and thanks for sharing.
Mike,
Thank you. God Bless you and your family….Go IRISH!!!!
God bless that angel, in student garb, that directed you to a community of caring individuals. At our bleakest moments, God sends the most unlikely Angels. Thank you Mike and Happy Advent.
God works in mysterious ways, never abandoning us & always giving us hope. Thank you for sharing
Thank you for sharing your moving story.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful memory of faith, hope and love! Your experience was a true blessing!
Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. After watching it, the first thing I said to myself was “I hope someday I can be to someone the person that student was to you”. Unknowingly by just answering your simple question he sent you to the place you needed to be.
Many blessings to you in this beautiful season of Advent!
Mike, thank you for sharing about your gift. Notre Dame is sacred ground. Miracles do happen.
Beautiful. Simply beautiful. What an apt reflection for this Advent season, as our hearts are being made ready for the arrival of the Christ child, to realize our Notre Dame family is a microcosm of the Communion of Saints ushered in by His birth for all of us who trust in His promises. Thank you for the reminder that we all belong to one another, because of Him.
Thank you Mike. Your Chance encounter with a lone ND student was an example of Christ’s presence with us through those he puts in our life at just the right time.
Peace and God’s Blessings
What a beautiful story! Thank you Mike for sharing.
A wonderful story Mike. I have had similar experiences when visiting campus. Thank you
Mike, I had not heard this beautiful story before. Happy holidays from a fellow Keenanite!!
Thank you for sharing your Sacred Moment, Mike! As much as you were touched by the random student you encountered with the simple question of where to eat, your choice to go the North Dining Hall showed your openness to sharing an experience –a dinner–with strangers. It is always amazing how total strangers can effect our lives, our paths, if we open our hearts. Thanks for the reminder with your beautiful Sacred Moment..
Beautiful story. There is certainly something very special about this campus, the students, faculty and alumni. God bless you Mike and the entire ND family!!!
Thanks so much for the inspiration! It seems God always helps us just when we are in need of His help.
I hope you have a Blessed Advent season ahead! I’m wish I lived nearer to campus😊☘️
For Domers, the Notre Dame Campus and the community that live and work there, priests, nuns, faculty, students, and employees, are our Holy Land. Mike instinctively went there in time of need, and found what God had in store for him.
Mike,
Thanks for a terrific story about fellowship and Jesus’ love in our lives.
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Like Mike, I love to return to campus to obtain spiritual nourishment from the Grotto and Basilica. Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us!