Rev. Francis Makut ’23 MTS
Our first Sacred Story of this Advent season starts with Rev. Francis Makut ’23 MTS, who reminds us that even in darkness and cold, a stranger’s grace can light the path ahead. His first winter at Notre Dame made the priest from Nigeria question his purpose. He was struggling academically and didn’t even own snow boots:
“One evening, after failing a paper for the first time, I stopped under the arch of O’Shaughnessy Hall, shivering and ashamed. I asked God, ‘Why bring me here, only to let me falter in the cold?’
“A custodian happened to pass by with a broom in his hand and a Notre Dame beanie pulled low over his ears. He paused, smiled at me, and said, ‘Son, the snow always comes before the blossoms.’ Then he kept walking.”
“During this Advent season, I invite all of us to linger in prayer and attend to the parts of our lives that seem shadowed or still. Perhaps in these very places, God is quietly planting seeds of light and warmth—an invitation to wait faithfully for the first sign of spring blossoms.”
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What an inspiration you are Father. Wishing you joy snd blessings,
You touched my heart this day Father. I will pray the Rosary each day. Thank you for persevering.
Pat in Ontario, Canada
Must be Top 5 Sacred Stories I’ve ever heard. Thank you for sharing!
I do believe God Himself, spoke to you that evening, Father Makut, so beautifully inspirational, so blessed and lucky.
I believe God Himself, spoke to you that day, Father Makut, so beautifully inspiration, so blessed and lucky.
A beautiful story to start the Advent season. Spring blossoms always follow the cold of winter.
Thank you for sharing these inspiring thoughts. Beautiful way to start Advent.
Thank you, Father, for persevering. May you always find enough peace to share.
What a beautiful story- thank you for sharing and a great kick off to Advent!
I love this Priest, he was gracious to preside at my sister’s funeral, after the regular Priest became unavailable. He is humble, human, compassionate and we were grateful for his words of peace and encouragement.
How apropos to read this on this eve of the 1st day of advent and our first beautiful snowfall!
I look forward to the coming blossom of Jesus who will light my path!
Thank you father! Thank God you did not give up and you persevered!!!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
These Sacred Stories bring peace to my life during sometimes daily struggles. They make me pause and refocus on the meaning of life and our ultimate goal.
Thank you, Father, for sharing a part of your life!
This further confirmation that God will use anyone. Who could have imagined that a ND student in a ND MA program would get his inspiration from the custodian. It is also proof that you can educate people but wisdom is innate.
What a beautiful story. Inspirational 🙏
A beautiful way to start Advent
Thank you for sharing Father
Your voice is so calming. What a lovely way to begin this series I look forward to every year. Thank you for sharing your experience and the wise words spoken to you so long ago. They truly resonate with so many! May our Risen Lord continue to bless you!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story and powerful reminder. Love these Sacred Stories!
People often wonder why a French priest decided to establish a school in the middle of nowhere Indiana, but perhaps he chose that spot to teach its future students that they had to trust in God and persevere through the challenges this godforsaken location would pose for them! Father Makut most definitely overcame those obstacles with the aid of a stranger and went on to inspire us all with his sacred story! 🙏
what a beautiful way to begin advent. Thank you, Father, for your inspiring words. Peace to all.
I really needed to hear this. Praise God!
Beautiful! I love your plan to ignite your faith and hope by sharing the extra rosary in your pocket.
What a beautiful & inspirational story Father! I needed that. I look forward to reading these each day and forwarding them to others. We had a wonderful priest here in Boston,and just like you, he always had extra rosary beads and handed them out when needed, it changed people’s lives. What you do will change peoples lives bringing them closer to God. Thank you!!
Wonderful way to start Advent. Thank you Father.
Amazing. The Spirit finds us in our darkest hours if only we will pause and listen. Bless you and thank you for sharing this angelic experience.
Thank you Fr. Makut! Your beautiful reflection touched a chord in my heart and tears fell down my face as I thought of you cold, confused, and wondering “Why here? Why me?” That is God’s way, yes? He takes us to places and times and we say “Why here? Why me?’ and He says “Why not.” I agree with many of the other responders – I needed this
Bless you in this Advent season.
What a heartwarming story to start all of us on our advent journey. May Our Lady continue to guide all those students, professors and alumni closer to her Son this adventure season
Simply beautiful
Grace
Simply beautiful
Grace
Bless You Father!
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing, Father. I will remember your message with fondness.
Father – you are an inspiration through courage and trust and faith and perseverance. Thank you.
Sacred Stories has become my favorite part of the season – the familiar music and cadence and stories of Gods grace if we just wait are just beautiful. Please don’t ever change a thing about this series.
Thank you, Fr. Francis, for these beautiful words of encouragement! I will always remember you and your humble and kind spirit! Praying you will be blessed in incredible ways as you serve Him in the many ways you do.
This brought me to tears of gratitude. The timing could not have been better this morning. Thank you.
A beautiful story and a beautiful motivation. Thank you for sharing.
Father, Thank you….Go IRISH!!!!
Thank you Fr. Francis for sharing your story. We are so very blessed to have you at Our Lady Star of the Sea.
Call me a cynic or a skeptic (I answer to both), but my mind went down a different path when I read this story. I was struck by the idea that apparently nobody in the Notre Dame community could find this poor guy from Nigeria a pair of snow boots. I don’t know, maybe we could dip into the $20+ billion endowment and create a boots and mittens fund or something for those who are in need of basic winter clothing.
I thought the same thing, Jim
Maybe he was too humble to ask for help, or maybe that part of the story is embellished slightly. I can’t imagine he went that whole winter without. Maybe the first couple of days or so.
Funny I wondered why the custodian didn’t ask him about wearing boots. I thought as i read this that they were going to say that someone found out he didn’t have any boots and helped him get some. My freshman year roommate at Saint Mary’s was from Florida. She came from a family of seven and was the oldest. Her winter coat was more like a “spring “ coat and not very warm. I remember lending her sweaters, scarves , hats and gloves. She eventually got a real winter jacket and stayed to go to law school. This story reminded me of those days. That ‘s what makes this country so great. And that’s part of what makes coming to South Bend for school such an amazing experience. We are all so different and unique, each of us has something special to offer the world. Each of us sees things differently. This is such a beautiful story by this priest because he sees beyond the world to understand what God is saying. God has a perfect plan and for each of us it’s different. But surely someone would have reached out to help and if he had this experience then you know there are others in this situation. Charity begins at home…
Such a gentle and beautiful story,
What wonderful words from a blessed man. I was struck by Fr. Francis’ words and his humble acceptance of God’s will for him and his desire to carry out the Lord’s work.
What a beautiful way to begin this season of Advent. This brought a tear to my eyes as I listened to Rev. Makut’s Sacred Story. A reminder to always look and listen for the smallest touch from others and also to remind us that we are sometimes the instrument that touches another’s heart. Thank you.
My best friends Mother had a sister who passed away and the funeral was in Texas. To make a long story short, the priest who normally presides at funerals was unavailable. The priest that did preside was a Notre Dame Grad and was in the Corpus Christi area. Father Francis was his name and as you’ve probably already figured out ,it was Fr. Francis Makut who kicked off The Sacred Stories of Notre Dame with an inspiring story of a stranger who inspired him with a few simple words of encouragement. I so much enjoyed his telling of his experience. When I was listening to it we were watching the ND, Stanford game and when she heard his voice she got all excited and repeatedly said, He resided at my mom’s sister’s funeral. Everyone who attended the funeral fell in love with the guy. My friend was fortunate enough to have a few moments to chat with Fr. Makut.She immediately fell in love with him. He is a special person. Thank you God for bringing Fr. Makut’s story to my attention, the night before it showed up on Faith ND. Funny how God works.
Absolutely inspirational; my personal thanks for sharing your story and your journey, The grotto is my favorite place on campus, and I spent many winter nights praying there as well during my undergraduate years. Rarely do I comment, but I was moved after listening to your Sacred Story; thank you. Go Irish!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us. I was so anxious to start this series again this year and you certainly kicked it off well! Advent Blessings!
Thank you for sharing your story. What a beautiful way to start Advent. May God continue to bless you. 🙏
Thank you Father…God places people in our lives at times when we are in most need and may feel most alone. You never know what someone may be enduring. May God bless the ND facilities person who paused and brought the love and warmth of Chriust to you when you needed it the most .
May God bless you Father as you bring Christ’s warmth to all whom are blessed to encounter Christ through you.
Thank you, Fr. Makut, for sharing your beautiful story – a reminder to see and hear God in those around us.
Reading this on a snow filled Sunday morning. What a beautiful start to the Advent season.
Where can we donate coats and winter gear to those on campus in need??
Great question Jennifer!
Father , Thank You for sharing. What a beautiful message and way to start Advent.
Thank you Father Makut!
Thank you Father Makut for sharing. God bless you.
Amazing faith, strength and courage to persevere Father! Thank you for sharing your story.
This really touched my heart in a perfect way. What a gift this is to start my advent journey. You never know when a simple comment or a smile is going to make a powerful impact on someone’s journey.
Thank you, Fr. Makut!
What a beautiful way to start Advent.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
May God bless you always.
I now carry an extra rosary in my purse!
I came to South Bend full of confidence. I left broken, confused, ostracized, used, I love the University but hate the department that used my talents when it suited them but spit me out and turned its back on me. Twenty years of depression. Twenty years of failure when I know I was good enough to succeed. Now, I try to find peace in little successes, little moments.
Father, we could not have received a better gift to kick-off Advent- wow! What an amazing story and inspiration you are for all of us- thank you for sharing! Have a wonderful holiday season and hope our paths cross! All the best, love, and blessings.
Thank you for sharing, Fr. Makut. Encouraging!
My first thought when hearing this was, “You encountered Jesus through the custodian that night”
Jesus is present in all of us. We never know how profoundly a simple gesture of kindness can inspire a person’s day, or in this case, Father Makut’s life
Thank you, Father, for reminding me to see Jesus in everyone
Way to go Father. ND’72
What a beautiful and inspirational story! Thank you for sharing it with all of us. May God continue to bless you this Advent Season and always!
I do believe God Himself, spoke to you that evening, Father Makut, so beautifully inspirational, so blessed and lucky.
Wonderful example of the presence of Jesus in our daily lives, Fr. Francis. We are glad you leaned on your Faith and had hope for the better days ahead. We are grateful and blessed to have you share your thoughts and experiences with us on a weekly basis in South Texas. Your story brings me back to how Mary must have been feeling during her time of carrying Baby Jesus. The uncertainty of it all and the glorious gift that followed.
Thank you again for sharing your story.
Father Makut,
I love your story and admire your perseverance, especially with your rosary. Our Lady never let’s us down. Our High School motto is “to Jesus through Mary ” (Ad Jesum per Mariam). Listen to her. It is no mistake her only recorded words were from the wedding feast “Fo whatever He tells you.” Keep praying Father Makut. I will pray for you like i pray for my dear priest at UPMC who brought Jesus to me after my liver transplant: Father Agustin, he too, is from Nigeria. May God protect you and your families for your service and sacrifice on iur behalf! Have a blessed Advent. As we sing in our Byzantine Ruthenian tradition-
Mnohaja lita, Mnohaja lita, Mnohaja blohoja lita, Vo zdravíê vo spaseníê! Mnohaja blohoja lita!
God grant you many years, God grant you many years, God grant you many blessed years. In health and happiness. In health and happiness. God grant you many blessed years!
Father Makut, That is a great story for Christmas. I survived ND winters with a pair of corfam cowboy boots cuz I started out with tennis shoes being from Arkansas. The custodian who helped you reminded me of the custodian in the Rudy movie. With all the Midwest snow storms going on, I am happy to be in a warm house. Sometimes the best things in life are just the basics.
Merry Christmas to All!
Wow such a touching story.
I, also coming from Uganda, experienced the winter for the first time (2024). But thanks to Notre Dame for supporting us with the emergency fund and also the Winter Items before the season.
Infant, we need the grace of God to keep us moving. Blessed Advent season
Thank you Father for your inspirational story