Notre Dame Magazine

Published Winter 1997-98

Put yourself in Sorin's shoes

Visitors to the Notre Dame campus can now stand where Notre Dame founder Rev. Edward Sorin, CSC, stood when he arrived in the winter of 1842 and can read in Sorin's own words what he saw and felt.

A sign installed last fall next to the Founders' Monument displays translated excerpts of a letter Sorin wrote (in French) from the original missionary log chapel overlooking Saint Mary's Lake to the Very Reverend Basil Moreau, CSC, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, back at the order's headquarters in France.

The idea of displaying the letter came from Notre Dame Executive Vice President Rev. E. William Beauchamp, CSC. He says Father John Conley, CSC, rector of Siegfried Hall had suggested to him that some sort of historical marker be added to the area around the replica Log Chapel after the Founder's Monument was move there in 1996 as part of the architecture building renovation.

Sorin's letter:

Notre Dame du Lac

December 5, 1842

Beloved Father,

When we least dreamed of it, we were offered an excellent piece of property, about 640 acres in extent. This land is located in the county of St. Joseph on the banks of the St. Joseph River, not far from the city of St. Joseph (Michigan). It is a delightfully quiet place, about twenty minutes from South Bend. This attractive spot has taken from the lake which surrounds it the beautiful name of Notre Dame du Lac. . . . It is from here that I write you now.

Everything was frozen over. Yet it all seemed so beautiful. The lake, especially, with its broad carpet of dazzling white snow, quite naturally reminded us of the spotless purity of our August Lady whose name it bears, and also of the purity of soul that should mark the new inhabitants of this chosen spot . . . . We were in a hurry to enjoy all the scenery along the lakeshore of which we had heard so much. Though it was quite cold, we went to the very end of the lake, and like children, came back fascinated with the marvelous beauties of our new home. . . . Once more, we felt that Providence had been good to us and we blessed God from the depths of our soul.

Will you permit me, dear Father, to share with you a preoccupation which gives me no rest? Briefly, it is this: Notre Dame du Lac was given to us by the bishop only on condition that we establish here a college at the earliest opportunity. As there is no other school within more than a hundred miles, this college cannot fail to succeed. . . . Before long, it will develop on a large scale. . . . It will be one of the most powerful means for good in this country.

Finally, dear Father, you cannot help see that this new branch of your family is destined to grow under the protection of Our Lady of the Lake and of St. Joseph. At least, this is my deep conviction. Time will tell if I am wrong.

E. Sorin

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