Spiritual reflections inspire Fr. Ayo's `Signs of Grace'
C. SPENCER BEGGS
Scene Editor
It would seem that the last thing anyone needs is yet another guide to Notre Dame. But Father Nicholas Ayo's new book, "Signs of Grace: Meditations on the Notre Dame Campus," is perhaps the panacea for the humdrum campus guide.
The book doesn't deal with just specific places on the campus, but rather it is a collections of Ayo's musings on the meaning of campus spaces. It is a spiritual guide to finding meaning at Notre Dame.
Ayo, a professor in the Program of Liberal Studies, compiled the writings to help people find meaning in lives that all to often exist in the work-a-day world.
"We all need a dream. We cannot live without a dream. We want our story, the story of our life, to be part of a larger story. We cannot live without meaning, and our own life in isolation has no compelling purpose," Ayo wrote.
"Signs of Grace" is, in fact, the perfect chance for over-worked and over-stressed Notre Dame students to take a minute and reflect on their lives.
It may sound silly at first, but Ayo's honest and beautiful writing and poetry will capture the heart of even the most ardent skeptic. But Ayo's writings go beyond the basic "what's great about Notre Dame" drivel.
For example, Ayo not only addresses Notre Dame spiritual standards such as the Dome and the Grotto, but he also shares his reflections on often-overlooked places like the Notre Dame power plant — a building he feels represents the fragility of human life.
The book is, as would be expected, deeply religious in nature. It is not, however, meant to preach. Ayo isn't trying to convert or convince, rather he is simply sharing what he finds beautiful in his life. But Ayo's eloquent prose will undoubtedly make many readers realize that they share his views.
"Signs of Grace" relates aspects of Notre Dame to stories in the Bible and the Great Books. For example, Ayo points out the relation of the reflection of Christ the teacher in "The Word of Life" (Touchdown Jesus) in the Hesburgh Library's reflecting pool to Dante's "Commedia" and the story of the unnamed woman who washes the feet of Jesus with her tears and dries them with her hair.
The book is a wonderfully uplifting read, despite personal beliefs or religious and philosophical differences. "Signs of Grace" is a leisurely read that enthusiasts will reread over and over again for hope and wisdom.
Ayo's eclectic use of literature, art, religion and history presents an interesting depiction of personal meaning for the book's readers. Whether or not readers agree with Ayo, they will certainly be moved by his meditations.
In the end, Signs of Grace is a book about love: Ayo's undying affection for God, life, Notre Dame and her children. It is, at once, his love poem, prayer and present for the Notre Dame community.
"I know not where there could be better students," Ayo wrote. "That is not to say that Notre Dame students always behave well. They are human, and they are sinful too. But they are the best students in the world, in part because they are on this campus best loved."
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, February 20, 2002
