The Rosary – a symbol of prayer and a powerful expression of faith is the model of a new sacred space for the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers. Known as the Holy Cross Rosary Walk, this rosary-shaped path winds gently through the woods along the northern shore of St. Mary’s Lake on the grounds of the United States Province. Along the way, five peaceful nooks – one for each mystery’s decade – offer benches for rest, reflection, and prayer.
While praying along the path, visitors will marvel at the sunlight streaming through the tree-lined path. Cool and warm breezes whisper soft songs, filling the air with fragrances of leaves, damp moss, and the occasional aroma of pine. Squirrels with bushy tails twitching in the breeze will leap among the branches or scurry along the prayerful path. Calls of geese and ducks echo across the gurgle of water from the lake, accompanied by chirping crickets or croaking of frogs.
Dedicated to the Blessed Mother and women everywhere, this site will draw guests into a deeper walk with the Lord under Mary’s guidance.
“The rosary walk will be a place where Mary’s words come alive, where generations will come to walk and to pray, where sorrows and joys alike will be carried into God’s presence. It will be a place where the cross is not only remembered but embraced with hope,” shared Provincial Superior Rev. William Lies, C.S.C., at the September 14 dedication ceremony.
Born of a generous partnership between the Congregation and devoted benefactors Alex and Diana Adamson, the Holy Cross Rosary Walk invites all – pilgrims, students, faculty, religious, visitors, and friends – to pray the Rosary in the quiet company of Our Lady.
“The guiding light for designing this walk was two things – it should be simple and it should be beautiful – something that 100 years from now people would still think is beautiful – and I could not be more grateful for how every detail turned out. My hope is that each week, a few more Rosaries will be prayed on this campus, and if it helps even one person be closer to God, it will have been worth it,” said Alex Adamson at the dedication ceremony.
Students in the tri-campus area appreciate the new sacred space that allows them the opportunity to enjoy nature while praying the rosary.
“The Rosary Walk is the most perfect addition to Saint Mary’s Lake, an already beloved space. Getting to journey around the lake and appreciate its natural beauty while praying one of the most treasured devotions is something that will benefit generations for years to come. I especially love the handcrafted plates with the mysteries depicted on them; it really allows people to visualize the events we are reflecting on when praying the rosary. A ‘circular’ lake connecting to the ‘circular’ devotion of the rosary is a wonderful reminder that God is always with us, and that we can see Him and Our Lady in every aspect of our lives,” shared Saint Mary’s College student Kathryn O’Connell.
According to O’Connell, the rosary has enhanced her faith life in many different ways, but especially in her relationship to Jesus through Mary. Praying the rosary daily calms her heart and has brought much peace to her life, knowing that Mary is praying with and for her.
“It has been the cornerstone for me in understanding the life of Christ, what He sacrificed, and how He is with me every step of the way in my own journey to holiness. Mary has brought me closer to her Son and has given me the strength and love only a mother can give, and I owe her a great deal! The rosary walk will only help me in this call to holiness and closeness to God; now every time I walk around the lake, I will be reminded of His goodness and desire to draw near to Him, especially through Our Blessed Mother,” said O’Connell. “I have visited the rosary walk a few times since the dedication, and have loved it more each and every time! I have brought a number of my friends to see the walk and they have loved journeying around the lake while praying the rosary together. It has strengthened our community in the most special way! I am hoping to visit the walk as often as I can as a way to relax and spend quality time with Jesus and Mary, especially when the semester gets harder.”
To learn more, visit holycrossusa.org/rosarywalk
