It is a place where the faithful of all ages can delve deeper into meditation on the life of Christ, seek the intercession and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and cultivate a habit of prayer. Visitors to the Notre Dame, Indiana, area now have a new outdoor sacred space. 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 Congregation of Holy Cross United States Province. Along the way, five peaceful nooks – one for each mystery’s decade – offer benches for rest, reflection, and prayer.

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. Dedicated to the Blessed Mother and women everywhere, it draws 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 dedication ceremony in 2025.

Walk Impact

South Bend area resident Robert Kloska finds the new Rosary Walk beautiful. He appreciates the imagery and the site’s layout, noting that if he walks slowly enough from one mystery to the next, he can complete all 10 Hail Mary prayers.

“I pray the rosary while walking around Notre Dame every day, but this Rosary Walk will help me when I’m struggling with distractions and I need a bit of focus. The different obelisks provide a tangible destination that physically calls us back to meditation on the mysteries,” noted Kloska. “Besides its practical value, it is also a beautiful symbol of prayer that will no doubt inspire curiosity and interest from students and visitors alike. I am so grateful to the Congregation of Holy Cross for providing this beautiful monument to our Catholic faith! The rosary has been recommended by innumerable saints, popes, and other leaders in the Church. My own family prayed it daily growing up. This Rosary Walk will help Notre Dame continue to be a holy place of prayer.”

Rev. Richard E. Gribble, C.S.C., feels the Rosary Walk is a beautiful, scenic path that provides the perfect environment to be one with Jesus and his Mother Mary.

“The rosary walk is perfect to allow me to reflect upon the mysteries of the Rosary as I walk between stations. The walk allows a space for reflective and meditative prayer,” said Fr. Gribble. “The Rosary Walk enhances the University’s dedication to Notre Dame, Our Mother, helping all students, faculty, staff, and outsiders to find peace and tranquility amidst the busyness of the world.”

Students in the tri-campus area appreciate the new sacred space that allows them the opportunity to enjoy nature while praying the rosary.

“I love the new Rosary Walk! The monuments are stunning, and the walking paths which weave through the woods and along the lake provide reminders of God’s goodness and beauty,” said Holy Cross College president Dr. Marco Clark. He and his wife enjoy walking and praying the Rosary together; they see themselves visiting the walk regularly.

Clark continued, “This site is a natural draw for students and the local community. It is with great anticipation that I approach the fifth decade and come around the bend to see Our Lady beautifully adorning the Golden Dome next to the Basilica. It is truly breathtaking!