Mass to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of University President Emeritus Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 5:15–6:15 PM
- Location
- DescriptionTo commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of University President Emeritus Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., a Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart will be celebrated in his memory. President Emeritus Rev. Edward “Monk” Molloy, C.S.C., who succeeded Father Hesburgh as Notre Dame’s 16th president, will preside over the service and preach at the Mass. All are welcome to attend to honor Father Hesburgh’s legacy. The Mass will also be livestreamed.
Father Hesburgh served as president of the University of Notre Dame for 35 years, from 1952 to 1987, and was one of the nation’s most influential figures in higher education, the Catholic Church, and national and international affairs. He served under four popes and held 16 presidential appointments.
“With his leadership, charisma, and vision, he turned a relatively small Catholic college known for football into one of the nation’s great institutions for higher learning,” University President Emeritus Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., said of Father Hesburgh shortly after his passing. “In his historic service to the nation, the Church, and the world, he was a steadfast champion for human rights, the cause of peace, and care for the poor.
“Perhaps his greatest influence, though, was on the lives of generations of Notre Dame students, whom he taught, counseled, and befriended.”
During his tenure, the University’s annual operating budget grew from $9.7 million to $176.6 million, the endowment from $9 million to $350 million, and research funding from $735,000 to $15 million. Enrollment increased from 4,979 to 9,600, faculty from 389 to 950, and degrees awarded annually from 1,212 to 2,500. He also oversaw the transference of governance in 1967 from the Congregation of Holy Cross to a two-tiered, mixed board of lay and religious Trustees and Fellows, as well as the admission of women to the undergraduate program in 1972.
Father Hesburgh was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest honor an American civilian can receive—as well as the Congressional Gold Medal and 150 honorary degrees. He died on February 26, 2015, at the age of 97. A memorial tribute at the Purcell Pavilion in March 2015 featured numerous Church leaders, statesmen, Notre Dame leaders, and leaders in the world of higher education. In 2017, Father Hesburgh was honored by the US Postal Service with a commemorative Forever stamp.
- Websitehttps://events.nd.edu/events/2025/02/26/mass-to-commemorate-the-10th-anniversary-of-the-death-of-university-president-emeritus-rev-theodore-m-hesburgh-c-s-c/