In Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, Chi’chil Bildagoteel, known as Oak Flat, is a sacred space for the Apache and other Native tribes. Countless generations have used the site for religious and coming-of-age ceremonies and have gathered medicinal plants and acorns from its majestic oaks.But Oak Flat is in danger. In 2014, a land swap deal offered Oak Flat to a mining company that intends to place a copper mine leaving the site unsafe for humans. Apache Stronghold, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization made up of Native and non-Native allies, are intent on saving Oak Flat.While the Notre Dame Lindsay and Matt Moroun Religious Liberty Clinic, launched in 2020, isn't representing the Apache Stronghold, it's very supportive of its mission and has filed multiple amicus briefs in support of protection for Oak Flat. The Clinic, one of the world's leading academic institutions on the subject, is representative of Notre Dame's values. Informed by its Catholic character, the University has always supported and promoted religious liberty as a fundamental human right.Marcus Cole, the Joseph A. Matson Dean and Professor of Law at the Notre Dame Law School, is careful to note that religious liberty encompasses all faiths, and those without faith.“The Religious Liberty Clinic was created because our freedom of conscience, our freedom to believe, and then live according to our beliefs, is the most important and fundamental freedom that we have. Not just as Americans, but as humans,” he said.
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- 1:56Recap: Annual Candlelight Prayer Service | Walk the Walk Week 2025On Monday, January 27, 2025, students, faculty and staff gathered in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for the Annual Candlelight Prayer Service for Walk the Walk Week.Following the service, which was presided over by University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., with a keynote reflection from Claire Babeneaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, attendees processed through snowy sidewalks to place candles at the foot of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue on God Quad.
- 42:48Candlelight Prayer Service with Claire Babineaux-Fontenot | Walk the Walk Week 2025Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, delivered a keynote address during the University of Notre Dame's Annual Candelight Prayer Service to kick off Walk the Walk Week 2025.Babineaux-Fontenot spoke on what we owe each other during the service which commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and renews Notre Dame's commitment to building the Beloved Community—embodying God’s love, justice, and mercy for all—on campus and beyond.
- 59:11Presidential Keynote and Annual Prayer ServiceJoin us for prayer and reflection as we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and renew our commitment to building the Beloved Community—embodying God’s love, justice, and mercy for all—on campus and beyond.The prayer service will be followed by a candlelight march to the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue and a dessert reception in the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the LaFortune Student Center. All are welcome!
- 22:33Building bridges to a Beloved Community at Notre Dame | Notre Dame StoriesIn this episode of Notre Dame Stories, University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., and Rev. Hugh R. Page Jr., vice president for institutional transformation and advisor to the president, join host Jenna Liberto to discuss their shared commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all.Together, they explore the University’s mission, the importance of bridging differences, and how faith informs their work in fostering a beloved community on campus and in the world.----- Video Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Fr. Bob Dowd and Rev. Hugh Page share how their faith serves as a foundation for their commitments to the issues of justice, human dignity and love. 02:11 Fr. Bob Dowd talks about his Inaugural Address where he calls on us to be bridge builders. 03:20 Rev. Hugh Page shares the meaning of institutional transformation. 05:04 Fr. Bob Dowd talks about Notre Dame's commitment to inclusivity and promoting a spirit of welcome and belonging on campus. 07:55 Fr. Bob Dowd explains what this year's Forum theme "What do we owe each other?" means to him. 11:38 Rev. Hugh Page shares ways Notre Dame is building a Beloved Community on campus. 14:24 Fr. Bob Dowd and Rev. Hugh Page answer quick-fire questions about their college experience in our lightning round.----- Show links: Episode page (https://stories.nd.edu/podcasts/building-bridges-to-a-beloved-community-at-notre-dame/) We are all Notre Dame (https://weareall.nd.edu/)----- Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and hosted by Jenna Liberto with Executive Producer Andy Fuller. It was produced by Jenna Liberto, Josh Long, and Staci Stickovich. Videography was done by Zach Dudka, Josh Long, Tony Fuller, and Michael Wiens. Original music was provided by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
- 22:33Building bridges to a Beloved Community at Notre Dame (Audio)In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, University President Reverend Fr. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. and Reverend Dr. Hugh R. Page, Jr., vice president of institutional transformation and advisor to the president, join host Jenna Liberto to discuss their shared commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all.Together, they explore the University's mission, the importance of bridging differences, and how faith informs their work in fostering a beloved community on campus and in the world.Show links: • Episode page (https://stories.nd.edu/podcasts/building-bridges-to-a-beloved-community-at-notre-dame/) • We are all Notre Dame (https://weareall.nd.edu/) -----Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and hosted by Jenna Liberto with Executive Producer Andy Fuller. It was produced by Jenna Liberto, Josh Long, and Staci Stickovich. Videography was done by Zach Dudka, Josh Long, Tony Fuller, and Michael Wiens. Original music was provided by Alex Mansour.Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
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