On 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.

Claire 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.

Join 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!

In 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://diversity.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.

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://diversity.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.