Notre Dame Trail: 300 mile journey back to campus underway

175 years ago Father Edward Sorin traveled more than 300 miles from Vincennes, in southern Indiana, to Notre Dame.

That journey was instrumental in starting the university.

Over the next two weeks pilgrims will re-create that journey by foot and by bicycle as a way re-immerse themselves in Notre Dame’s mission.

Notre Dame President, Reverend John Jenkins, was on hand Sunday night to help kick off the two week journey.

“It’s a reflection on our past but also our present. And what we commit ourselves to do now. It’s a physical journey but also a spiritual journey. A time of reflection and community,” said Rev. Jenkins.

Father Jenkins along with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb helped the pilgrims kick off the journey with a mass then a two mile walk along the banks of the Wabash River.

“It must have been a journey of the unknown but they have their faith. That was strong enough for all of them to persevere. We have been looking north ever since at Notre Dame for that continued good strength in not just our lives but the entire world,” said Gov. Holcomb.

30 pilgrims will be making the full two week trip, but 3,000 have signed up for the five, three and one day journeys.