
Felicia Johnson-O’Brien ’95
Program Director, Institute for Social Concerns
with the Notre Dame family of faith
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During this 2025 Lenten season, we again invite you to embark on a meaningful journey with FaithND as we explore some of the most profound liturgical masterpieces in the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art collection. Every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday of Lent, we’ll highlight works by renowned artists to guide us through the emotions of joy, sorrow, hope, and redemption.
Felicia Johnson-O’Brien ’95
Program Director, Institute for Social Concerns
Dr. Carlos Gomez-Meade ’01
Hispanic Alumni Board Member
Veronica (Flores) Alonzo ’97, Faculty Member in the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program
Melody Padilla ’25, Campus Ministry Anchor Intern
Rev. Matthew Kuczora, C.S.C. ’05, ’11 M.Div., ’23 J.D., University Counsel, Office of General Counsel
Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come
to pass from this world to the Father.
He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.
The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over.
So, during supper,
fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power
and that he had come from God and was returning to God,
he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.
He took a towel and tied it around his waist.
Then he poured water into a basin
and began to wash the disciples’ feet
and dry them with the towel around his waist.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him,
“Master, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“What I am doing, you do not understand now,
but you will understand later.”
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered him,
“Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”
Simon Peter said to him,
“Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”
Jesus said to him,
“Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed,
for he is clean all over;
so you are clean, but not all.”
For he knew who would betray him;
for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
So when he had washed their feet
and put his garments back on and reclined at table again,
he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?
You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet,
you ought to wash one another’s feet.
I have given you a model to follow,
so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”
I don’t remember the last time I was washed in or near a basin. Probably because I was a baby—and I was being baptized. My baptism was the last time Christ tied a towel around his waist and washed me in his water and word.
Now, I have the blessing of walking with 50-some students as they prepare to be received into the Church this Easter—although their baptism will take place at the baptismal font of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (much grander than a basin). I see their faces in the disciples’ here in this gospel for Holy Thursday. Shock. Wonder. Love—for this man in front of me. Awe—that this should happen to me. Incredulity—that the king of the universe would kneel at my feet.
But the Son of God came to serve, not to be served. Jesus gave his whole life over in service of us, whom he loved to the end, and his sacrifice begins now, with the washing of our feet at the Last Supper, calling us to love others the way that he loves us. And I am struck by his question: ”Do you realize what I have done for you?”
Our sin and brokenness are washed away by his water at the foot of the table and by his blood on the wood of the cross. He serves us, he saves us, and he shares with us. Jesus is, in fact, giving us a share in his own inheritance as the son of God, allowing us to experience what it means to be sons and daughters of the most high king. With him, we rise—all the way up to heaven! What an honor.
As we enter into the Holy Triduum, let us bring the dirtiest, grittiest, muddiest parts of us to Jesus so he can wash our feet with tenderness and a soft caress. Let us give him what is ours—and he will give us what is his.
Heavenly Father, there is much in this world we struggle to understand. It is hard to grasp why one might betray a friend, why suffering enters our lives, or why the righteous sometimes pay for the sins of others. Such is the darkness that sets at the end of this holy day. Yet in this moment of uncertainty, you give us a sure model of how to live. As the Lord washed his disciples’ feet, so he calls us to do the same. Teach us, Heavenly Father, how to be more like your Son. Teach us how to suffer with dignity; how to accept the mysteries of life we cannot understand. Instruct us in the ways of love, so that we may be true disciples of Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
A PODCAST BY FAITH ND
Season 11 concludes with Prof. Margaret Pfeil, including her long-time commitments of living at the local Catholic Worker community, advocating for peace, and seeking justice for all of God’s people.
Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC, shares the moments that eventually led him to a vocation in religious life and priesthood, along with a specific ministry of forming aspiring Catholic teachers.
We continue this season with Avis Boyd, a longtime volunteer and alumna of Notre Dame, as she shares her perspective on moving through life with purpose, conviction, and a deep faith, even in the face of adversity.
Meet Tim and Lindsay Will, two graduates of the Alliance for Catholic Education program, who help us contemplate the meaning of loss, love, and the family ties that bind us to one another.
Hear the story of Dr. Andrew McShane, Director of the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir, as he reflects on a vocation that took shape over time through beautiful music, unexpected loss, and the lasting example of others.
Sit courtside with Nan Tulchinsky, a longtime scorekeeper for Notre Dame Women’s and Men’s Basketball, as she shares stories of her remarkable life of dedication to her family, local community, and Catholic faith.
We begin a new season with Bishop Bob Lombardo, CFR, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, as he shares his path towards religious life and priesthood, co-founding a new expression of Franciscan life, and the unexpected calling of a new ministry.
We complete this season by speaking with Veronica Alonzo, Associate Superintendent for the Dallas Catholic Schools, about discovering meaning in personal loss, her vocation as an educator, and perspectives on Catholic education.
Walk the streets of Boston with Dr. Jim O’Connell as he describes his long path to a medical career and the surprising, longstanding vocation of serving others through the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program.
Lisa Orchen details her calling to ministry in the Church and how that has changed over the years as the demands of life have shifted, always requiring continual discernment of God’s will.
Explore the themes of motherhood with Jessica Mannen Kimmet, a musician and author, who has written a book with the intention of helping mothers who are experiencing similar crosses to ones she has carried.
Journey with Fr. Bill Lies, CSC, Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers for the Congregation of Holy Cross, as he offers stories of his family, vocational call, and perspective from various leadership positions.
Meet Molly and Jeremy Aranda, a married couple who describe the many ups and downs of life, including challenging pregnancies, financial strain, and sickness, all while striving to remain faithful to God’s calling in their lives.
Patrick Garry, author of The Power of Gratitude, shares the stories and the lifelong lessons of his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Garry, whose lives were marked by sacrifice for others and giving thanks in all circumstances.
We conclude this season with Lisa Hendey, founder of Catholicmom.com, as she describes her spiritual journey, which has included being a wife and mother, a Catholic writer and content producer, and recently, someone bearing the cross of breast cancer.
Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of Hallow, shares the inspiring story of the struggle and growth of his spiritual life, eventually leading to the creation of one of the most well-utilized Catholic apps in the world today.
Hear the perspective of Meghann Kirzeder, a wife, mother, and musician, whose life has taken some unexpected turns as she cares for her beautiful children, including three with significant special needs.
Grab a sideline view with Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, as he provides a glimpse into his life as a religious priest, a Catholic educator and researcher, and the chaplain to the Notre Dame Football team.
Reflect back on 25 years of marriage with Josh and Stacey Noem, two Notre Dame graduates who have lived their vows through children, career changes, and the daily decisions that constitute a life of love together.
Journey with Sr. Gregory Healy, OSB, a Benedictine nun who has discovered God’s calling in life through the beauty of music, the wonder of creation, and the holy example of others.
Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, CSC begins season 9 as he tells us about his life as a religious priest, bishop, and cardinal. He also shares details of the holy life of Servant of God Theotonius Ganguly, CSC, who could be the first Notre Dame graduate canonized a Catholic saint.
For our final episode this season, we listen to Sister Michaela Martinez, OP, as she reflects on her call to religious life, God’s fidelity to her, and how she finds joy in all things.
Hear the stories of Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers ’88, a well-known Catholic speaker, author, and evangelist, who offers his perspective on discernment, forgiveness, prayer, and trusting in God’s plan.
Dr. John Cavadini shares some of the hidden aspects of his vocation as a husband, father, and teacher, encouraging us to seek holiness in the ordinary, seemingly unremarkable moments of our lives.
We welcome you to submit your prayers for yourself and others. A volunteer will offer them on your behalf at the Grotto, where a candle representing all prayer requests remains perpetually lit.
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