“Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.” –Pope Francis

My son, running and running, then sprawling in the grass—so very, very happy. —Claire Hoipkemier Fyrqvist ’05

Stand on the Oregon shore at Astoria and watch the Columbia River flow into the Pacific Ocean with the state of Washington shoreline in the distance. God’s handiwork is everywhere for the taking. Thanks be to God! —Anthony J. Filosa ‘58

My glimpse of heaven through holy leisure: getting ready to play baseball on green grass on a summer Sunday afternoon. —Josh Noem ’98, ‘05MDiv

It was just her first visit to campus—my 2-year-old granddaughter’s introduction to Notre Dame. Upon seeing the statue of the Sacred Heart, she immediately bolted at full sprint toward the surrounding wall. At the wall, she froze, looked up in awe and said, simply and reverently, “Whoa!” Through the eyes of a child, Christ’s invitation was realized. –August R. Freda, Jr. ‘79
, Campus Data Steward, Office of Information Technologies

“Sporting events are not just about the competition of winning and losing. For the spectators they involve expectations, companionship, cheering for young people we like, and curiousity about the young people who are visiting. Sometimes the sporting event gives us a chance to sing, cheer, eat, and even to jump up and down once in a while! What a blessing to have so readily available such holy leisure! –-Thomas Harvey, Director of the Nonprofit Excellence Program, Mendoza College of Business

My fiancé and my dog managing to steal some Zzz’s from the daily grind. –Katie Doellman ’12

Heaven is resting on a hammock in the shade over a freshly mowed lawn and under the embrace of my son. –Joe Nava ‘07