Grotto Has Heisman Connection


11/22/2014

In the midst of a collegiate career that culminated with the 1947 Heisman Trophy as the nation's top college football player, Johnny Lujack often visited the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

"Most every student made a daily visit to the grotto," he recently recalled.

While a member of the St. Ambrose University Board of Trustees several years ago, Lujack saw to it that SAU students would have a grotto of their own at which to stop and reflect and pray.

Although the shrine to Mother Mary located behind Ambrose Hall was described as a gift from an anonymous donor when it was dedicated in 1987, Rev. Charles Adam said it has long been known that Lujack, a longtime owner of the Quad Cities' largest auto dealership, was the benefactor.

Today, the grotto serves as a site for a weekly Mass when weather allows and as that quiet place where students, faculty and staff of all faiths can spend a contemplative moment in the midst of a hectic day.

"From everything I have heard, it is used and appreciated," Lujack said. "I was happy to finance the project, and if every St. Ambrose student has enjoyed the grotto as I did the one at Notre Dame, I would be extremely pleased."

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