Dear Notre Dame students,

The passing of Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., on Thursday evening at the age of 97 was a sad moment for so many in the Notre Dame family whose lives were touched and inspired by Father Ted. As the University now prepares to celebrate his extraordinary life, I write to provide you with details on how students can participate in next week’s events. 

The University’s classes on Wednesday, March 4th after 12:20 p.m. have been canceled to allow students and faculty to prayerfully celebrate Father Ted’s life and honor his place in the history of our University. Classes will resume as scheduled on Thursday, March 5th.

Ticketing for the Memorial Tribute – Sunday, March 1, 5:00-8:00 p.m., Stepan Center

Tickets for the Memorial Tribute, featuring speakers, music, and videos to celebrate Father Ted’s life and legacy, will be available to students on Sunday, March 1st from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Stepan Center. The Memorial Tribute itself will be held onWednesday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Purcell Pavilion.

Available tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Students are limited to one ticket and must present a valid Notre Dame ID card.  All tickets are nontransferable. Should demand for tickets exceed the capacity of Purcell Pavilion, arrangements have been made for remote viewing of the event. Viewing location details appear below.

An Evening of Prayer – Monday, March 2, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Those seeking to remember and pray for Father Ted are invited to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. All students are invited to come, pray, and remain for as long as they would like between 7 and 9 p.m. 

Public Visitation – Tuesday, March 3, 12:00-6:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.-10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Visitation will be open to all who wish to pay tribute to Father Ted in person. Students residing in undergraduate residence halls, our graduate residential communities and specific graduate and professional student populations will have designated hours during the visitation when priority access to the Basilica is available. Off campus undergraduate students will be included with their former hall community. Rectors and student services personnel will communicate these designated times to their residents and students.

Students are not, however, restricted to attending at these designated times. For all other public visitation hours, note that the line for entry to the Basilica could be lengthy. Please allow sufficient time to clear security and proceed through the Basilica.

Wake Service – Tuesday, March 3, 7:30 p.m., Basilica of the Sacred Heart

While the Wake Service will be by invitation, it also will be streamed live on the web and to various locations on campus.  Viewing location details appear below.