A R O U N D
Decades-Long Commitment to Holy Cross AS A LAY PERSON LEADS TO PUBLISHED BOOK
C A M P U S
LIVING WITH ZEAL
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“ . . . one of the greatest gifts of Holy Cross is that its Mission and vision are so relevant for all of us, not just those who have taken vows.”
When Chief Mission Integration Officer Whitney Daly arrived at the University of Notre Dame as a freshman pre-med/ theology double major, little did she know the impact the institution would have on her life. She was captivated by the hope, hospitality and sense of family that she encountered throughout her four years in South Bend.
Holy Cross educator to wife and mother of four boys - her connection to the Holy Cross mission deepens. She has been inspired by the Holy Cross brothers, sisters and priests with whom she has worked and says that she “has come to realize that one of the greatest gifts of Holy Cross is that its Mission and vision are so relevant for all of us, not just those who have taken vows.”
When a health condition forced her to withdraw her medical school applications, Mrs. Daly refocused and, instead, decided to spend a year volunteering with the Holy Cross Associates program in Portland, Ore. There, she worked with the terminally ill and homebound and discovered a passion for ministry.
So, it seems only fitting that when contemplating her New Year’s resolution two years ago, Mrs. Daly decided to write a series of reflections on St. André Bessette, C.S.C., the Congregation of Holy Cross’ first saint. She shared these reflections in a monthly email to anyone in the Gilmour community who was interested. Her following quickly grew and, eventually, Marco Clark, Ed.D., executive director of the Holy Cross Institute, asked to receive them. He was so moved by the reflections that he asked Mrs. Daly to publish them. She set to work, editing and refining each of her reflections and completed the work last January. Her book, Doorkeepers Challenge: Reflections on St. Brother André Bessette was published by The Holy Cross Institute.
Mrs. Daly then returned to Notre Dame, where she earned her Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree and applied to the Cleveland Clinic’s chaplaincy program, intent on continuing her health care ministry work. But, God had other plans. Mrs. Daly saw a job posting for a theology teacher at Gilmour and, on a whim, decided to apply. After meeting then-headmaster Br. Robert Lavelle, C.S.C. and spending a full day on campus interviewing with other administrators and faculty members, Mrs. Daly was impressed with Gilmour’s commitment to its Holy Cross mission and took the job. Fifteen years later, she now serves as the school’s Chief Mission Integration Officer, tasked with ensuring that that mission is woven throughout each student’s Gilmour experience, regardless of their faith background. She says that, with every step of her journey from young college student at a Holy Cross university to Holy Cross volunteer, and from
Dr. Clark wrote the book’s Preface, in which he cited legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano’s mantra after he was diagnosed with cancer. Valvano urged everyone to do three things each day - laugh, spend time in thought and allow your emotions to move you to tears. Dr. Clark said, “Thank you, Whitney Daly … You have given each of us the opportunity to laugh, think, cry, and be inspired by the life of Holy Cross’ first saint … You are truly a disciple with hope to bring.” Interested in purchasing a copy of Mrs. Daly’s book? Scan the QR code to the left to order your copy today. Mrs. Daly is now at work on her second book a collection of reflections on Holy Cross founder Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C. Stay tuned!
