Hesburgh Library

Hesburgh Library in the background with white and red tulips in front of it. Hesburgh Library includes a mural painting of Jesus on the exterior.

More than 50 years ago, President Emeritus Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., dreamed of a new library building that would become the academic heart of the University. It would serve—along with the Main Building and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart—as one of a trilogy of iconic buildings that would define the Notre Dame campus. The Memorial Library (renamed Hesburgh Library in 1987) and the Word of Life mural would soon stand for all to see, as a symbol of excellence and the pursuit of truth.

The Word of Life mural is located on the south facade of Hesburgh Library, and can be seen from Notre Dame Stadium. Becaues of that, it has now been lovingly given the nickname, "Touchdown Jesus". 

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