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Since the 1950s, the small, paved area on the northeast corner of the quad has served a lot of functions.

Established as a home for a statue of Mary donated by the class of 1954, over the years this site has served as both a social and spiritual hub, a place for students, faculty staff and visitors to visit with each other during down time, to study between classes, or sit or stop for a quiet moment of reflection.

The statue of Mary that stood there for decades was moved earlier this year to a new custom-built grotto nearby, but the site where it sat for so long is now the home of a new statue for the campus that will help fulfill a similar purpose. The Sacred Heart of Jesus, a gift from Walter B. McCormick Jr., former member of the University’s Board of Trustees, and his wife Mary Lou, honors McCormick’s parents, Walter Sr., ’39, and Dorothy McCormick. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a common image in Catholicism, a representation of God’s boundless and compassionate love.

Surrounded now by dogwood trees, pavers orienting to the statue itself, and Adirondack chairs, the new statue remains peaceful even amidst the bustle of campus. In correspondence with University leadership on the statue’s location, Walter Jr. picked this spot in particular because its social and spiritual significance go hand in hand.

“A place of spring flowers, joy and friendship,” he wrote, in a letter read by Mary Mooney Burns, ’93, vice president of University advancement. “To me, this space reflects the light of our risen savior, the Christ of continued accompaniment, who whispers, ‘trust in me,’ and draws us into communion.”

This site does just that, Burns said as comments as part of a dedication and blessing of the new statue Oct. 7. No matter the time of day or night, the Rev. Stephen Hess, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, said he’s noticed people sitting in this spot. This year, when the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, the Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., called upon members and institutions to rededicate themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This statue, serving campus in this place, reveals why, he said.

“What this statue reminds us of is that all-embracing, compassionate love of God, that comes from his most sacred heart,” said Fr. Hess. “That is realized every day and every night on this campus.”