Posted 12/1/2008 @ 11:13:34 am by notredametalk.com

One of the first sights you see along the major highway as you pass through the area of South Bend, Indiana would be the famous Golden Dome of the University of Notre Dame. Since 1882, this golden dome has been the highlight of this Indiana skyline, marking a very significant place that would help structure the lives of many for hundreds of years to come.

The founder of Notre Dame Catholic College, Father Edward Sorin, was the one who insisted that the dome on the main building be painted with “real gold” paint, instead of the yellow paint suggested by many who thought the “real gold” paint was too expensive and extravagant. Father Sorin’s purpose and desire to have the dome, and the 16-foot statue of Mary, gilded in gold was to mark the prominence of this new college, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The school colors are also based on the same principles in which the dome came to be. Mary has always been symbolized through the colors of blue and white; blue meaning truth, the intellect, revelation, wisdom, loyalty, fidelity, chastity, spotless reputation, piety, and peace, among others. The Christian version meaning: heavenly truth, eternity, faith, and fidelity. Gold is the symbol of the sun, divine power, the splendour of enlightenment, and immortality.

Since the entire university campus is dedicated to the Holy Mother, Sorin deemed the importance of this statue and the dome be painted with gold gilt. The significance of the dome that oversees all of its students remains a constant reminder to all who enter the University of Notre Dame.

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