I write regularly about the excesses of some of our nation’s universities, and with good reason — many of them have become full-on leftist indoctrination centers that tolerate anti-semitism and push extreme leftist views on their students and on the public.
But that doesn’t mean that everything that goes on at college is bad, and students at the University of Notre Dame proved that Monday by ignoring the frigid temperatures and using the snow to their advantage. Instead of just staying in the dorms bundled up from the cold, they built a beautiful outdoor chapel, which drew well over a thousand admirers and worshippers:
Last night, more than 1,600 people gathered for Mass at our student-built ice chapel. ❄️#LoveThee pic.twitter.com/vm0I3nRi5K
— Notre Dame Photos (@PhotosND) February 3, 2026
They didn’t only have a Candlemas Mass, the Catholic Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, marking 40 days after Christmas, when Mary presented Jesus in the Temple. They also sang hymns at the snowy structure, dubbed “St. Olaf’s Chapel,” as well as the university’s alma mater, “Notre Dame, Our Mother.”
Watch:
Love thee, Notre Dame 🎶
Last night, more than 1,600 Notre Dame students braved 19° temps for Mass at St. Olaf’s Chapel, built by Coyle Hall residents from the 38 inches of January snow. pic.twitter.com/TpYiTblTR2
— University of Notre Dame (@NotreDame) February 3, 2026
But what prompted this output of architectural ingenuity? Turns out, they were inspired by an igloo, the university reported:
On Monday, February 2, more than 2,000 students gathered on North Quad for Mass outside an ice chapel built by seniors and Coyle Hall RAs Wesley Buonerba and Martin Soros.
Soros, a civil engineering major, and Buonerba, who studies architecture, spent over 50 hours constructing the chapel. They were inspired by Coyle Hall sophomore Liam Devine, who created an ice igloo nearby.
Everything from the crucifix, candle holders, cross, and altar was created or carved from a mixture of snow and water.
University of Notre Dame students created a crucifix from ice.
Image: Notre Dame Alumni Association pic.twitter.com/xPznPIWcga
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) February 2, 2026
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It can’t be the real deal without stained glass, right? Well, they accounted for that too:
update: the notre dame ice chapel has stained glass pic.twitter.com/G8bONMxxFP
— rust belt roadtrip (@gmoult) February 2, 2026
The two builders decided to approach a priest-in-residence to offer Mass, but at first, he thought it would simply be too darn cold. But then he warmed to the idea:
…after nearly a week of building, the two were inspired to ask Father Haake, their priest-in-residence in Coyle Hall (currently housed in Zahm Hall), to celebrate Mass in the snowy structure.
According to Father Haake, he initially denied the students’ request because of the frigid temperatures. But after Holy Cross Father Pete McCormick, assistant vice president of campus ministry, agreed to preach the homily, Father Haake was persuaded to say the Mass with Father McCormick and two other Holy Cross priests.
Many students and spectators were glad he changed his mind. Nice work, Notre Dame students, bringing some faith and good cheer to the frozen campus.
I wonder if some energized students are already thinking about what they could build next year? I hope so.
