Spes Unica
Spes Unica, also known as The Nanovic Cross, is a stunning cross created by Maine sculptor John Bisbee, who has spent decades exploring the artistic possibilities of nails.
It was donated by Bob and Liz Nanovic to mark the opening of the Alliance for Catholic Education's new home in Carole Sandner Hall in fall 2011. The artwork was blessed by Rev. Timothy Scully, C.S.C., as part of a celebratory event that welcomed the artist and the benefactors.
Bob Nanovic is a 1954 Notre Dame graduate, retired from a career as an investment counselor. He has been a member of the advisory council for the College of Arts and Letters since 1993. The Nanovics’ well-established history of philanthropy at Notre Dame includes their founding of the Nanovic Institute for European Studies, the leadership gift for Nanovic Hall, and endowment of the Nanovic Scholarship Fund.
The title of the piece, Spes Unica, recalls the Congregation of Holy Cross’s expression, “Ave Crux, Spes Unica,” or “Hail the Cross, Our Only Hope.” The display includes a quotation from the Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross: “We must be men and women with hope to bring…. It remains only for us to find how even the cross can be borne as a gift.”
The piece is open to visitors during business hours. It hangs outside the Warner Retreat meeting room on the second floor of Carole Sandner Hall, as you come in through the steps that lead up from the Grotto Lot.