People travel from all over the world to light a candle at the Grotto on the Notre Dame campus. But the flames Monday night were heartbreaking for many people who rely on the holy place to pray.

"It's personally painful to people,” explains Notre Dame Fire Chief Bill Farhat. “They have a lot of personal attachments to these religious structures."

At about 6:15 p.m., fire broke out at the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes and fire crews quickly put it out. Chief Farhat says he’s not ready to say how the fire started but school officials don’t believe it was maliciously set on purpose.

"We were just jogging around the lake and we heard some sirens," shares Lisa Groszek, who stopped her jog with her fiance to take pictures of the fire.

"It was shocking,” shares Kevin Krizmanich, Groszek’s fiance. “It was completely shocking to see such a sacred place just up in flames like that."

Forensic engineers are evaluating the rocks to see if it’s safe for people to walk underneath and light candles. For now, that part is blocked off. Despite that, many people are visiting the Grotto, praying for the place that’s welcomed their prayers for so many years.

"I think the best moments here are when no one else is around," shares Justin Bartkus, a Notre Dame graduate student. “It’s quiet and peaceful.”

"I think it's some place you can go and leave your troubles and leave them there,” shares Dorothy Corson, who is a Grotto researcher and author of ‘A Cave of Candles.’ “At least for me, instead of letting it run around in your head, put it in God's hands."

The Grotto was built in 1896 after a famous French shrine to the Virgin Mary. For more than a century, Catholics have traveled to the Notre Dame campus to pray at the holy site. Students often light candles before final exams and football fans often say a prayer before big games.

"Like looking at a photograph reminds you of someone special to you, you go to a place like this and it reminds you who Our Lady was," shares Pat Hanretty, who is visiting campus.

"Both in the highs, where you have to come and say ‘Thank you’ and the lows, where you have to come and say ‘Help me.’ And I've gone through all of those," says John Moreland, who stops at the Grotto almost everyday. "Well, you know, this isn't the first time it happened."

Moreland is right. Back in 1985 the Grotto was badly damaged from a massive fire, much worse than the one Monday night. It was the first football game of the season and the Irish were facing off against Michigan State. About 1,500 candles were lit and the heat was so intense, the plastic candle holders melted and burst into flames. The rocks were charred, as well as the statue of The Virgin Mary. Those on campus who remember this fire also remember who won the game—Notre Dame.