Annunciation Fest

A JOURNALISM SERIES

FIAT.


Let it be done. In the Gospel we hear of Mary's simple "yes" to God. Her willingness to selflessly and blindly obey his will has changed our lives, on earth and eternally, forever. Because of her yes, we can live in the hope of Christ's Passion. Because of her yes, her faith, we have the Gospel story, the story of hope.


On March 26, 2021, Ave Maria University located East of Naples, Florida celebrated its namesake, Ave Maria, which translates to "Hail Mary" in Latin. On the evening of the 26th, the Feast of the Annunciation of Mary, the university celebrated the sacrament of the Eucharist in mass on the Academic Lawn followed by a procession and rosary with the statue of Mary and concluded the evening with the final prayers of the Consecration to Mary in front of the Parish Church.


Town and gown joined together to honor Mary and her fiat, with the high school's choir serenading the crowd throughout the procession and students from the town switching off carrying the Marian statue with members of Fishers of Men, one of the households at Ave Maria University.


Below, you will see images from the mass and procession integrated with descriptions and a prayer. Pray along with members of the Ave Maria University community as we dedicate ourselves to Our Lady.

Students kneel in the grass after receiving the Eucharist in mass on the lawn

A MODERN DAY FIAT

Knights of Columbus and towns members joined the students immediately following mass for a procession and rosary

you know my heart, oh Lord

Priests from around the diocese lead the procession

you know my questions...

Fr. Joseph collects a flower that fell from the arch above Mary

and you know my faults

Fishers of Men and students from Donahue High School alternate carrying the Marian statue

but you have chosen me despite them

The procession makes it way through campus, past the lakes, and eventually to the Church

you have called me to be your servant

to be your vessel to the world

even though I may not feel ready

you have entrusted me with your story;

a mission to love others as you have loved me

Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, grant me the grace to live out my vocation. I may not be comfortable, but I accept your call. FIAT.

my mission


Through an entanglement of photos and composition, I seek to serve and inspire people of all ages to open their eyes to the stories that surround them, both hidden in plain sight and screaming to be heard.


I find that people are what tell a story. Context in imagery is important, but you can see the scene reflected in someone's eyes, their expression. My journalism focuses on telling aware and truthful stories by capturing the perspectives of people.

my mission


Through an entanglement of photos and composition, I seek to serve and inspire people of all ages to open their eyes to the stories that surround them, both hidden in plain sight and screaming to be heard.


I find that people are what tell a story. Context in imagery is important, but you can see the scene reflected in someone's eyes, their expression. My journalism focuses on telling aware and truthful stories by capturing the perspectives of people.