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