Fr. Daniel McNamara, SJ during the mass. Photo by Alexis Matthew Reyes
The 68th Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Fiesta, with the theme “Inang Maria, Gabay sa Pagbabalik-tanaw at Paglalakbay Tungo sa Pagkamit ng Kapayapaan sa Lipunan at Mindanao,” officially began with a fiesta mass that was held on the morning of Aug. 11 at the San Pedro Cathedral, Davao City.
Celebrating the Solemnity of the Lady of Assumption, the praying of the Rosary started at 7:26 AM, which was followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist which started at 7:51 AM. The presiding priest of the said mass was Fr. Daniel McNamara, SJ.
During his homily, McNamara greeted those in attendance, which composed of some faculty, staff members and students from the University and the Senior High School program. He talked about Mary, the Blessed Virgin Mother of God, and how she accepted God’s path for her. In addition to that, he mentioned the Mary lived by faith, which is something that we are challenged to do as well.
In an interview after the Holy Mass, McNamara mentioned that he hopes that the fiesta will be an event that would gather everyone together, given that this fiesta is also the first fiesta for the Senior High School students.
In addition to this, he also explained the relevance of the mass.
“The mass is always the place where we get the true energy to serve the people and to serve God, so we should begin the fiesta with the mass.”
For Accountancy student Danielle Francisco, she shared that she expects the fiesta to be fun just like every other fiesta that the University holds.
“I’m expecting na everbody gets along and everybody enjoys the fiesta together. I hope sa pag-enter ng Senior High, mas maging joyful, mas maging active and enthusiastic ang fiesta and much more fun sa lahat,” she expressed.