In line with the celebration of the Rosary Month this October, the Ateneo Catechetical Instructions League (ACIL) and Ateneo De Davao University Campus Liturgical Ministry (AdDU CLM) organized the first-ever Marian Exhibit to widen the understanding of Ateneans towards Marian Devotion.

ACIL and ADDU-CLM cooperated with the Ateneo Religious Organizations, Ignatian Spirituality and Formation Office (ISFO), and the Campus Ministry Office-HEC in making this Marian exhibit a face-to-face week-long event from October 10-12, 2022, with the theme, “Journeying with Mary leads us to Jesus, her Son.”

On the first day, a ribbon-cutting event was held as a kickstart of the exhibition; the second day was allotted mainly for viewing the Marian Images. On its last day, the exhibit officially closed with a culmination activity through fun games, a procession that runs throughout the Atenean grounds, and a closing mass.

“Gusto po namin na ma-motivate po ang mga Ateneans na tularan po natin si Mama Mary sa mga virtues niya in saying ‘yes’ to following God’s will,” ACIL President Paul Angelo Gastanes told Atenews. 

Gastanes also mentioned how all Ateneans must participate in this event and how this generation slowly obscures the presence of the Virgin Mary—as it focuses more on technology. 

“‘Iba sa atin, parang tinitingnan nalang si Mary as, like a small one, but she has a big role in our salvation, especially siya ang mother of God, mother of Jesus.” 

CLM member Karylle Birondo also stated that the Marian Exhibit covers inclusivity towards different religions aside from the Catholics.

“Para din ma-educate din ‘yung iba (Non-Catholics), about this kind of [event] about Mama Mary,” she added.

Gil Andrei Gullos, a participant from the United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary – DORIC, further described this event as a groundbreaking moment in bridging the various perceptions of Mama Mary and celebrating those differences all in one exhibit.

 “It also helps us find an opportunity for people to find na, unsang interpretation of Mother Mary ang best na naga-resonate with them, so would enrich their faith.” 

For future endeavors, Gastanes signified how this event would surely be something Ateneans will look forward to in consecutive years, confirming that this Marian exhibit will be held annually from this year on. 

“Kami [ACIL] ang mag-spearhead. Kitakits na tayo next year, noh? As we have seen the different images of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” he added.

The Marian Exhibit mainly showcased different Marian images from other parishes within the Archdiocese of Davao that were open to guests and visitors. It also aimed to motivate them to follow the virtue of Mama Mary and boost Ateneans’ Ignatian spirit. 

The event was hosted onsite at the grounds of the Rodriguez Hall, CCFC building.