Commemorating the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) dedicated its liturgical mass during the opening of the 75th Ateneo Fiesta to emulate Mother Mary’s consistency. 

With the theme Magis: A Visible, Vibrant, Faith Community—Mary as an Exemplar, Rev. Fr. Jessel Gerard “JBoy” Gonzales, SJ centered his homily on “consistency” with two parts discussing what it means and looking at Mary’s consistent faith in God.

“Mary is an example of consistency through her unwavering obedience, perseverance in suffering, and lifetime devotion,” he said during the opening mass.

Further, Fr. Gonzales defined consistency as progress over time, building habits, trust, and reliability.

“I am assured that this homily of mine will be relevant to you. Be consistent. Kung kaya ni Mary, kaya natin!” Fr. Gonzales said.

In line with the celebration of the Ateneo Fiesta, Fr. Gonzales also mentioned that the vibrant blue color representing Ateneo not only reflects its identity but also symbolizes the assumption of the patron saint, Our Lady of the Assumption.

“Why is it that our color is blue? What you don’t know, you got to see here because blue is the color of Mary. People do not know that by wearing blue, they wear the color of Mary, the color of our identity as Jesuit schools. Our patron is Mary, Queen of the Society.” 

Renewed Ateneo Fiesta

This year’s celebration of the Ateneo Fiesta is different from the previous years, which incorporated the college intramurals. It is now a one-day event, focusing more on the eucharistic celebration and the traditional Philippine fiesta celebration. 

The Ateneo Fiesta activities conducted include the Marian Procession, Marian Ritual, Eucharistic Celebration, Barrio Fiesta and Salo Salo, as well as the Bazaar and Perya. Palarong Pinoy, such as Lato-lato, Luksong Baka, Labo-labo/Dodgeball, Kadang-kadang, Sipa (takyan), Sack Race, and Beshy Race, were also played during the celebration.

According to a student from the Natural Sciences and Mathematics cluster, Shanly Ann Elan, it is not a matter of days but the fun of the Ateneo Fiesta itself that counts.

“To tell you honestly, I am satisfied with the experience of this year’s Ateneo Fiesta because I had the time to meet with my friends. There’s also a lot of free foods that were served,” Elan told Atenews.

“Lastly, the praise and worship session kanina is more sentimental for me, and it actually made my sophie year more memorable,” she added.