Launching the first online fiesta on a solemn note, Ateneo de Davao University hosted the celebration of the Holy Eucharist through Facebook Live with over 400 spectators, faculty, staff, and students included.

With the current health crisis and in unity with this year’s theme, “Tayô, Tayo! Igniting the Marian Spirit: Our Binding Force of Hope, Resilience, and Togetherness despite Distance and Uncertainty,”  Fr. Daniel McNamara, S.J. centered his homily on emulating Mary’s hope and trust in God’s greater plans.

In addressing the current problems of the world, Fr. McNamara emphasized how people fail to see the bigger picture because “we want to be in control.” 

He then contrasted this with Mary’s willingness to totally offer herself to God. 

“She’s accepting that she is God’s special one and she accepts that, not knowing what will happen,” he said.

McNamara further enjoined the viewers to have hope even in the midst of chaos and to always say yes to God’s calling for a greater purpose.

“We live in hope because we’re always saying yes when God calls and that living in hope is the way we become the ones that God wants us to be,” he added.

He also stressed the importance of heeding God’s call in education and what being educated really means, which is being attuned  enough to God in every aspect of our lives. This, however, requires a great deal of hope and trust.

Fr. McNamara implored for Mary’s prayers and for people to follow her example.

Unlike previous fiestas, Fr. McNamara from the Society of Jesus presided the mass alone in observance of physical distancing. 

The streaming of the Holy Mass came to a close with the Oratio Imperata and a hearty song.