“Inang Maria, Kasama, Kaisa, at Kaagapay…”

The month of August is not only a joyful month for all the people of Davao celebrating once again Kadayawan 2022, a festivity of bountiful harvest but this is also another important time when the Ateneo de Davao University celebrates its annual fiesta relative to the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.

This year’s fiesta theme is guided by the University’s preparation of its forthcoming 75th anniversary celebration of its existence in continually providing quality instruction, robust research, and relevant community engagement. Having the Our Lady of the Assumption as Patroness of the Ateneo de Davao University, we celebrate and reflect on our corporate identity and mission with the theme, “Inang Maria, Kasama, Kaisa, at Kaagapay sa Loob ng 75 na Taon ng mas Matibay na Pananampalataya at Pamumuno para sa Misyon sa Mindanao.” Inspired by the University’s motto (Fortes in Fide) to be strong in the faith, we continue to humbly accept the challenge in the need to form leaders who have the heart and care for Mindanao with Mother Mary as our constant model and guide. It cannot be denied that the world today including our own Mindanao is affected by various and complex realities that greatly affect the quality of life of people, desire for lasting peace, respect for various ethnolinguistic groups, protection and promotion of the integrity of creation, health and wellness, greater internet access, etc., the need to learn from Mary the importance of our capacity to deeply ponder and carefully discern over these realities before embarking on certain courses of actions. The theme also captures the image of the Church’s recent call to be more and more synodal, to be able to walk together with Mary and with one another in responding concretely to God’s call of making the kingdom an on-going reality in our midst.

After more than two years of not being able to conduct activities inside the campus due to the Covid 19 global pandemic, this Ateneo Fiesta 2022 celebrations allow both on-site and online activities where people are free to choose to actively participate in different enjoyable, fun-filled and meaningful festivities. During the first day of the fiesta, it started with a Marian Floral Offering and on its second day was the Eucharistic Celebration in an advanced solemn feast of our Lady’s assumption. All of these were participated by the different members coming from all the units of the University.

May our Lord Jesus Christ through the intercession of our Lady of the Assumption continue to bestow upon us his blessings and protection as we both celebrate Davao’s bountiful harvest and the University’s existence in forming men and women for Mindanao despite being in this global health pandemic. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam! (Lunar T. Fayloga)