ADDU Concludes Holy Rosary Month, Honoring Mary Through Prayer
On 28 October 2026, Ateneo de Davao University culminated its observance of the Month of the Holy Rosary, celebrating a month filled with shared prayer and renewed devotion to the Blessed Mother.
A prayerful opening
The observance began on the 5th of October 2026 with the Blessing of Marian Images at the Finster Grounds, organized by the College Campus Ministry Office. University offices were invited to bring their Marian images to the grounds before the program started. Rev. Fr. Jessel Gerard “Jboy” M. Gonzales, SJ, Director of the Ignatian Spirituality and Formation Office, gave the welcome remarks. Offices then joined in praying the Holy Rosary, setting the tone for the weeks ahead.
Mary’s presence in the University offices
From the 1st to the 28th of October 2026, offices were encouraged to place an image of Mary outside their doors as a visible reminder of her presence on campus. Staff were also invited to write their petition prayers on scratch paper and drop them into a Petition Box, which Campus Ministry staff collected, so that the intentions of the community could be held in prayer.
Birhen sa Barangay Visitation
Throughout the month, the Birhen sa Barangay image traveled across the University, beginning at the Campus Ministry Office on October 6 and returning there on October 28. Its first stop was the Office of Student Affairs, the Bookstore, and the Samahan and student offices. It later stayed with the Human Resource Management and Development Office, the Alumni (Pathways), Admission, and Registrar’s offices, the Audio-Visual Room and Library, and the Arrupe and Confucius Institute offices.
Near the end of its journey, it visited the Deans’ Offices, the President’s and Finance Offices, and the Theology Department and other academic departments. On weekdays at 2:30 PM, the host office, neighboring offices, and campus ministers gathered to pray the Rosary before the image was carried to its next stop.
Rooted in Jesuit Tradition
The month’s activities also pointed to Mary’s place in Jesuit history. As a Jesuit institution, the University recalled her role in the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola and in the early days of the Society of Jesus. Through these gatherings, the community entrusted its prayers and intentions to her and asked that her intercession draw everyone closer to her Son, Jesus.
