As we began to plan for Mary's Festival last fall, we tried to envision what type of event this could be.  
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It began with the idea that we could utilize the picturesque landscape of St. Mary's University overlooking Fish Creek Park as a venue for a disc golf tournament with Godsquad. However, we also considered how we would appropriately celebrate consecrating our University to our Blessed Mother, which would have happened the day before on the Visitation of Mary. So, we wondered, "why don't we have a festival where we can bring everyone together in an authentic community?"   

We were then inspired to bring in events that would draw in the families: carnival games, bouncy castle, face painting, cotton candy from the Seeds of the Word Community, FacetoFace for youth activities (Gr. 6-8, and Gr. 9-12), a dunk tank (soon to be filled with several priests and a president!) and even a mermaid!  

Of course, the adults needed something to do, so we also plan a Frisbee Golf Tournament with Godsquad (9 am to noon), a beer garden, food trucks, some live music, and Catholic Connect Marketplace where vendors can sell their religious goods or other everyday goods and services that we use and network with the community at large. 
But most importantly, we began to see that Mary's Festival could be more than just a family fun event (although it is that!).

We began to see that the Mary's Festival could be a representation of what we desire this university to be—a place where our Catholic identity is celebrated and authentically lived while at the same time inviting people from all walks of life to share in this joy. St. Mary's University can be a place where not only the surrounding community but the entire city could be revitalized by students whose minds have been expanded and whose hearts have been inspired by the genuine pursuit of the Truth. 

St. Mary's University can be the center of cultural, intellectual, and spiritual revitalization for all in the Diocese of Calgary, and Mary's Festival can be our way of participating in and ushering in its mission and vision. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, so it takes a Catholic community to raise up a Catholic University! 

So, I invite you to bring your family and buy tickets now to share in all the wonderful festivities happening this Saturday, on June 1 from 11 am to 4 pm, but also to be a part of a movement that helps bring forth a strong Catholic university for generations to come.

Written by Fr. Troy Nguyen for Faithfully

From my home in Texas, as I was preparing to share with the search committee a vision for the university, the scripture that came to my mind was the following: See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? – Isaiah 43:19​

​The first time people visit St. Mary’s University, they often say, “Wow! This place is amazing. I had no idea that this was here.” For that reason, those of us who work here often call St. Mary’s a “hidden gem.” Our aim is to help people discover the wonderful community and excellent education that is offered at St. Mary’s. 

​From our campus, we have a stunning view of Fish Creek Provincial Park as well as the Sisters of Providence lands. If you don’t want to drive to the SE Quadrant, consider taking the LRT and getting off at the Lacombe / Fish Creek stop. What a great opportunity we have to come together, in the spirit of renewal and community, to draw strength from one another and to invite others under God’s big, beautiful tent! ​

Written by Dr. Sinda Vanderpool, President and Vice Chancellor, St. Mary’s University, for Faithfully.  ​