Florida Catholic | Quasi–Parish dedicated at Ave Maria

Quasi–Parish dedicated at Ave Maria

New community and university have formal House of Worship.

BOB REDDY | FLORIDA CATHOLIC VENICE BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 04.05.08

The new church located in the Town of Ave Maria reaches over 100 feet into the sky and provides a facility for students and faculty of Ave Maria University and residents to receive the sacraments.
See a photo slideshow of the dedication HERE.
ED FOSTER JR. | FC

AVE MARIA | The ancient rituals of the Rite of Dedication of a New Church affected people inside and outside the newly dedicated church here very deeply.

The dedication took place March 31 on the feast of the Annunciation, fitting to those who live within the new Quasi-Parish of Ave Maria Oratory, as they celebrate Mary as their patron.

More than 1,200 people were inside the church for the Mass and more than 800 were in a tent outside watching via television. The church was filled with students from Ave Maria University and the Ave Maria grammar and preparatory schools.

Whether they were inside or not, there was a feeling among people in the crowd of the significance of the dedication Mass, something many have looked forward to since the plans for the university and town were announced in 2000. Many people wept in joy during the Mass.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane concelebrated the Mass with more than 40 other priests from the Diocese and the university. As part of the dedication, Bishop Dewane started by blessing the walls of the inside of the church and the people inside with holy water. He later anointed the walls of the church with chrism oil.

“Mary made a great leap of faith accepting what she did not understand. Mary is the model for all Christians,” Bishop Dewane said during his homily. “This church contains Our Blessed Lord. This church exists so God may be active among us. It exists so that we learn to live the joy of the Lord who is our strength.”

He added that he pledged his fidelity in fulfilling the important pastoral responsibilities during the event to bless, dedicate and consecrate this holy place.

Dick Webber, a part-time resident of Ave Maria from Indiana, said he was very excited about the dedication. “I am happy it has all come together after so long. We now have a proper church,” Webber said.

Ave Maria University Chancellor Tom Monaghan said it was big day for everyone who was involved in creating the quasi-parish.

“No words can describe the way I feel now,” Monaghan said following the Mass. “I almost broke down as I was leaving.”

He added that he wished the interior adornments planned for the church had been completed, because many things were missing.

Bishop Dewane responded to Monaghan’s comments by stating that from his view, at the altar, the church looked full and nothing was missing.

University President Nicholas Healy said the dedication had great meaning of satisfaction and celebration for him. “This imposing building is now the house of God. The closing of the tabernacle was an emotional moment for me.”

Bishop Dewane concluded the Mass by announcing the appointment of Father Robert Tatman Jr. as priest administrator to the quasi-parish.

Father Tatman was swamped by well-wishers at the front of the church and the curious who were wondering who their new parish priest was going to be.

Maria Chicone gave him a big hug. She knows Father Tatman from St. John the Evangelist, where he most recently served as parochial vicar.

“I am very happy for him. He will be well-loved here. We will miss him dearly,” Chicone said.

Vivian Kelly of St. William Parish in Naples introduced herself to Father Tatman, as well. “Our Blessed Mother has blessed enormously on this day. It is a wonderful day.”

Since the university was established in 2003, the pastoral care for students and faculty has been provided. Priests serving the university campus have received faculties to administer the sacraments to students to enrich their lives in the Catholic faith.

The dedication of the church and establishment of the new quasi-parish now makes all of the sacraments available to the students, faculty and residents of the town.

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Quasi–Parish dedicated at Ave Maria

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