There are some days on campus that feel truly magical, and this year’s Mary’s Festival was one of them. Blessed with perfect weather, the festival welcomed hundreds of community members—students, alumni, families, parishioners, and neighbours—to celebrate a day filled with music, laughter, games, and fellowship at St. Mary’s University.
The day began with the festival grounds quickly filling with excitement as guests explored all that the event had to offer. From the moment they arrived, visitors were treated to a vibrant atmosphere. Both the Catholic Connect and the Market Place were alive with activity, showcasing a variety of booths that brought together community organizations, local artisans, and campus partners. These spaces offered something for everyone, whether it was discovering new resources, connecting with faith-based groups, or browsing unique goods. The bustle of conversation and shared smiles reflected the festival’s true spirit of building community.
A highlight of the day came from the stage, where festival-goers enjoyed a wide array of performances. The clear standout was the breathtaking performance by the ANSIA QUARTET, whose string performance brought elegance and artistry to the heart of the festival.
For the younger members of the community, the festival delivered an abundance of fun. Carnival-style games and the face paint booth kept kids laughing and playing, with prizes and activities designed to keep them engaged all afternoon. Yet it was the dunk tank that stole the show. Cheers erupted each time the target was hit, sending one of the day’s brave volunteers splashing into the water.
Special thanks go to Fr. Troy Nguyen, Dr. Peter Baltutis, Dr. Harrison Campbell, and Student Leadership Council President Pascal Apuwa, who gamely volunteered their time—and dry clothes—to make the dunk tank such a success. Even better, all of the fun supported an important cause, with proceeds going to help raise funds for St. Mary’s students.
Adding an extra layer of excitement to this year’s festival was the introduction of the St. Mary’s Cup, a new tradition destined to become a crowd favourite. The spirited 7v7 soccer match saw a team of St. Mary’s students and alumni face off against The St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy squad captained by Fr. Troy. The game was fast-paced, competitive, and full of good-natured banter between teams. Spectators lined the sidelines, cheering with every goal and near miss. After a heated contest, the St. Mary’s team emerged victorious, hoisting the inaugural Cup to loud applause.
More than just an afternoon of entertainment, the day was a celebration of community, faith, and belonging. Guests left with smiles, memories, and a renewed sense of connection to one another and to the St. Mary’s community.
This year’s Mary’s Festival was a shining reminder of what happens when people come together to share joy and celebrate all that makes our community unique. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and look forward to carrying the spirit of this day forward into the year ahead.
