Spring 2012: My Year at Ave Maria University

Article by Sr. Margaret Mary, SJW

My year in Southwest Florida has truly been a time of tremendous graces spiritually as well as academically. Words cannot even convey my gratitude for being part of the true beacon that leads to Christ which is Ave Maria University.

During my year of sabbatical at Ave Maria, I have had the unique opportunity to recall my undergraduate and graduate studies at a secular university and compare the difference between a secular university and Ave Maria University. The distinct difference between these institutions is that in a secular university, the professors teach their content, but at Ave Maria University the professors proclaim their Faith and Love of Holy Mother Church in their subject matter. I have experienced this profession of Faith from my theology classes to my applied organ lessons.

Since the Catholic Faith is a vital part of all courses at Ave Maria University, I have experienced many graces in all my classes and through God’s gift of music, especially learning more about Sacred Music (Gregorian Chant) and the study of organ improvisation. I am looking forward to giving back to God by sharing His gift of music with my students at St. Joseph Academy.

Sr. Margaret Mary spent the 2011-2012 school year on sabbatical to audit classes at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, FL. She will resume teaching music from preschool to 8th grade at St. Joseph Academy in the fall. Sr. Mary Faustina and Mother Mary Christina went to Ave Maria for a vocations fair in April; above are photos from the trip.