About Ave Maria, Florida:
The town of Ave Maria was established in 2005 by Ave Maria Development Company, a partnership consisting of the Barron Collier Companies and the Ave Maria Foundation. The Ave Maria Foundation was led by Roman Catholic philanthropist Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza and the leader in establishing Ave Maria University as well as Ave Maria Catholic Church here.
The town has since grown to slightly over 6,000 population as of the 2020 census.
About Ave Maria Catholic Church in Ave Maria, Florida:
One of Ave Maria Catholic Church’s most distinctive characteristics is its steel structure, much of which is exposed internally and externally. Thomas Monaghan, the founder of the town of Ave Maria, had an interest in architecture for more than 50 years and had one of the world’s largest collectors of the works and memorabilia of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The design of Ave Maria Catholic Church and Ave Maria University borrows heavily from the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright.
“This Oratory will be the center for the campus and the town, a constant reminder of why we are there,” Mr. Monaghan said when first beginning the endeavor.
“This will be like a landmark on the horizon,” stated Harry Warren, design principal for Cannon Architects, concerning the Oratory. “It will be a beacon.”
The Church’s facade displays sculptor Márton Váró’s 30-foot-tall sculpture of the Annunciation depicting the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The facade is carved in marble taken from Cave Michelangelo in Carrara, Italy.
Note: originally an oratory, it is now a parish church in the Diocese of Venice, Florida. Visitors are welcome to attend Mass and other services, and tours are available at certain times. Check their website for details.
Click here for the official website of Ave Maria Parish Church in Ave Maria, Florida (some great videos on their website)
About Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida:
Ave Maria University (AMU) is a private Catholic university in Ave Maria, Florida. It existed formerly as Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which was founded in 1998 and reestablished in 2007 along with an interim Naples, Florida campus (first named Ave Maria University) created in 2003.
About The Mother Teresa Museum at Ave Maria University:
A short walking distance across from Ave Maria Catholic Church, The Mother Teresa Museum offers students, tourists, pilgrims and locals the opportunity to learn more about “the saint of the gutters” in a 3,000 square foot space showcasing displays of her life and memorabilia. Over 30 panels, in both English and Spanish, tell the story of Mother Teresa’s life. These panels are identical to those used by the Missionaries of Charity in their exhibit in Calcutta. Items for public viewing include handwritten letters by Mother Teresa, a crucifix from her own rosary and other relics, stunningly beautiful photographs, original publications from her state funeral in India, the Beatification and Canonization ceremonies at the Vatican, and even a re-creation of the humble room where Mother worked and slept.
Traveling to Ave Maria, Florida:
Ave Maria is in southwest Florida, about 37 miles northwest of Naples, 60 miles southeast of Fort Myers and about 100 miles west of Fort Lauderdale (mostly on Interstate 75).
Address: 5076 Annunciation Cir. Ave Maria, FL 34142
Phone: +1 (239) 352-3903
Email: info@AveMaria.com