Fiat
Fiat is the expression echoed by Mary, the Mother of God, when the angel Gabriel proclaims that she is to conceive and bear the Son of God. Mary responds, “fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum / May it be done unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary’s fiat is a resounding embrace of her call to shelter, care for, and accompany Christ.
The Church, likewise, is called to echo Mary’s fiat – to shelter, care for, and accompany those among us who bear Christ’s image and likeness, not only in and through their indelible goodness and giftedness but also in and through their suffering.
Under the mantle of Our Lady’s University, the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health supports the Church in embracing its call to accompany those living with serious mental challenges and their loved ones. By uplifting the dignity and goodness of each person, the Fiat Program assists dioceses, parishes, and communities in fostering a culture of communion wherein the whole person can be known and uplifted and can experience the grace of Christian friendship and the sacramental life.
In Loving Memory
The Fiat Program is inspired by the life of Anne Elizabeth Osborn and draws its patronage from Saints Anne, mother of Mary, and Elizabeth, cousin of Mary, whose love and support fostered the context in which Mary proclaimed her fiat. Anne Elizabeth is remembered as the beloved daughter of David and Lesley Osborn and sister of Scott. She and her family lived with the illness of Borderline Personality Disorder, an illness that ultimately claimed her life. While she is remembered for the depth of her caring nature, quick wit, love of travel, and infectious smile, it cannot be forgotten that living with a chronic mental health disorder oneself or within one’s family is incredibly painful and isolating.
Our hope for the Fiat Program is to provide information about, understanding of, and compassionate support for individuals and families experiencing such isolation. Through the support of a myriad of passionate experts, the Fiat Program strives to cultivate and advance a program of inclusion, community, and faith—all of which are deeply needed to promote healing and flourishing within the Body of Christ. Pictured: Anne (far right) is shown here with her brother Scott and her parents Lesley and David Osborn.