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The community of Saint Leo Abbey goes back to 1881 when
Edmund Francis Dunne founded the Catholic Colony of San Antonio. Fr.
Gerald Pilz, O.S.B., sent by Archabbot Boniface Wimmer, was the first
Benedictine in Florida. Abbot Leo Haid of Saint Mary Help Abbey came to
make the arrangements in order to establish Saint Leo College. On June
4, 1889 Saint Leo College and monastery were founded.
Since those days, our Church has opened its doors to many monks who
devoted their lives to serve God under St. Benedict's Rule. Abbot
Francis, Br. Bernard, Fr. Maurus and Abbot Marion are just a few of the
members of this community that made us who we are now.
Without a doubt Saint Leo University, Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo
Abbey are part of this community. The sisters of the monastery join us
for celebrations like Fr. Isaac's ordination in December 2001, attending
Br. Joseph's ordination to the priesthood scheduled for May 2003. The
students who join mass at the Church of Holy Cross along with the monks
are an essential part of the campus atmosphere. This is a living and
vibrant community that grows every single day under God's eyes.
Sometimes you might wonder what the monks do in a normal day. Well let
me tell you, we have days that are so busy that we can hardly find time
to rest, or some others that we are able to contemplate God's creation
in a more profound way. |
Br. Mattew cutting bushes around the orange trees. |
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Br. Stanislaus practicing with the Church's organ. |
For instance, we celebrate Morning Prayers at 7:00 am.
Breakfast follows with every one of us going to their daily duties. If
you walked around the Abbey you would find Fr. Damian taking care of the
gardens, Br. Stanislaus practicing with the church's organ for the next
Eucharist at 11:45.
But not all the work takes place outside. Inside Saint Leo Hall, there
are a lot of activities going on as well. You might see Fr. Paul writing
and practicing the songs for mass, or Br. James getting ready to attend
a meeting at Saint Leo Town Hall, Fr. Boniface giving a tour guide for
the "A day at the Abbey" program or Br. Malachi and Br. Jacob organizing
the cleaning activities for our retreat facilities.
You might also see Br. Felix driving a truck on his way to the sewer
plant or the orange groves, or Br. Clarence doing his morning walks. Br.
Matthew and Br. John might also be around the gardens driving the lawn
mower or edging the bushes around the church. Furthermore, you would see
Br. Patrick coming back from his walk from the post office with the
community's mail.
By the afternoon you might see Br. Gabriel leaving his office heading
towards the front of the church to cut the grass near the fountain. Br.
Bill and Br. Ligori might be discussing how to fix some electrical
problems after checking the wires or organizing the next boiler
maintenance. Fr. Jude might be in the infirmary chapel putting
everything in order for the next day's Mass.
Br. Marcel who would be opening the Gift Shop for all our visitors who
want to take a remembrance from Saint Leo Abbey. You might also see our
new administrator Fr. James climbing a latter to cut some branches down
or walking along with Br. Joaquim, our senior council secretary,
discussing some Abbey business.
You could also see and listen to Br. Joshua and Fr. Andrew's
conversation about the latest computer antivirus and the solutions for
the computer problems at the Abbey. Moreover, Br. Mukasa might be coming
out from a meeting about the new vocation program at the Abbey or
perhaps you would see Br. Dennis discussing the kitchen projects with
the chef.
Let's not forget Fr. Robert who would be selecting part of our archived
photos along with Fr. Gregory.
As you can see, there are many activities at Saint Leo Abbey. All of
this is possible due to our lay volunteers who join the monks in serving
God using their gifts with us each day. For this we are all grateful. |
You are very welcome to visit us and
experience our monastic life. If you would like more information, please
contact:
vocation@saintleoabbey.org
Vocation Director:
Saint Leo Abbey
PO Box 2350
St. Leo, FL 33574
(1) 352 588-8183 |
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