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Saint Leo Abbey:
An Oasis of HospitalityAll guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matt 25:35). Proper honor must be shown to all, especially to those who share our faith (Gal 6:10) and to pilgrims.Rule of Saint Benedict 53:1-2 -
SAINT LEO ABBEY WELCOMESYOUR GROUP RETREAT NEEDS
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The Benedictine monks of Saint Leo Abbey welcome guests of all faiths and spiritualities to retreat from the world for a time and seek God or simply abide in the tranquility of our home. We are situated within Saint Leo University's campus and stand as a reminder of the rich Catholic and Bavarian history in Central Florida. Overlooking Lake Jovita and a vast field of grass where formerly the orange groves grew, the property itself evokes the peacefulness so many yearn for in our loud and chaotic world.
The buildings that formerly held the students of Saint Leo Prep School are now the housing for our retreat center guests so they may be a part of the Benedictine history of Florida. Across the street resides the Grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It stands as a reclusive and meditative location where groups can further remove themselves.
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Office Contact
Retreat Center Office
(352) 588-8625
[email protected]
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Retreat Center Staff
Sister Kerry Smith, Oblate of Saint Benedict
Guestmistress
Miss Lizzie Hackenberg
Saint Leo Abbey Youth Retreat Facilitator
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Day at the abbey
The Day at the Abbey functions like a field trip on our property. Here we provide a prearranged schedule where the monks deliver talks, facilitate Q&A, and provide a tour of our historical grounds throughout the morning and early afternoon. All guests are welcome to join the monks for mass and participate in our monastic tradition of Gregorian Chant. Refreshments and Lunch are provided for our groups. **Minimum group size is 12.
Send an email today to [email protected] to learn more.
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Day retreat
Guests with plans that do not require an overnight stay may rent our retreat center meeting places for the day depending on your needs. We can accommodate up to 60.
Guests without their own plans may ask us for assistance in putting together an itinerary for your group's Day Retreat.
Options include:
Monks may be available as a speaker for your retreat. Ask us about the rates and availability for your group. You can choose the topic or we can suggest one if needed.
Groups may bring their own clergy or ask the availability of our clergy for the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Adoration of the Blessed sacrament is available for your group as well upon request.
All guests are welcome to join the monks for mass and participate in our monastic tradition of Gregorian Chant.
Lunch or dinner available if requested. Your group will eat in our monastic dining room with the monks.
Unlike a "Day at the Abbey", you have more flexilibility to set your own itinerary for the day.
Send an email today to [email protected] to learn more.
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Overnight ADULT retreat
Historic Saint Leo Abbey has resided in Florida for over 130 years. What began as a house of Benedictine Monks with the specific goal to care for the pastoral and academic needs of the local region today welcomes visiting groups to share in our contemplative environment. The Abbey is a Federally recognized National Historic District and as a guest of our house, you will join a number that has shared in the history of the only Benedictine monastery in the state of Florida.
Saint Leo Abbey uses the former Boy's School dorm rooms to accommodate our guests' needs within Saint Leo Hall. We can accommodate up to 60 at double occupancy. The 3rd floor of our center includes a meeting room with a breathtaking view of Lake Jovita as well as a private chapel for your group's needs. The Abbey Church may be reserved for private use if needed. Inquire for more information.
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto was contructed under the 1st Abbot of Saint Leo Abbey, Charles Mohr, and is just across the street from the Abbey. It is a favorite spot for groups to visit while here on retreat.
Overnight Rates are based on a minimum 2-night stay. Meals are included and your group will join the monks in our dining room.
Additionally, Monks may be available as a speaker for your retreat. Ask us about the rates and availability for your group. You can choose the topic or we can suggest one if needed.
Groups may bring their own clergy or ask the availability of our clergy for the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Adoration of the Blessed sacrament is available for your group as well upon request.
Send an email to [email protected] for more information or to book a reservation.
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Youth retreat
The Saint Leo Youth Retreat Center offers several different commodities such as breathtaking views of Lake Jovita, open spaces, a live and vibrant monastic community, and not to mention good food! Lodging, meals, and retreat supplies are provided; including priests to celebrate the sacraments.
Our packages include our Volunteer Youth Team facilitating your retreat, but if you prefer, you may facilitate your retreat.
Youth retreatants use separate facilities to abide by the Safe Environment Program requirements for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and Praesidium.
Send an email to [email protected] for more information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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As our guests, you will join the monks in our community dining room. Our kitchen staff provides a variety of foods for each meal.
Youth Retreats have a separate dining room attached to the Youth Retreat meeting space if they are too numerous or if there is an Adult Retreat occurring in our separate Adult Center at the same time.
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Our Youth Center provides a meeting hall that accommodates up to 100.
Our Adult Center provides a meeting hall that accommodates up to 60 w/option for the 3rd floor private chapel which seats 70.
Feeney Room- separate hall beside our Guesthouse which seats 20 and is available for daily rental by small meeting groups.
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We offer accommodations in our guest house for private retreats for single and married couples up to 6-nights per visit, as well as groups from 12-60 in our Adult Retreat Center. Our Youth Center offers accommodations for up to 64 youth and 9 chaperones.
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Our 75-year-old Abbey Church is available for use as a meeting place for group retreats as a place for Mass, Sermons, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and other appropriate religious meetings outside of the Monk's liturgical schedule.
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Please use the crosswalk located behind the University Technological Services Building
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Guest priests are welcome to accompany your retreat and our sacristan stands ready to assist your retreat's liturgical and ministerial needs. All clergy from outside of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg (DOSP) must receive clearance through the Office of the Chancellor for Canonical Affairs.
Priests and deacons listed on the DOSP Directory of the Clergy do not require clearance from the Office of the Chancellor.
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The Abbey has 2 priests available for the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Ask about Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction for your group as well. It is a powerful devotion that cultivates silence and prayer - two elements crucial to Benedictine spirituality.
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