January 1, 2011
We pray that You, our friends, family
and benefactors will have a
Happy New Year!
May God bless you with Faith, Hope &
Love! May PEACE fill your hearts!
December 31
The last day of the year is a
traditional recollection day for us to
recall the blessings of the year, hopes
for the new one and to make resolutions
that will carry us closer to the Kingdom
and to Christ.
We had a
New Year's Eve prayer service at
7:30 pm committing ourselves to be and
to bring the
Light of Christ to the world.
Refreshments followed and by 9:30 pm we
had cleaned up. It was truly a "nun
party"
December 29
Fog was so thick we couldn't see out the
windows. Morning temp was 24', the
lowest so far this Winter. Heavy frost
covered the ground, white like a light
snow; it didn't burn off until 9:30 am
December 28-30
Anne Harman and 7 girls from Tarpon
Springs, were here for youth choir
retreat. Since their retreat focused on
Benedict, Sisters gave a reflection on
quotes from the Rule before meals.
On the 28th the teens did Taize Prayer
Service for us in honor of the
Holy Innocents.
The teens gave us a party in the evening
of the 29th–cake and hot chocolate. Anne
gave us each a cross made of olive wood
in
Bethlehem and touched to the
place of Christ's birth, burial and
resurrection.
December 25
Caroling before Mass, then Christmas
liturgy, united us all with each other
and others around the world who also
celebrate the
birth of Christ. A good meal
followed. Then came the Christmas party
and gift exchange. We were especially
grateful that Sisters Pauline and Nilla
who are at the local Rehab could join us
for
Christmas day.
December 23
Employee Christmas Luncheon. A wonderful
meal was enjoyed by all. Sr. Roberta had
to miss it all; she took Sr. Mildred to
the ER. After surgery, and a short
hospital stay, Sr. Mildred got home late
Christmas afternoon.
This was the decorating day, time for
"decking the halls" with
Christmas ornaments. Teams worked
in different areas; many hands make
short work and then there were snacks
before bedtime.
December 22
At the evening liturgy we celebrated
with Sr. Dorothy her 60th anniversary of
vows. The Gospel for the day, where Mary
sings her
Magnificat, was the
perfect song of praise and
thanksgiving. Fr. Ed Lamp was the
celebrant. He and his mom stayed for the
festive meal that followed.
December 20
Volunteer Jo Shine is now in charge of
our Monastery Gift Shop. She is doing
some inventorying, cleaning and hopes to
have a Sale. Her intention is to
advertise and have the Gift Shop open
and available to more people at more
times.
The Adopt A Room is taking off! There
has been much enthusiasm, and donations
are coming in. We might run out of
rooms.
December 19
Choir members from St. Mary's and
Sisters from the Monastery sang carols
at Heritage Rehab (Sisters Pauline and
Nilla were delighted to see them)
Caroling continued at Hospice House.
Such community sharing/outreach surely
got us all in the
spirit of Christmas.
Dec. 18
Oblate, Joyce Welch, after 2 full
days of working at it, had Open House to
show us the Make Over she did of one of
our guest rooms. A new project is Adopt
A Room to refurnish/decorate. Joyce wins
a prize as the first to complete the
adoption process. Ten rooms have been
adopted so far.
A number of Sisters attended the
ecumenical Evensong at St. Rita's in
Dade City. It was a prayerful hour of
song, psalmody and readings. The
combined Choir is made up of members of
the choirs from St. Rita's Catholic
Church, St.
Mary's Episcopal Church and 5
Sisters from
Holy Name Monastery.
December 14
It is cold in St. Leo, Florida --lots of
wind yesterday with temperatures in 40'
--the
wind chill factor must have been
30'. Last night and tonight
temperatures to be in hi 20's --not good
for fruit or trees.
December 14-16
Danica, college student from
Tallahassee, is here for a
Discernment Retreat. She had been
a peer minister at the Abbey; her family
lives in Lakeland.
December 11-12
Sr. Mary David preached at 3 Masses at
Sacred Heart parish in St.
Joseph. She made the Appeal for the
Retired Religious Fund. She recalled
memories of Sisters who taught there in
our 121 yr. history. She got to give a
vocation talk spontaneously to the
Confirmation class; Fr. John thought it
a good use of time between Masses.
December 9
Oblate, Martha P. came with a new
bed for a guest room. She stayed for
Noon Prayer/lunch. Adopt a Room is
taking off; Scholastica West, our guest
area, will soon have a Make Over.
December 6
Our Advent Penance Service was simple,
creative, and brought us all (sisters,
guests, and priest confessors) together
in the
love of Jesus. All were given
apples; a story that Sr. Mary David had
adapted from of a French folk tale told
of
Adam and Eve coming to see the
Child; at the sign of peace all were
encouraged to exchange and keep the
peace, and apples passing. After
private, unrushed confessions, all
gathered again for refreshments, (or to
eat apples), and to enjoy with each
other the new life/love we have in
Jesus.
December 4
Members of the Spanish Retreat Group
(34) did a Desert day here 7 am- 3pm.
They were hardy and some went out to sit
in the yard to contemplate/pray. It was
sunny but 37' this morning.
By special request, Sr. Mary David gave
a vocation talk to 43 teens on retreat
at the Abbey from
St. Isaac Jogues parish. She did
some role playing with them (Truth is
she wanted to be an actress and ended up
being a teacher). There were also
questions/answers and value voting as
ways to get the high school students
involved.
November 30 - December
1
Portions of two days were spent with
consultants re: strategic planning. Good
discussions and participation from the
total community focused on viability.
November 28
Advent Sunday 1 +
Oblate Sunday 18 in attendance
got a tour of Scholastica West and an
invite to Adopt a Room ie. Make Over a
guest room.
After the meeting, "Be-coming
Benedictine: Fidelity to the
Monastic Spirituality" there was an
Oblation, a transfer of Oblation
and all professed
Oblates renewed their Oblation.
November 25
Thanksgiving Dinner 2010-- truly an
experience of the Kingdom of God. We
served approximately a total of 252 :
meals were sent to Sunrise, Cypress
Greens and the homebound; 164 persons at
the Center had many hungers fed for
food, fellowship, belonging and to
give/receive the
love of Christ.
November 24
Proximate preparations for Thanksgiving
Dinner: Set up Center for
Thanksgiving - 1 hr.
Peel 100 lbs. of potatoes in 55 mins.
Sr. Eileen's brother, John, affiliate
Karen joined us. Sisters from St.
Anthony's came for Vespers/supper and
potato peeling: Sisters Alice, Sherly
and Eileen Marie. They loved it! (They
also helped with the Dinner) Lourdes
Milan came to potato peeling in a "cow
costume" carrying a sign, "Eat
more turkey!".
November 20
Sr. Mary David gave a vocation talk to
43 teens on Confirmation Retreat at the
Abbey. To have her speak was a special
request from the St. Isaac Jogues parish
minister and Br. Jacob, OSB.
November 18
Sr. Mary David had a Conference Call for
Benedictines For Peace. She serves on
the Steering Committee of BFP.
November 17
Final Thanksgiving meeting before the
dinner. Faith Pridmore, our new Mission
Advancement director, attended, along
with Sisters Mary David and Donna. To
date we are expecting to serve 165 at
the Parish Center and to deliver meals
to 88, including homebound individuals,
Sunrise Spouse Abuse Center, and Cypress
Greens, a facility for disabled adults.
November 15-16
Strategic Planning with consultants (9
am - 3 pm and 9:30 am - noon) All
participated as we discussed how to
educate people about our Mission, and
how to cultivate friends and donors who
will partner with us.
November 15
Six Sisters attended the University's
Symposium dinner and input on
Immigration. We heard of the Catholic
Social Teaching and several sharings
from those who work with or are
immigrants.
November 12-14 Alumnae weekend
Graduates of Holy Name Academy and St.
Leo Prep School celebrated 50 or more
years. A dozen came for an impromptu
tour of the Monastery.
An Alumna, Sr. Patricia Anne Driscoll,
OSB, from Bristow, VA stayed with us.
Several Sisters went to the Alumni
dinner Fri. pm. Others went to the
Saturday luncheon.
Alumnae (23)joined us for Mass/dinner on
Sunday the alumnae took liturgical
roles. The dining room was decked out in
school colors of white and blue.
Much was happening on campus. The
University musical, "Hairspray", and the
play "Rhinoceros" in which affiliate,
Ryann, had a role, had several showings.
Sat, 13th/Sun, 14th was the University
Vocation Retreat (8-10 pm and 12:30 - 7
pm) Sr. Mary David participated. She
was joined Saturday pm by a guest from
Tampa, Amy, who came and prayed Vespers
and had supper with us. Amy stayed for
Sun. Eucharist with us and then returned
home.
November 11 Veterans Day
Six Sisters went to the 7 pm dedication
at the University of a sculpture
depicting different branches of the
military, "Those Who Serve". We sat
outside for 1 hr. in the cool air, glad
we had worn our jackets.
October 28
Two Sisters and a volunteer
attended the Living Rosary presented at
St. Anthony School. It was a
prayerful experience. Costumes were paid
for by the donation given to the school
earlier by the Monastery.
We had Vespers/supper early so 7 Sisters
could attend the
Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil
in Zephyrhills. This vigil has been s a
Corporate Commitment action for years to
support and feed emotional hungers due
to domestic violence.
October 26
Sr. Mary David gave another SLU 100
Tour. Students were impressed by our
hospitality and involvement in the local
area.
Sister later talked to 3 women students
who were assigned to write a paper on a
building on campus. They picked the
Monastery!
Several Sisters attended the musical
program at the University in which
volunteer, Ryann, participated.
October 25
Two candidates for the position in the
Mission Advancement Office are "toured"
and interviewed by a panel of selected
persons.
October 21
First Thanksgiving Dinner meeting
today. This year will be our 15th to
give this gift of sharing as we "respond
with the compassion of Christ to the
physical, spiritual, emotional and
social hungers of the
people of God" as our Corporate
Commitment directs.
October 14 -18
Sisters Mary David, Dianne, and
postulant, Elizabeth, drove to
Bristow, VA (a 17 hour trip) to
attend the East Coast
Benedictine Formation Conference.
With 28 others, formation directors and
those women in formation, from 6
communities, they were inspired by Sr.
Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB who spoke on
"Archetypes for the Soul: the Monk and
the Artist"
October 11
Sr. Irma's 97th Birthday and Sr. Jean
too celebrated a birthday.
October 10
We blessed the new Chapter Room
(formally the 2nd Floor Conference Room)
We began 2 days of meetings with Strategic
Planning Consultants.
October 8
We had Adoration --very
prayerful/healing. We will do this
monthly and invite University students
and others to join us. We started with a
hymn, had quiet personal
prayer/meditation for an hour and then
had Compline. At the hymn, Salve Regina,
the Sacrament was reposed and we went
out to share simple refreshments, an
agape of cookies/lemonade. Our special
prayer intentions included vocations and
peace.
October 5
One of our elders, in her 90's, Sr.
Pauline fell, broke her hip, had to go
by ambulance to ER, and then had a
surgery. It was a long day 9am -5pm. She
came through and doing well.
October 1-3
Camping Trip at Silver River State Park
for community building/relaxation; 5
Sisters enjoyed "tenting" hiking, good
food, cool Fall air, and the magnificent
stars. This trip was unique in that it
included vocation outreach and meeting
folks after Sunday Mass at Blessed
Trinity in Ocala, a parish served by our
Sisters for 40+ years.
October 1
Our web domain returned so we are up
again!
The Anointing of the Sick took
place after Communion. Gloria Yates,
Oblate and Community Infirmarian,
will have a surgery on the 4th. All laid
hands on her and prayed as she received
the sacrament.
Sr. Nilla had surgery to remove the halo
from her foot that her body has
rejected. All went well. She will be in
rehab 2 weeks and than can come home
when she can use a walker.
September 30
Sr. Mary David gave 4th SLU100 Tour this
week. A total of 80 more students heard
about Benedictine values. All were quite
surprised at all the involvements we
have. They were impressed to know we
lobby and pray about injustices like
war, immigration, or
budget cuts affecting health
care, education or the job market. Also,
the St. Leo Fire Marshal inspected the
Monastery.
September 26
Oblate Sunday (28 present, 5 new people)
Karen Robertson made Oblation after
Mass. There was a shortened program for
Oblates, because at 2 pm an Open
House/Reception was planned for our new
prioress, Sr. Roberta. Some Oblates
helped with hospitality as we welcomed
50+ guests.
September 23
Jane Maitski and two students from
Saint Anthony School joined the
Sisters for Noon Prayer and
Lunch. They came to receive a
Corporate Commitment donation from the
Benedictine Sisters for "School
Support". Saint Anthony School is a
partner in "feeding spiritual, emotional
and social hungers".
September 17-22
Sr. Mary David attended the
Subprioresses' meeting in Cullman, AL
The topic was "Transitions" the speaker,
Sr. Jane Becker, OSB. Sr. Mildred drove
from Cullman to LA to visit family while
Sr. Mary David was at the conference.
Postulant, Elizabeth, stayed at
Cullman for a formation
experience in another
Benedictine house.
September 10-12
A Large Spanish Retreat Group was here
for the weekend. (21) They love coming
to the Monastery; they say it gets
better every time.
September 11
After supper when it was cooler (During
the day it was 93') there was Vigil on
Hwy 52 with "Pray for Peace" signs. Lots
of honks and waves–from a group
different from our Monday 5 pm group who
is used to seeing us. Sr. Roberta
and Fr. Stephan had both preached about
Forgiveness, Healing, Peace in
the light of 9-11.
September 9
Sr. Atanasia,
OSB from
Tanzania arrived. She will be
living with us and working on her
Masters at the University. We provide
room/board as a way to support the
African Church.
September 6
On
Labor Day the movie, "Invictus"
on
Nelson Mandela was viewed; his
was an inspiring use of reaching out to
others, and nonviolence as a way to
bring apartheid to an end in
South Africa.
The Monastery has joined the
Benedictine Coalition for
Responsible Investments–a way to
influence companies as stockholders.
September 2
University Holy Spirit Mass to open
the academic year. The whole St. Leo
Community was present. The Sisters and
monks joined the students, faculty, and
staff. At Mass we remembered a former
student who was killed in
Afghanistan just 2 months after
being deployed.
August 12
Monica, part of the Taize group who
visited in June, is back for a few days
of "hanging out with the Sisters" She'll
pray, work, play with us. She wants to
experience the Monastery from the
"inside" before starting back to school.
August 10
Oblate Summer Day--19 in attendance! A
terrific day focused on "Grateful
Simplicity"--included input, reflection,
sharing, free time, a visit to our Gift
Shop, and Noon Prayer/lunch with the
Sisters. The
Oblates are so honest/sincere; 5
new people, also loved the day and
coming here. It is so good to share the
treasured wisdom of the Rule, our faith
journey, and conversation and laughter
on the way!
August 8
We had our
first Family Night--just time to
get together and play. The Sisters
gathered in the Community Room to play
cards--UNO or Skipo or to do a crossword
puzzle. There was laughter and fun! It
is good to play together as well as work
and pray together.
August 7
We packed up a truck-load of good stuff
to send to the
Sacred Heart Childcare Center in
St Joe where Sr. Donna teaches. All
morning Sisters Donna, Mary David, and
volunteer,
Jo Shine met folks and made some
sales. It was good work for a good
cause.
One item brought home was a dog. Spot is
mechanical and when petted, turns his
head, sits up and pants. He is a
"therapy dog" for Sr. Irma as she can
spend time petting him with her bad
hand. BTW she loves him and spends time
with him on her lap, petting and talking
to him.
August 6
At the closing liturgy of Retreat, the
prioress sprinkled us with
holy water, recalling our
Baptism, and invited us to renew our
vows. The feast of the Transfiguration
was a perfect end to retreat!
Since it was also the anniversary of the
bombing of Hiroshima, we said Peace
Compline; for the reading Sr. Mary David
read part of poem she'd written
paralleling the Transfiguration and
bombing–a prayer asking mercy and that
we see only Jesus.
August 2nd and 3rd
Evening storms gave us ½ inch of rain.
August 2
We got word of the death of Sr. Denise
Mosier, OSB from
Bristow, VA. Sr. Denise was
known/loved by some of us personally.
Her Community is part of our Benedictine
Family so we all grieved with them and
prayed for the other two Sisters
seriously injured.
(See Blog reflection from another
Community in our Family,
http://shmon.org/blog.html )
August 1-6
Community Retreat was the
experience of the rhythm of
solitude/silence and communal prayer and
conferences. Rich lessons from Thomas
Merton's life reflected on and reflected
in our own lives.
Here are brief reflection points from
each day for you to ponder:
1
The "Book of Life" tells how we
have lived. If we live for nothing, we
are not going to be in the "Book
of Life".
2 Prayer is for Unity with God and
Community.
3 All who follow Jesus stand, not above,
but With Others.
4 Cultivate solitude so you can be used
for others and the world.
5 Live in the Present moment. Don't be
distracted or complacent. Be
counter-cultural. The Kingdom is Now!
August 1
Fr. Tony Kissel and Sr. Mary David did a
"duet" as the homily, both sharing
thoughts on the readings. God made it
all work together for only minutes
before did they meet, though each had
prepared separately.
July 28
We're getting ready for Community
Days–preparing for Committee meetings
etc. The opening event is a Dinner Out
Thursday night. Benefactors have invited
the Community to be their guests at
their restaurant. Then comes Community
Retreat, Aug. 1-6. Topic is
Thomas Merton: On Prayer and
Community. That will be good. We will
pray for you. Pray for us, too.
July 27
Sr. Miriam had a 10 year old visitor.
Lizandra helped in the garden, had lunch
with us and then played Guess-tures
(charades) with Sr. Miriam, Sr. Mary
David, and another young guest, LT. It
was a fun day for all.
Sr. Mary David finally made another
batch of FROG jelly. (3 cups of crushed
Figs, Raspberry Jell-O, splash of Orange
and pinch of Ginger) The jelly was a
hit; it is already 2/3 gone and not even
24 hours old.
July 22
The
priest shortage has affected us.
Since the Abbey's promise in 1911 to
"provide a priest for us as long as they
had a priest," we've been blessed with
daily
Eucharist. July 11 was the last
day we had a monk presider. God has been
good-- priests in the area have
come to say Mass for us most days.
Several guests have enjoyed Noon Prayer
and lunch with the Sisters this week,
among them were those visiting for
spiritual direction and 2 of our
volunteers.
July 14
Karen Bray, affiliate, was here to
give two hours of volunteer service on
her day off. She also got some
rest/relaxation after cleaning and
shared in Vespers/Eucharist and supper
with us.
July 14
Sr. Mary David gave a vocation talk to 65 teen Peer Ministers on retreat for the week at the Abbey. Br. Jacob had invited her to co-host the session with him. She told them of the Benedictine values and how we live them today. They also learned that "the nuns came first to St. Leo" and how "nunks do it different from monks ie. "Sisters express the charism differently than male monastics" Ryann went along, so the teens were also told about being a volunteer and affiliate.
July 11
Since Sunday celebration preempted the
Feast of St. Benedict we celebrated with
a sung 2nd Vespers.
July 10
Oblate, Beatriz and her sister, Claudia,
came to pick figs. They picked a dishpan
full in less than an hour. They were
excited for they had figs when growing
up in Columbia.
July 9
After a week the crows discovered the
figs! A cloud of them settled on the
trees, eating the fruit on the top
branches. There is plenty for all.
July 7
Spray Day-- Annual spraying for bugs in
every room. Much tidying up preceded
this.
We had a Special Dinner to honor Theresa
Smith's retirement as Director of
Development.
Fr. Damian was also thanked for his
years of service.
July 6
A
Moving Day-- Work is begun to get
Front Office painted and carpeted.
July 4
Supper Party with decorations,
good food and a Light Show
(sparklers & poppers) Definitely a Nun
Party–it was all over by 8 pm.
July 3
Sr. Atanasia, OSB, visiting and hopeful
for a scholarship to Saint Leo
University, arranged a surprise visit
with Sr. Winny who lived with us 4 yrs
while studying. Sr. Mary David saw her
and talked with her in Tanzania on Skype
!
First figs were picked. Usually the
crows alert us they're ripe. The figs
are late this year.
June 30
Installation of Sr. Roberta Bailey,
OSB as 13th prioress of the Benedictine
Sisters of FL took place at Morning
Praise. Bishop Robert Lynch and
specially invited guests later
celebrated a Mass of
Thanksgiving with the Sisters at
10:30 am. The Bishop was very supportive
and had a special blessing for S.
Roberta. A luncheon followed.
(See the Bishop's reflections on his
visit and some nice pictures on his Blog
on the Diocesan website) www.dioceseofstpete.org
Sr. Roberta requested the prayers of
all; she explained, paraphrasing the
Rule of St. Benedict, "It is only
with God's grace that I will be able to
take the place of Christ in this
community, to be a focus of unity, to
teach by example and love, and to guide
my sisters in seeking God in a faithful
expression of the Rule of Benedict
today."
Click Here for a News article about Sr. Roberta
June 27
At supper we had a surprise Thank You
presentation to
Sr. Mary Clare for her 12 years as
prioress. She received a bag with
flowers (with prayer promises for her)
and other goodies.
June 23-25
The Teen Youth Choir from St.
Ignatius in Tarpon Springs came for a 3
day retreat (12 girls and 1 guy). On
their last night they did a sung Taize
prayer service for us. It was so
beautiful, prayerful and meditative! It
was based on the
Song of Songs.
The Chapel was dimly lit and
candles were in abundance. We were
invited to come into the sanctuary and
light a candle and pray.
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When they got ready to leave the next
day some were in tears not wanting to
leave. I know they will come again.
Their leader wants to come back and
offer another Taize evening prayer in
December.
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June 21
3 pm CRACK! Computer screens went
black; phones and elevator - dead. A
transformer had blown. After supper, sky
south of here was BLACK as never before.
A good downpour followed. Thunder in the
distance but no
severe weather for us, just much
needed Rain. The phones came back by 8
pm, the elevator revived by the next
morning.
June 19
Sr. Mary Dorothy's birthday song was
strong/Full with voices of the St.
Ignatius Men's Retreat group added to
our own.
June 18
Chapter Delegates, Sisters Roberta
and Eileen, left for the Chapter.
By accident/providence, Sr. Mary
David checked the cards she keeps on
retreat groups and discovered that the
St. Ignatius Men's Retreat who haven't
been here in 4 yrs don't usually have
Friday supper or Sunday dinner with us.
She called to confirm and sure enough
the 13 men were not to arrive until 7 pm
that night. They are very happy to be
here again and their singing voices
surely are a lovely harmony.
June 16-19
These have been unusually warm days
with temps in the 90's. One day it was
96' with heat index over 100 degrees.
We have gotten a little rain on several
days which cools it a bit.
June 16
Sr. Mary Clare left for Atchison,
KS where the Federation of St.
Scholastica Chapter is being held. She
went early as she is on the liturgy
committee for those days.
June 15
Oblate, Iris
Salcedo, came for lunch. She got
a graduation card for finally graduating
from High School after 10+ years. She
is newly retired from teaching.
Two consultants from the Zeilinski
Co. were also here for 2 days of
assessing our Development Office.
June 13
Affiliate/Volunteer, Ryann Underwood
worked all afternoon with the 52 teens
who came to the Lake House for the
Diabetes Camp. It was a special time
for them; they participated in various
activities involving Karate and they
also enjoyed a Karate demonstration by
some of the Black Belts. Ryann is
currently a Brown belt at Lake House
Tang Soo Do.
June 9
A special day for the 6th grade girls
from Saint Anthony School. We had not been
at the FOCUS 11 day sponsored by the
Diocese when they went so a
special event was planned for them at
the Monastery. They got to see a poster
of Sisters involved in different
activities; they got a Tour and heard
some history of our
early days in 1889 and how we'd
come to teach at St. Anthony School. The
10 girls were given "gifts" and told
they each are a Gift. They prayed Noon
Prayer with the Sisters, and then ate
their bag lunches in the dining room
with the Sisters and enjoyed a surprise
of homemade cookies!
June 4-6
Come and See + Vocation Discernment
Retreat. Two women in their 20's and
Affiliate, Ryann, also participated.
Each woman had a Sister prayer partner
who sat with her at supper and shared
her vocation story. The retreat was a
mix of guided/together and silent/alone
times. The participants got to share in
our life of prayer and community, and
had individual conferences with the
Vocation director to discuss a vocation
self-test. (The self-test is on our
website on the vocation page–if you are
interested) The favorite part of the
retreat for all was the Open Forum with
the Community where they could ask any
question re: Benedictine Community and
prayer. We had an excellent conversation
re: celibacy. Since the retreat ended on
Corpus Christi, a bonus was the
fact that the
Blessed Sacrament was exposed
after Mass until after Vespers. Our
retreatants and the Sisters prayed in
adoration --a special intention was
vocations.
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June 3
Lesvie Clare, (her name means
"wisdom") a Saint Leo University volunteer
who gave us nine hours of service, came
for Vespers/supper. She will return home
to the Bahamas next week. She was a big
help to us last month. We still tease
her that her grandmas taught her how to
clean "like a nun".
May 23
Oblate Sunday (18 in attendance) topic:
Stewardship/caring as a way of
"Preferring Nothing to the Love of
Christ" James Won and Veronica Jhang made
oblation; Diane Cheshier was accepted as
a candidate.
May 22
Elizabeth Mathai became a postulant
at a rite before Vespers. The
Oblates were happy to be part of
this celebration. We are all happy to
have Elizabeth take this step in
becoming a Sister.
May 21-23
Oblate Retreat (8 in attendance)
"Good Zeal: Openness to the Spirit"
Since it was
Pentecost weekend some
prayer/reflection centered on the Gifts
of the Spirit as we recognized that
openness to the Spirit is shown in our
openness to others in hospitality and
respect. "All gifts are given for the
common good."
May 20
Sr. Mary David gave 12 students from
Saint Anthony School their 8th grade
retreat at the Monastery. Included in
the retreat activities was a Tour of the
Monastery, Noon Prayer and lunch with
the Sisters.
May 18
Sr. Mary David preached at the
Novena to the Holy Spirit service
held at
Our Lady of Grace Church in
Beverly Hills, FL. She was invited and
hosted by Oblate, Le Anne Milian.
May 17
A grand Employee Banquet was enjoyed
by employees, volunteers and Sisters. It
is an annual celebration to show our
loving gratitude to those who are more
than "employees" to us and who consider
their time with us more than a job.
May 15-16
Nancy Counihan,
Holy Name Academy ‘45, cashed in
on a gift certificate given her by her
daughter to "enjoy a peaceful, relaxing
weekend at the Monastery" She had a
great time, as she relaxed and visited
with the Sisters.
May 13
Elizabeth returns "home ready to
start her new life" after 6 week visit
with family in India. On May 22 she will
become a postulant.
We had meetings with strategic planning
consultants from 2-5 pm. They had
interviewed 2 of the monks, some
Oblates, and our affiliates
earlier.
May 6-8, 2010
Months of prayerful preparation ended
in sacred days of discernment/election.
Sr. Roberta Bailey, O.S.B. was chosen to
serve as prioress for the next 6 years.
With God's grace she will animate,
enable and give life, spirit and unity
to the community by her loving example
and teaching of Gospel values.
Sr. Roberta has been a
Benedictine Sister of
Florida for over 50 years; she
has shared in leadership as a member of
the monastic council and chair of
committees.
She is presently the principal at St.
Anthony School. She is a respected
educator and known throughout the state.
Her installation will be on June 30,
2010.
May 3
Sr. Mary David and Volunteers, Barb
and Ryann, spent almost 5 hours cleaning
one of our HUD houses to ready it for
new occupancy. Those Volunteers clean
like nuns! We built 2 HUD houses years
ago so there would be some nice and
affordable housing in the area.
April 30
Sisters Mary David, Roberta, Donna,
Oblate volunteer
Barbara and affiliate, Laura
attend the Diocesan sponsored
Conference, "Living Eucharist" at the
Tampa Convention Center with 500
others. They got to hear Brian Heir,
Timothy Radcliff, OP, J. Glenn Murry, SJ
and attended several breakout sessions
ranging in topic from Liturgy,
Ministries of
Mercy to Vocations as all ways we
are "Sent"– the theme of this last of 3
year sessions.
April 25
Affiliate, Karen Bray came for Sunday
Eucharist & dinner. She was
surprised by the
Birthday card, candle and song.
The 26th is her special day.
April 24
Women's Day of Reflection,
"Listening with the Book" Sr. Mary David
led the day for 15 from
Sacred Heart parish in St. Joe.
All were pleased, built community,
strengthened faith, loved the
meal/prayer with Sisters and the Tai Chi
movements done after sessions that
recalled the parables they had
contemplated.
April 17
A Singles Group (8) from Land O' Lakes,
Our Lady of the Rosary parish
came for a Tour, lemonade and
Questions/Answers with Sr. Mary David.
This is part of a "driving pilgrimage"
suggested by the diocese.
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April 17
Relay For Life - Cancer
fund-raiser in
San Antonio. A few of us walked
several miles for exercise and witness,
too. A luminary was lit in Sr.
Germaine's memory. Sisters
Mildred, Jean and Roberta enjoyed a meal
before doing the survivor's lap at the
start of the |
Relay for Life.
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April 16
University Leadership group (14) came to
the Monastery for a class day (9 am - 4
pm) They are all specially chosen
employees of the University.
Sr. Mary Clare gave them class on
OSB Values, then Sr. Mary David gave
them a Tour; they had prayer/lunch with
the Sisters, and another class.
April 15
Awards Night at the University. Sr.
Germaine got a plaque for her "passion,
dedication and support of Saint Leo
University. She had served 12 years on
the
Board of Trustees. There were
also many others who got awards:
outstanding organization, staff member,
m/f in each class; the new Student
Government Union officers were sworn in,
and 100 students named in Who's Who!
The most touching part was how
supportive and proud all were of the
others.
April 14
Sr. Mary David and volunteer,
Barbara went to the University
program: "Ecce
Homo" a one man drama as
Pontius Pilate reflected on his
encounter with Jesus.
April 10
Community Day - among the activities
was watching the DVD from Bread for the
World. We wrote letters at leisure and
had them blessed at Sunday Vespers. It
was a new way of doing our Offering of
Letters. A total of 38 letters were
sent to our legislators asking them to
strengthen and protect policies that
will benefit low-income families.
April 4
Easter Day liturgy was even more
beautiful! The chapel was packed! The
joy and singing just kept building–He is
Risen! He is Here! Alleluia!!
The Peterson Family joined us for
dinner. The family has ties to the
Community from way back; all 8 members
and the Sisters, too, had stories to
share. A good time and a good meal was
had by all.
April 3
Waiting Day–much preparation was done
for celebration of
Easter–the Chapel was decked out
with flowers, the dining room table set
with the best china, eggs were
colored...
We got word that Louise Bedgood died.
She had been our housekeeper for ages;
she retired about 5 years ago. RIP
The
Easter Vigil was beautiful. The
weather perfect for our blessing of the
fire and procession. There was a
reception afterwards prepared by Sisters
Dianne and Eileen which everyone
enjoyed.
April 2
Good Friday was a solemn day of
prayer/fasting and solitude.
Early that morning
Sr. Mary Clare announced the
death of Janie Barthle. Janie was like
part of our family. She was an employee,
the wife of our maintenance man, the
mother of Jenna, a receptionist. For
Janie it was indeed a Good Friday; for
the rest of us her death was a sharing
in the sufferings of Christ.
The Service of the Lord's Passion at 3
pm was led by Sr. Mary Clare.
April 1
Sr. Mary David baked bread for the
Eucharist and prepared the
altar of repose in our parlor.
The feast of friendship and service was
celebrated with a special meal which
preceded the evening Eucharist; we had
adoration until 11 pm.
March 29
Sr. Nilla helped Sr. Mary David prepare
food for the Ministerial Association's
luncheon to be served after
Holy Week Services at the
Presbyterian Church in Dade City.
After delivering the food, Sr. Mary
David shared in the service for Holy
Monday
March 25
We had meetings with strategic planning
consultants from 2-5 pm. They had
interviewed some of the monks, some
retreat group leaders and our affiliates
earlier.
March 24
Elizabeth finally got her passport so
was able to leave for India as planned.
March 23
We got word that Bishop Leroy Mattheison
died today. He was the brother of our
now-deceased Sr. Rosaria. He had been
instrumental in the getting the "Peace
Pastoral" written in 1983.
March 22
We celebrated the feast of
St. Benedict with good liturgy
and meals.
March 19-21
Community Days with Sr. Cecilia Dwyer,
OSB, prioress at Bristow, VA. As part of
our preparation for discernment/election
of a new prioress in May, she helped us
set Directional Goals for the next 6
years.
Note: Sr. Germaine Bevans, O.S.B entered
eternal rest
on February 12,2010. Click here
to see
Obituary for Sr. Germaine
March 12
A Deacon group will meet at the
Monastery for prayer and group support.
March 10
Sisters, volunteers attended the
Model Sedar Meal sponsored by University
Ministry.
March 9
The work of power cleaning the
building started. The smell of bleach
was strong. This is preparation for
repainting the Monastery exterior. Last
painting was 14 yrs. ago. It has
weathered well. Now it is time to
renew/repaint. All were asked to vote
for a favorite
paint color.
March 8
Sisters Mary David and Mary Romana
visited the mobile "Museum of Modern
Slavery" at
Saint Leo University. It is a
statement on the oppression suffered by
farmworkers in our state--truly eye
opening heart-rending.
We hosted a number of Sisters who
joined us for Vespers, supper and a
Lenten Penance Service.
March 1
Our traditional Lenten Soup Supper
drew 65+ guests who prayed Vespers with
us, shared a meal of home-made breads
and soups, and learned about the work of
feeding the hungry in Pasco County from
our Sr. Jean, the director of Daystar
Hope. Alms of cash or canned goods were
given to Daystar where 5+ tons a month
are given to the local poor. A wonderful
evening fed "spiritual, emotional,
social and physical hungers" of all as
our Corporate Commitment directs.
March 1
After more than a year of
waiting/petitioning, Elizabeth,
volunteer/affiliate, went to the last
and crucial interview in Tampa with her
lawyer and supporting documents re. her
immigration status. Much prayer,
patience and fees have finally brought
her a green card , ie. status of
permanent residency. We celebrate
with her. Now she can visit her family
in India and be sure she can reenter
this country. Now she can become a
postulant.
February 12
Just before 9 am, Sr. Germaine, with
Sisters and family members nearby,
arrived at the end of her journey of 75
yrs. and entered into the eternal life
and love of God for whom she so
longed. Sr. Germaine was a cherished
Benedictine Sister of FL and the
Vicar of Religious for the
Diocese of St. Petersburg.
February 11
University students (12) from the
"Women in the Church" class visited.
They heard about St. Scholastica,
Benedicta Reipp (the first
Benedictine nun to come to the US
in 1852) and the Benedictine Sisters of
Florida from Sr. Mary David. They
shared Noon Prayer and lunch with the
Sisters.
In the afternoon the Honors class (8),
"Christian Vision" came for a Tour; then
Sr. Mary David answered questions they
had emailed her earlier re:
Benedictinism. Dr. Anderson's added
dialogue enriched the conversation.
February 10
St. Scholastica Day.
The monks (22) and volunteers (3) were
invited for Vespers and supper.
Volunteers,
Jo Shine, Beatriz Galvis and
Barbara Alexander got to help with
dishes!
February 9
Sr. Germaine has battled cancer since
May 2009. She came back to the Monastery
and Hospice care on
February 1st. Community
friend, Fr. Ed Lamp came tonight; we
all gathered and anointed S. Germaine.
We thanked her and she thanked us and
said she loved us. The whole ritual was
healing for us all; it was good to
share/cry/then hug one another.
February 4
We are treated to a dulcimer concert
at supper by our retreatant, Maddie
MacNeil.
February 3
On the feast of St. Blaise, we had
the traditional blessing of throats. We
were anxious for the day to come as many
of us have had "ailments of the throat"
these past months.
February 2
We had a lovely liturgy for Candlemas.
We said Morning Praise in the Community
Room, had the blessing of candles, and
then processed with lighted candles into
the Chapel for the Liturgy.
January 19
We acted as Food Angels serving lunch
to 33 Habitat workers
building houses in Dade City. On
Mon. a group got together to make the
sandwiches; the next day several
delivered the meal and ate with the
workers. Many were involved in the
Corporate Commitment action to "feed the
hungry".
January 15
After the terrible earthquake,
suffering people in
Haiti are remembered in prayer by
the Sisters. Special
intercessions/prayer were included in
Compline. Personal alms, and a
Community donation, as well as
collections at the Sunday Eucharist will
be sent to
Catholic Relief Services.
January 6-13
We've had the heat on for over a
week. This is not typical FL– usually
there are four days when the heat goes
on all Winter. We've had record low
temps in 20's several days now.
The oranges are still on the trees. If
they freeze, the crop is lost; if it
stays too cold for too long, the trees
die. There was ice to be scraped
off windshields yesterday; frost on the
ground made it look like snow. The sky
is clear and the sun shines brightly
today; it is warmer.
January 3
Happy Epiphany! We had a wonderful
Liturgy and Dinner. In the evening we
had a procession/prayers throughout the
house as we did our traditional House
Blessing; which concluded with Vespers and
Supper.
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