Saint Leo Abbey Oblates

Nov. 1-3, 2019 Saint Leo Abbey Annual Fall Retreat - Enter into the Mystery of Peace

2019-10-24T10:35:00.004-04:00

Saint Leo Abbey Annual Fall Retreat

“The Spiritual Life”
Enter into The Mystery of Peace

Friday, November 1, 2019, 6:00 P.M. until Sunday, November 3, 2019, 11:00 A.M.

Location: Saint Leo Abbey, Town of Saint Leo, Florida — 45 minutes north of Tampa

Come to the Abbey and enter into the mystery of peace at our 2019 Fall Retreat, where we will explore the beauty and wonder of The Benedictine Way. We will learn how we can grow in faith and prayer through the Holy Mass, The Rule and continually forming our lives into a holy offering to God.

Cost

The cost including meals on Saturday and also Sunday morning breakfast is:

$215 per person ($430 for husband and wife)

$115 per person if not staying overnight (also includes meals)

Registration

Fill out the online registration form and pay online: Registration/payment form.

Registration and payment deadline is Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Retreat Program & Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Why attend? The Mystery of Peace, article by Debbie Byrd Smith

Questions
Brother Giovanni (John Bakas) 813-228-8015 stleooblates@gmail.com

Ash Wednesday March 6, 2019 at Saint Leo Abbey, Florida

2019-03-03T22:41:00.002-05:00

"Ash Wednesday" by Bill Fulton. Used without alteration & subject
to license with much appreciation and thanks.

Lent begins on Wednesday, March 6, with the celebration of Ash Wednesday.

Mass with the distribution of Ashes on Ash Wednesday will be at 12:00 pm in the Saint Leo Abbey Church.

Ashes will be given again, in the Church, between 1:30 pm-4:30 pm.

“Remember, O man, that dust thou art, and to dust thou shalt return.” In Latin, “Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.”

The truth of mankind's creation and end comes from God in the Book of Genesis, "you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3:19

I like Bill Fulton's sketch because the person receiving the ashes has such a calm expression of inner peace, as if to remember only this steadfast Word: if we died together with Him -- we also shall live together with Him. 2 Timothy 2:11.

All are welcome at Saint Leo Abbey and the distribution of ashes.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Saint Leo Abbey Communications
Email: saintleoabbeynews@gmail.com

Telephone: 352-588-8181 (Liturgy Office)

Video/pictures of 2018 oblate Christmas party. Plus info on upcoming concert

2018-12-09T23:34:00.004-05:00

Video and pictures of 2018 oblate December 2 Christmas party

The video is of the monks and oblates singing Silent Night.

December 22, 7:00 pm. Abbey Christmas concert with organist Peter Kinzie in the Abbey Church. Free and everyone is invited. Although not liturgically correct I mark the beginning of the Christmas season at the Kinzie concert each year. If you have not heard him play, come to concert. You will have a blessed interlude from the pace of the world.

The 1914 Christmas Truce

2018-11-28T21:52:00.001-05:00

On September 3, 1914 Pope Benedict XV was elected by a conclave in Rome. World War I had begun a little more than a month earlier on July 28, 1914.

Then on December 7, 1914 just five months after the start of World War I, the newly elected Pope Benedict XV urged the fighting nations to declare a temporary Christmas truce, "that the guns may fall silent at least upon the night the angels sang." National leaders refused, but early on Christmas morning in several places along the front the soldiers themselves implemented Pope Benedict's truce. The men met in No Man's Land, swapped gifts, and shared pictures of home. One of the songs the French, English, and Germans sang together was Silent Night. They all knew it well from their childhood.

As the impact of the Christmas Truce is considered, its use to mark the end of the "long nineteenth century" seems fitting. It was seen early in the long combat, but never seen again during the war. The war continued to 1918. So many ties to the past were destroyed.

Correspondingly we see the beginning of the twentieth century and a new age as the guns were picked up again in a world that no longer wanted to hear what angels sing.

This song from 1989 by singer/songwriter John McCutcheon tells the amazing true story of the Christmas Truce and the lasting power of that Christmas peace on the individual lives of those who were there even 75 years later. As you listen to the words and watch the video, note the picture selected as the last one.
Advent is almost here, begin listening for the angels.

Thanksgiving 2018

2018-11-21T15:41:00.001-05:00

"The Ninth Wave," by Ivan Aivazovsky, 1850, his most famous work. The Ninth Wave is a sailing reference to a wave of unsurvivable power coming upon sailors after a series of increasingly larger ones. The painting shows the sea after a night storm and people facing death attempting to save themselves by clinging to debris from their wrecked ship (the world or a life). The cross always remains after any devastation in our lives. It reminds all that no matter the harm looming over us, there is Thanksgiving and peace with Christ. The painting has warm tones, which reduce the sea's apparent menacing size and as the wave nears the people it lessens in height, revealing the promise of salvation. The painting puts into the correct perspective the truth that all power in this life and hereafter is in the hand of a merciful God.

Click HERE for the high resolution version.

Source

SPECIAL - Mass times for November 1 and 2, 2018

2018-10-31T22:06:00.004-04:00

This Thursday, Solemnity of All Saints, Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am. There will not be a 12:00 pm Mass.

This Friday, All Souls, Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am. There will not be a 12:00 pm Mass. There will also be Midday Prayer at the cemetery on the university campus at 12:00 pm. All are welcome.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Saint Leo Abbey Communications
Email: saintleoabbeynews@gmail.com
Telephone: 352-588-8181 (Liturgy Office)

How to become a monk

2018-10-25T22:16:00.000-04:00

One of the most common questions people ask when they visit Saint Leo Abbey is, "How does someone become a monk?"

It is actually a long process. There are five steps over about five years.

Recently, Brother Felix became interested in Saint Leo Abbey and became a candidate in August 2018.

Father Clement posted a news article on the new Saint Leo Abbey website about the steps to become a monk and where Brother Felix is along the path.

Read the news article.

Saint Leo Abbey Christmas events and Mass sachedule

2017-12-21T08:10:00.001-05:00

Above the abbey church doors is a mosaic of Jesus Christ. In Latin the words are EGO DOMINUS ET MAGISTER from John 13:13. "I am the Lord and Teacher (Master)." When you enter the quiet abbey church you will be entering a different world, the ancient and restful peace of Benedictine monks. Join the monks in celebration, you will be welcomed as Christ.

______________________

Saint Leo Abbey Events and Christmas Schedule

Saturday, December 23rd, 2017

7:00 pm - Abbey Christmas Concert (see article below)

Sunday, December 24th, 2017

10:00 am - Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
11:30 pm - Christmas Carols/Prelude in the Abbey Church

Monday, December 25th, 2017

12:00 am - Christmas Midnight Mass

*On Christmas day there will not be a 10:00 am Mass.

December 23, 2017 7:00 pm. Abbey Christmas Concert

Organist Peter Kinzie and the monks of Saint Leo Abbey.

Around the World. Peter Kinzie has been able to play and tour the "inside" story of the great organs throughout the world. This list includes the 30,000 pipes of the Wanamaker organ in Philadelphia, the great instrument at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City, and the oldest Mighty Wurlitzer in its original location, the one used during the silent movie era in the Chicago Theatre in Illinois.

In Europe, Peter Kinzie had the privilege to play a small organ previously played by Mozart, an organ once heard by Martin Luther, and cathedral organs in both Frankfurt and Cologne. One of Peter's greatest experiences was playing the great organ in the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City.

Peter also plays a number of concerts throughout the Southeast every year including Saint Leo Abbey.

A Remarkable Life. Not only has Peter shown great generosity to Saint Leo Abbey, he also has a remarkable life story.

Born in Germany at the end of World War II, Peter was evacuated to West Germany and lived in an orphanage near Dachau. He vividly remembers watching the Berlin Airlift as small packages dropped from the sky -- like Manna from Heaven -- Hershey chocolate. In 1956 Peter was adopted by an American family, moved to Florida and became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Living with his newly adopted family, Dr. & Mrs. Kinzie of Lake Wales, communication was a problem for a while as Peter knew no English and the family spoke very little German. Therefore, most discoveries were made by touch. In his new home, Peter happened upon this strange "beast" with "black and white teeth." Climbing onto the bench of an upright piano, thus began a musical adventure we can experience in concert, the result of his love of music and Saint Leo Abbey.

Peter Kinzie is also active with not only performances on the "king of instruments" but is the proprietor of Church Organ Concepts, which represents Viscount International, builder of the Abbey organ. Baldwin, contracted Viscount to provide digital instruments to include the Abbey Symphonic Organ. Peter is the Florida dealer for Viscount's new instruments powered by Physis® Physical Modeling Platform. In addition, through Church Organ Concepts, Peter represents a fine pipe organ firm - R.A. Colby.

Hope you can come, listen to the Christmas concert and meet Peter after the concert. You will enjoy the evening.

This year has not been as cold as the past, but it can be a little cool in the Abbey Church so it might be wise to bring a jacket just in case. Yes, bring a jacket.

____________

The concert is free and open to everyone. Bring a friend.

____________

If you have any questions, please contact:
Saint Leo Abbey Communications
Email: saintleoabbeynews@gmail.com
Telephone: 352-588-8181 (Liturgy Office)

SPECIAL - Mass & prayer times Nov. 1 and 2

2017-10-31T14:23:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, November 1 morning prayer 7:30 am

Wednesday, November 1 Mass 10:00 am.

Wednesday, November 1st is All Saints Day, a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am in the Abbey Church.
Midday and Vespers will be celebrated at their normal times.

Thursday, November 2 Mass 12:00 pm

Thursday, November 2nd, the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 pm in the Abbey Church.

If you have any questions/concerns, please contact

Saint Leo Abbey Communications
Email: saintleoabbeynews@gmail.com
Telephone: 352-588-8181 (Liturgy Office)

2017-10-22T14:07:00.002-04:00

Saint Leo Abbey oblates newsletter. Upcoming retreat. Christmas party. History. Pope Saint Leo the Great, Doctor of the Church.

November 10-12 "Prayer & Purity of Heart" spiritual retreat with Abbot Isaac, OSB.

ABOUT: This special retreat will be led by Father Abbot Isaac, OSB. Anyone may attend, Catholics, non-Catholics, men, women, oblates, nonoblates. All are welcome.

COST: $215.00 per person/$430.00 per couple. ($115.00 per person if you are not staying overnight at the abbey.)

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: This special retreat is part of the abbey's oblate program, but is open to anyone interested in a life of prayer and living closer to God. Is that you? If so, this is your retreat!!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 3, 2017

REGISTRATION FORM AND FAQs: Click on HERE for the registration form and the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the retreat.

MORE INFORMATION: Call or email John Bakas 813-228-8015

StLeoOblates@gmail.com

Oblate-program newsletter from Saint Leo Abbey -- Schedule through December 2017

2017-10-13T20:46:00.001-04:00

The latest oblate email newsletter about the upcoming oblate-program events at Saint Leo Abbey in Florida. The oblate program and its events are open to everyone, Catholic, nonCatholic, men, and women. You will be welcomed as Christ.

For information call or email John Bakas. 813-228-8015 or StLeoOblates@gmail.com

Saint Leo Abbey inside video

2016-11-02T13:44:00.001-04:00

Saint Leo Abbey 2016 from Leonardo Velazquez on Vimeo.

Why should you come to the October 28 - 30 spiritual retreat?

2016-10-16T01:06:00.001-04:00

Saint Leo Oblate's Retreat 2016 from Leonardo Velazquez on Vimeo.

Thanks to Akiba's great talent, we have an excellent video about the upcoming oblate-program retreat.

The video was taken at the last oblate Sunday, thank you to all who participated.

The upcoming retreat October 28-30, 2016 is open to all Catholic, non-Catholic, men and women.

The retreat will be led by Abbot Isaac, OSB. He is an excellent conference speaker.

His theme for the retreat is "Examine your life based on the Rule of Saint Benedict."

During this special retreat: Live like a monk, be taught by the abbot.

More information - Retreat page.

Saint Teresa of Avila, Doctor of Church

2016-10-15T11:29:00.003-04:00

Found on a card in her breviary after her death in 1582:

"Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing.
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God.
God alone suffices."

Saint Teresa of Avila (also called Saint Teresa of Jesus):

Feastday: October 15

Patron of headache sufferers, Spanish Catholic Writers

Birth: March 28, 1515

Death: October 4, 1582

Beatified: April 24th 1614, Rome by Pope Paul V

Canonized: March 12th 1622, Rome by Pope Gregory XV

First woman Doctor of Church: September 27, 1970 by Paul VI

Co-founder of Discalced Carmelites (Barefoot Carmelites) with Saint John of the Cross

Author of:

Interior Castle

The Way of Perfection

The Life of Saint Teresa of Ávila

Meditations on the Song of Songs

Mystic

Saint Teresa of Avila, Doctor of Church

2016-10-15T11:29:00.002-04:00

Found on a card in her breviary after her death in 1582:

"Let nothing disturb you
Let nothing frighten you
All things are passing
God never changes
Patience obtains all things
Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God
God alone suffices."

Saint Teresa of Avila (also called Saint Teresa of Jesus):

Feastday: October 15

Patron of headache sufferers, Spanish Catholic Writers

Birth: March 28, 1515

Death: October 4, 1582

Beatified By: April 24th 1614, Rome by Pope Paul V

Canonized By: March 12th 1622, Rome by Pope Gregory XV

First woman Doctor of Church: September 27, 1970 by Paul VI

Co-founder of Discalced Carmelites (Barefoot Carmelites) with Saint John of the Cross

Author of:

Interior Castle

The Way of Perfection

The Life of Saint Teresa of Ávila

Meditations on the Song of Songs

Mystic

Saint Teresa of Avila, Doctor of Church

2016-10-15T11:29:00.000-04:00

Found on a card in her breviary after her death in 1582:

"Let nothing disturb you
Let nothing frighten you
All things are passing
God never changes
Patience obtains all things
Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God

God alone suffices."

Saint Teresa of Avila (also called Saint Teresa of Jesus):

Feastday: October 15

Patron of headache sufferers, Spanish Catholic Writers

Birth: March 28, 1515

Death: October 4, 1582

Beatified By: April 24th 1614, Rome by Pope Paul V

Canonized By: March 12th 1622, Rome by Pope Gregory XV

First woman Doctor of Church: September 27, 1970 by Paul VI

Co-founder of Discalced Carmelites (Barefoot Carmelites) with Saint John of the Cross

Author of:

Interior Castle

The Way of Perfection

The Life of Saint Teresa of Ávila

Meditations on the Song of Songs

Mystic

2016-10-13T11:03:00.001-04:00

New Facebook post on the retreat October 28-30, 2016

2016-09-13T09:59:00.002-04:00

Who is that with Abbot Isaac?

Here is the current oblate-program newsletter for the answer, plus upcoming oblate events.

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem contrasts forgiveness and faithfulness

2016-07-02T22:03:00.001-04:00

From New Advent:

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem's "catechetical lectures are among the most precious remains of Christian antiquity... Saint Cyril's style is admirably clear, dignified, and logical; the tone is serious and full of piety... The catechetical lectures include an introductory address, eighteen instructions delivered in Lent to those who were preparing for baptism, and five "mystagogical" instructions given during Easter week to the same persons after their baptism.”

The catechetical lectures may be some of the justification for Saint Cyril of Jerusalem being named a Doctor of the Catholic Church.

Saint Cyril was born about 315; died about 18 March, 386. Saint Cyril attended and supported the great Council of Constantinople in 381. You probably say the creed which is based on the Nicene Creed of 381 or as it is sometimes called, the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.

The Council of Constantinople in 381 was the second of the first seven ecumenical councils. This council was attended by 186 bishops and included Saint Cyril of Jerusalem.

The council affirmed two essential truths about reality: 1) the deity of the Holy Spirit and 2) the true humanity of Christ.

Thus, the quote in the picture above is best seen as needed instruction for a new Christian and a call to faithfulness throughout our lives -- each day, with all our strength.

In the quote in the picture above, it is all there, the central affirmations of the Council of Constantinople in 381. It is recognition of the Holy Spirit's continuing work in the heart of a believer following Christ's redeeming work as true man -- one of us, for all of us.

The quote in the picture above helped me understand how remission of sin and communion with the Holy Spirit are related.

I heard the excerpt in the above picture as part of Saint Cyril's Lecture I of the catechetical lectures in the Office Readings at Saint Leo Abbey on July 2, 2016. This version of the quote is from the New Advent website.

Saint Leo Abbey's prayer times are open to the public, you are invited to attend. You will hear the words of popes, saints and doctors of the Church.

Listen for the Holy Spirit.

Saint Leo looks at Saint Leo Hall

2016-06-17T14:11:00.000-04:00

Click pictures to enlarge.

Statue of Pope Saint Leo the Great, Doctor of the Church. This picture was taken from Saint Leo Hall, the long four-story building in which we have the Oblate Sunday meetings. My guess as to the time of this picture is between 1910 and 1920. If any informed person has better information, please post it the comment section.

Yes, it is you know who, watching over Saint Leo Hall. A portion of Saint Leo Hall -- the stairway into the second floor is at the right edge of the picture. If you stand today where the picture was taken you would be looking at the west side of the university library. OK, time for another time guess ---1930 to 1940.

He's still there, but nearly hidden by a palm tree on the right side of the picture. You can see the shadow of Saint Leo Hall in the foreground. The procession is (most likely) of the Carmelite sisters from Mexico City who lived adjacent to Saint Leo Abbey in the Queen of Carmel Convent from 1952 until about 1964. The sidewalk is taking the sisters back to their convent. Date of picture is sometime when the Carmelites from Mexico City were in the convent. So the picture is no earlier than about 1952.

A helpful post on Facebook said, "That is an old statue of St. Leo the Great that used to stand on that pedestal outside St. Leo Hall, the old building of the Abbey. The pedestal is long gone. When I was a little boy, visiting in the 1950's, the statue was in the vestibule of the Abbey Church." The latest date for the picture is maybe 1958 when the Great Pope Saint Leo was moved into the abbey church.

About the time the Carmelites returned to Mexico City (around 1964) the current abbot of Saint Leo Abbey, Abbot Isaac, was born .... in Mexico City.
Thank you Saint Leo the Great for watching over your abbey.

Pictures: oblate ceremonies & picnic April 3, 2016

2016-04-03T22:09:00.002-04:00

Click pictures to enlarge them

Abbot Isaac, O.S.B., hands Saint Benedict medals to Saint Leo Abbey's newest oblate novices during ceremonies April 3, 2016

Abbot Isaac conducts final oblation ceremonies for the 2016 oblates of Saint Leo Abbey.

Saint Leo Abbey has been blessed with a great abbot, Abbot Isaac, since 2007.

Two theology students who participate in the oblate program.

Brian, a visitor, came from Gainesville.

We will see you again in October.

A wonderful oblate family came from Miami with their daughter

Mike Fonfara, a 2016 oblate!

Two visitors came from Miami.

A new 2016 oblate

Beth and her husband George have been working on the oblate volunteer program among other projects.

And another new 2016 oblate

Mark and Paul are also new 2016 oblates

The oblates brought delicious food, drinks, and desserts to share. Thank you to everyone who brought something for the picnic. A list of planning items for next year is being made. If you have any suggestions for improvements, email stleooblates@gmail.com

Thanks Linda

And perfect hamburgers and hot dogs.

Saint Leo Abbey has the added benefit of an excellent abbey kitchen staff.

Here are two who worked all day on the day of the picnic. Thank you.

Unexpected, but timely help

Thank you James

Thank you Joe

Thank you Allison

Thank you Jeri

Lord let me dwell in your word

and in your precepts is my soul is secure.

April 3, 2016 oblate ceremonies & family picnic

2016-03-08T08:35:00.001-05:00

Saint Leo Abbey bell tower calls monks to prayer

April 3, 2016 is the Saint Leo Abbey oblates' ceremonies and family picnic. Everyone is invited.

The event is a good way to be introduced to the oblate program and the oblates of Saint Leo Abbey who are Catholic and non-Catholic lay men and women seeking God by following the Rule of Saint Benedict. The oblate program is directed by Father Abbot Isaac, O.S.B. (Order of Saint Benedict).

If you have never been to a Benedictine abbey please come and see. The abbey welcomes all visitors. You are especially invited to come and pray with the monks several times a day.

During their 1,500-year history Benedictine monks welcomed pilgrims all across Europe. During the dark ages after the fall of the Roman Empire, the monks preserved and then helped build a new Christian civilization in Europe. Saint Leo Abbey's monks welcome all pilgrims in today's spiritual dark ages. They will welcome you as Christ.

March 6, 2016 Oblate Sunday

2016-03-03T12:19:00.000-05:00

Here is the most recent email/newsletter sent to the oblate-email list. Getting on the email list is the best way to stay up-to-date with the oblate program at the wonderful Saint Leo Abbey.

All men and women, Catholic and non-Catholic are welcome to attend Oblate Sunday meetings at Saint Leo Abbey in the the Town of Saint Leo, Florida. The first class on Sunday March 6 will cover the first part of the Rule of Saint Benedict. The second class will cover an oblate's Oblation, the holy week celebration and how we should live as Christians.

God works in mysterious ways: by Nilda Salazar-DeSimone

2015-06-14T21:09:00.000-04:00

Nilda Salazar-DeSimone

PART 1

It had been 43 years since Castro had taken control of the Island of Cuba, my homeland. I had not seen any of my close relatives since 1959 and a reunion was planned for the winter of 2003 in Miami, Florida.

My husband and I were living upstate New York and decided to drive down to Miami for the reunion; however, we could not find a dog-friendly place to stay. We had given up on going when a New York friend of ours called and said, “We are in Zephyrhills, Florida; it is such a beautiful place, you have to come to see us and they are dog friendly.” So we drove down to Zephyrhills and needless to say, we agreed with her, this place felt like home! Since Miami was just a few hours away, we thought this was a good way to have a winter vacation and at the same time to reconnect with my Cuban family. The family reunion was wonderful; I met two generations of relatives that I did not think I would ever meet. I felt this was a gift from God. Thus we began the first phase of our spiritual journey.

The following year, upon our return to Zephyrhills, we discovered there were many of our Catholic New York friends living in the same park and one of them invited us to go visit Saint Leo Abbey. I felt something very special there and the attraction continued on for the next 9 years... every time we came down to Zephyrhills for the winter, we would visit the Abbey.

My husband had been diagnosed with cancer a few years before our first trip to Zephyrhills and was undergoing different treatments to slow the growth of the cancer; however, in 2010 the cancer was winning the battle. During these years of struggling to live, my husband had become angry with God and began denying life after death, hated religion and was out to prove that God just did not care. As his illness got worsened, his anger increased. Then a worse tragedy happened. One of his sons from a previous marriage died of brain cancer. He passed away within 30 days after the doctors found the brain tumor. In my attempt to console my husband, I said, “You will see him again.” He became enraged and shouted, “NO!”

I must add here, that during these years of complete darkness, there was a small part of him that wanted to believe. In our winter trips, he would ask to go to the Abbey and I remember there was a certain child-like softness in his eyes while he was at Saint Leo Abbey. For a few moments he would find peace.

In the winter of 2011, there was no more hope, my husband’s critical condition worsened, his body was shutting down. On the first trip to the ER, his heart stopped and God brought him back. The second time in the Intensive care unit during dialysis, he began to die again and God brought him back, once again. The next day the surgeon came into his hospital room and said to me, “God was with us last night; I thought I had lost him but he came back!” Then a third time again, during dialysis, my husband began to have a heart attack and almost died. Apparently, the blood clots leaving his body had plugged up the dialysis machine and the machine stopped working. During this unexpected interruption of this critical procedure, God saved him again.

I finally said to the team of doctors at the VA hospital, “Please stop all treatments and send him to Hospice.” We were then referred to the Dade City hospice. Praise be to God, it was at the hospice where God finally had my husband all to Himself. Miracles began to happen, too numerous to describe. He had been unconscious for a few days and one day my two closest friends, my sister and I were in his room and my husband without opening his eyes said with all clarity, “JESUS IS HERE RIGHT NOW IN THE ROOM...” I am convinced that Jesus had come down to take him to his heavenly resting place. He had saved his soul! A few days later he died a very peaceful death.

That was the end of his spiritual journey and the beginning of mine.

PART 2

During those last few weeks of my husband's life, I met a part of God I had never known before. My life had changed.

After his death I went to live with my family in Los Angeles, California. I met a lady at church who was a Benedictine oblate and I asked her more about the oblates. She gave me the Rule of Saint Benedict to read and invited me to visit her Benedictine monastery where I attend a few meetings. I was drawn to Benedictine spirituality because I found it to be a practical way of finding God. However, shortly after my interest in advancing with the oblates, I learned that the monastery that my friend had brought me to was permanently closing its doors.

At this time I had no plan to ever leave California, but one day all of the suddenly I had this strong urge to call my two New York friends who had moved to Zephyrhills and after a short conversation on the phone I started to plan my move to Zephyrhills.

Since I had Zephyrhills in my mind again, I remembered Saint Leo Abbey and decided to go to their website and LO AND BEHOLD! I did not even know that Saint Leo Abbey was a Benedictine monastery! I asked myself, “Is there a connection here?” Well, I had no time to speculate, I had to get ready for the move and I kept praying: THY WILL NOT MINE...if God wants me to stay in Los Angeles, I will stay, if He wants me to go, he would make it happen.

He made it happen and I relocated to Florida. Everything went so smoothly that before I knew it I was here in Florida. I decided to give myself time and not rush into things and kept praying; THY WILL, NOT MINE...One day, I felt that same strong urge to go the Saint Leo Abbey's website and without much hesitation clicked on the Oblate Program and requested a visit.

On my first visit to the Abbey I knew I belonged there and immediately I applied to enter the oblate program. My decision to join the Saint Leo Abbey Oblate program has given me a new meaning to my life. I feel very strongly that I am on the right spiritual path.

Looking back, I see God's hands guiding me from the very beginning of this journey. From the time my husband and I could not find a dog-friendly hotel in Miami to our casual trips to the Abbey, from my husband's conversion during his last hours to my oblate Benedictine friend in California and then my final destination back to Saint Leo Abbey to seek God again, here, where He has guided me, I have found HIM.

A true story of God's Divine Mercy

Photo Essays from Italy by Charles Woodhouse

2015-05-23T19:41:00.000-04:00

Looking South from eremo di San Domenico
with Monte Godi in distance

Photo Essay: Eremo di San Domenico, Scanno, Abruzzo. Read.

Sant’Egidio – Eremo – Scanno (Aquila)

Photo Essay: Sant’Egidio – Eremo – Scanno (Aquila). Read.

Professoressa Barbara with her pilgrim’s staff
arriving at the Eremo

Photo Essay: Eremo di Sant’Onofrio Serramonacesca (Majella) Abruzzo. Read.

Village of Scanno looking towards
Lago di Scanno 5 km away in valley

Photo Essay: Scanno (Abruzzo) Italy ‐ Village of 1,500 people in the Abruzzo National Park (Central Italy). Read.

With fellow pilgrims for the Santa Messa
with Bishop Spina in the lovely summer sunset

Photo Essay: Eremo di Sant'Onofrio al Morrone. Read.

First in the series: Eremo di San Bartolomeo in Legio. Read.

_____________________

Photo credit: All photos and text by Charles Woodhouse. Thank you Charles!

Saint Leo Abbey Oblates

Nov. 1-3, 2019 Saint Leo Abbey Annual Fall Retreat - Enter into the Mystery of Peace

Saint Leo Abbey Annual Fall Retreat

“The Spiritual Life”Enter into The Mystery of Peace

Ash Wednesday March 6, 2019 at Saint Leo Abbey, Florida

Video/pictures of 2018 oblate Christmas party. Plus info on upcoming concert

The 1914 Christmas Truce

Thanksgiving 2018

SPECIAL - Mass times for November 1 and 2, 2018

How to become a monk

Saint Leo Abbey Christmas events and Mass sachedule

SPECIAL - Mass & prayer times Nov. 1 and 2

Oblate-program newsletter from Saint Leo Abbey -- Schedule through December 2017

Saint Leo Abbey inside video

Why should you come to the October 28 - 30 spiritual retreat?

Saint Teresa of Avila, Doctor of Church

Saint Teresa of Avila, Doctor of Church

Saint Teresa of Avila, Doctor of Church

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem contrasts forgiveness and faithfulness

Saint Leo looks at Saint Leo Hall

Pictures: oblate ceremonies & picnic April 3, 2016

April 3, 2016 oblate ceremonies & family picnic

March 6, 2016 Oblate Sunday

God works in mysterious ways: by Nilda Salazar-DeSimone

Photo Essays from Italy by Charles Woodhouse

“The Spiritual Life”
Enter into The Mystery of Peace