The Laker/Lutz News

Saint Leo Abbey

Savor a slice of ‘Old Florida’ beauty

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Residents who live on the eastern side of Pasco County don’t have to travel far to get an idea of what “Old Florida” was like.

They can find evidence of that loveliness all around the locale’s corners and bends.

Perhaps that’s why those with deep ties to this part of the county fight so fiercely to protect their piece of paradise, and why the area attracts newcomers who want to put their stakes down to partake in the beauty, too.

With its lush landscapes, rolling hills, fertile farmland, historic places and outdoor spaces — the area offers much to enjoy and admire.

The incredible view of the setting sun over Lake Pasadena, as seen from the Dade City home of Derek Thomas. Thomas lives on Fort King Road, near the top of Leheup Hill, which is one of the area’s highest elevations at 240 feet above sea level. This ‘mountain’ is part of a series of rolling hills in the area. (Christine Holtzman)

 

Nature’s beauty can be found at the Withlacoochee River Park, in Dade City. The Withlacoochee River cuts through the 406 acres of forested land, brimming with an abundance of wildlife. Park amenities include fishing piers, boardwalks, canoe/kayak access, picnic and camping areas, shelters/pavilions, trails, playgrounds, and an observation tower.
Tucked away in an area across State Road 52 from Saint Leo University, (next to the golf course), there are two historic grottos.
The Gethsemane Grotto, was built by local men from San Antonio in 1933, to depict Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The construction contains natural stones, such as Florida coral, limestone and flint.

 

 

 

The Lady of Lourdes Grotto was built in 1916, and is the final resting place of the Saint Leo Abbey’s first Abbot, Charles Mohr, OSB.
The historic Capt. H.B. Jeffries House, 38537 5th Avenue in Zephyrhills, was built in 1911, for city founder and Civil War veteran Capt. Harold B. Jeffries. Today, the building is used by the non-profit Main Street Zephyrhills, Inc., a group dedicated to the preservation, revitalization and the economic vitality of the downtown business district.
Many farms dot the East Pasco landscape, an area that is rich in agriculture. These silos on a farm at the corner of St. Joe Road and Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, peak above the lush pasture.

 

 

 

 

 

Area responds to Hurricane Dorian victims

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As the death toll grows and residents of the Bahamas continue to grapple with the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian — local groups are stepping up to find ways to help those who are suffering.

Dorian made landfall on Sept. 1 as a Category 5 Hurricane, flattening homes and causing massive flooding, according to national news reports.

Jessica Cooper, who teaches in the Culinary Arts Academy at Land O’ Lakes High School, has been coordinating a supply drive to support victims of Hurricane Dorian. Her husband, LeRone, who grew up there, planned to deliver the supplies to family members and others suffering in the aftermath of the Category 5 hurricane. (B.C. Manion)

The official death toll stood at 50, with an estimated 2,500 still missing as of last week, according to national news reports. Officials expect the death count to rise, as search-and-rescue crews dig through the ruins of Grand Bahama and Abaco islands.

While recovery work continues, groups are rallying to do what they can here.

At Land O’ Lakes High School, Chef Jessica Cooper — who teaches in the school’s Academy of Culinary Arts — put out the word that she was collecting supplies that would be delivered by her husband, LeRone, who grew up in Freeport, the main city on Grand Bahama.

Some of the supplies will be provided to LeRone’s family members who still live there, and the rest will be distributed in an open forum he will be having at an office building, Cooper said.

She let people know that she would be collecting supplies at the school from Sept. 9 to Sept. 11 and, by the second day, so many items had been donated, she had to rent a mini-van so she could transport the contributions to her South Tampa home.

The family also rented a Penske truck, so her husband could make the trip to South Florida, to load the supplies on a ship, which he would take along with the supplies to Freeport, and he lined up two trucks to help him transport the goods once he got there.

People who live in the Bahamas are no strangers to hurricanes, but the massive storms usually blow through the area in a matter of hours, Cooper said. This time, the hurricane stayed for 24 hours — something that’s never happened before.

Initially, family members went to Cooper’s sister-in-law’s house because she lived in the middle of the island, which had not flooded before. But that area flooded, so the family retreated to her niece’s apartment building.

This is just a fraction of the food, cleaning supplies and other items collected at Land O’ Lakes High School to help Bahamians who are struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

“My sister-in-law lost her home,” Cooper said, and her brother-in-law’s home was damaged.

As of last week, there was still no water or power, and none of their family members had been able to return to work.

Cooper said the outpouring of help for her family and other Bahamians, has been humbling.

“To be completely honest, I am so overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone,” Cooper said, on Sept. 10. “The faculty here, the students who are helping, then the parents who started posting on social media to their communities.”

She appreciates help from other sources, too: “My godmother came over the night before last. I had another cousin come over last night. To organize and  pack.

“I didn’t expect any of this, to be this big. But, I am so grateful for it,” Cooper said, noting some people still want to help, and her husband is planning a second trip in October.

The supply drive at Land O’ Lakes High is just one of several efforts happening across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

At Sunlake High School, in Land O’ Lakes, the Junior States of America Club collected donations through Sept. 13. And, Wiregrass Ranch High School, in Wesley Chapel, collected donations through Sept. 12.

Saint Leo University, in St. Leo, has nearly 150 Bahamian students, with 64 members in the class of 2023, according to a news release.

The college had a candlelight vigil on Sept. 5 and a prayer service at Saint Leo Abbey, prior to the student Mass.

Saint Leo University has been responding to support its Bahamian students who lost family members, or whose family members lost their homes, businesses, personal possessions or suffered other losses from Hurricane Dorian. One show of support was a candlelight vigil at the university’s campus in St. Leo. (Courtesy of Eric Mutschler/Saint Leo University)

Some Saint Leo students have lost family members. And, some students’ families have lost businesses, employment, homes, cars and all of their personal possessions.

The college is providing individual counseling and check-ins with their Bahamian students, the release says.

The university also has placed donation bins around campus to collect supplies to transport to the Bahamas. Items they are collecting include: nonperishable food items, snacks, flashlights, batteries, diapers, baby wipes, water containers, disposable razors, lotion, work gloves, garbage bags, soap, deodorant and portable chargers.

The donations bins will remain on campus until further notice. Also, Lake Myrtle Elementary, in Land O’ Lakes, and Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, in Spring Hill, are hosting partnership drives, so the university’s donations will be able to help more people and pets in the Bahamas, according to Jen Shaw, vice president of student affairs for the university.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg also is raising money to help people affected by Hurricane Dorian.

Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office partnered in their efforts to collect hurricane relief supplies.

Meanwhile, at Goodwill Industries-Suncoast stores, shoppers are being invited to round up their purchases to help raise money for Hurricane Dorian relief. The organization planned to launch the campaign on Sept. 5 and run it through Sept. 19, with the goal of raising $25,000 to help people in the Bahamas. The organization decided to collect cash, rather than items, because of the difficulty in getting donated items to people in need, according to a news release.

Others involved in Hurricane Dorian Relief efforts include The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, in conjunction with Rotary District 6950 and AdventHealth Center Ice.

All of the supplies will be trucked to Miami on Sept. 30, then shipped to the Bahamas and distributed throughout the Island by Bahamian Rotarians, according to the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel’s website.

AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will be accepting donations from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., during the drive.

Donations also may be dropped off at the Make A Difference office, 12311 U.S. 41, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, 38550 Fifth Ave., in downtown Zephyrhills. The chamber is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hurricane Dorian relief items
Rubber gloves
Bleach
Cleaning supplies
Flashlights
Propane tanks
Matches
Coolers
Sheets and blankets
Hammers
Latex gloves
Clorox wipes
Brooms
Large garbage bags
Tarps, all sizes
Portable grills, lighters
Pillows
Roof paper, roofing nails
Portable cellphone chargers
Generators
Work gloves
Face masks
Buckets
Cleaning rags
Shovels
Sterno camp stoves
Candles
Portable cots
Towels
Feminine hygiene products
Adult diapers
Toilet paper
Soap
Shampoo
Diapers
Paper towels
Detergent
Baby wipes
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Baby formula
Canned goods
Can openers
Nonperishable food
Pet food

Published September 18, 2019

Easter events offer religious observances and family fun

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It’s that time for egg hunters to round up their baskets and get busy. Many local events give kids and adults, alike, a chance to search for eggs. (File)

Whether they want to celebrate their faith, take the kids for an egg hunt, or just enjoy some fellowship with church friends — there are plenty of seasonal options throughout The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Check out the listings below.

LUTZ

What: While We Wait
Where: Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Lutz
When: April 19 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The musical and dramatic production showcases the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion from the apostles’ perspective.
Info: Visit KeystoneCommunityChurch.org, or email .

What: The Easter Story
Where: CrossPointe Family Church, 919 Debuel Road, Lutz
When: April 19 and April 20 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: A musical will be performed depicting the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Info: Call (813) 949-7727, or visit CrossPointeTampa.com.

What: Is He Worthy?
Where: First Baptist Church of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41, Lutz
When: April 19 at 7 p.m.; April 21 at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy a range of harmonious songs as the Easter Worship Choir performs in unison.
Info: Call (813) 949-7495, or visit LutzFBC.com.

What: Easter at Idlewild
Where: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., Lutz
When: April 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; April 21 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: On April 20, a special service will be followed by outdoor fun with food trucks and games for families. April 21 will begin Easter early with a worship service and performances by a choir, band and orchestra.
Info: Call (813) 264-1515, or visit Idlewild.org/Easter2019/.

What: Unexpected
Where: NorthPointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Dr., Lutz
When: April 20 at 7 p.m.; April 21 at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:35 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are invited to watch the story of Jesus dramatized through a musical performance.
Info: Call (813) 948-9420, or visit NorthPointeFL.org/Easter.

What: Easter Sunday Worship
Where: All Saints Lutheran Church, 5315 Van Dyke Road, Lutz
When: April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The Easter service will have sunrise service to start the day, followed by breakfast, an egg hunt and finishing with family worship.
Info: Call (813) 963-0969, or visit AllSaintsTampa.org.

What: Easter Sunday Communion
Where: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road, Lutz
When: April 21 at 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Opening service will consist of a communion ceremony and worship, followed by breakfast, where attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share.
Info: Call (813) 949-7171, or visit HolyTrinityLutz.com.

What: Easter at Bay Hope Church
Where: 17030 Lakeshore Road, Lutz
When: April 20, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; April 21, 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Join in the Easter celebration.
Info: BayHope.com

What: Easter at St. Timothy Catholic Church
Where: 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz
When: April 20, 8 p.m. Easter vigil; April 21, 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (The 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will be in the church and hall).
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 968-1077.

What: Resurrection Sunday at First United Methodist Church of Lutz
Where: 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
When: April 20, Sonrise Service on the Lake, 7:30 a.m.; additional services at 8 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., at the church. There will be special music at all services.

LAND O’ LAKES

What: Easter Basket Drive
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: April 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are encouraged to bring donations, such as Easter baskets, plastic eggs, candy, small toys, Play-Doh, arts and craft supplies, and gift cards ($5).
Info: Call Michelle Patel at (813) 957-5711, or email .

What: Out and About 2019 Expo
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: An Easter-themed expo will grant guests the opportunity to learn about local attractions and summer camps. Games and egg hunts will be offered, as well as snapshots with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Contact Diane Kortus at (813) 909-2800 or ; Jodie Sullivan at (813) 927-2730 or at .

What: Easter Sunrise and Celebration Services
Where:  Drexel Farms, 5832 Drexel Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The event will begin with an opening service, followed by a country breakfast and then an Easter celebration.
Info: Call Janis Chajkowski at (813) 777-5420.

What: SonRise Celebration in the Park
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests are invited to usher in Easter with a communion service, live musical performances and hot coffee.
Info: Call Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park at (813) 929-1229.

What: Easter Sunday Mass
Where: Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21 at 6 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (bilingual service)
Cost: Free
Details: All are welcomed to join in the celebration of Easter Mass, which includes a sermon and a choir performance.
Info: Call (813) 949-4565, or visit LadyRosary.org.

What: Easter at The Church at Myrtle Lake
Where: 2017 Riegler Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: April 21, Sonrise Service, 7 a.m.; free breakfast; Easter celebration, 9 a.m.; Easter egg hunt, 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 949-5516.

What: Resurrection Sunday at First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes
Where: 5105 School Road, Land O’ Lakes
When: Easter Sunday, April 21 at 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Dr. David Gibbs, founder of Christian Law Association will be the guest speaker.
Info: Visit FBCLOL.org.

WESLEY CHAPEL

What: Center Ice Egg Hunt
Where: AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
When: April 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: All are welcome as AdventHealth Center Ice offers clues for where to find Easter eggs hidden throughout Wesley Chapel.
Info: Call (813) 803-7372, or visit www.AHCenterIce.com.

 What: Egg Hunt at Avalon
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This family oriented event offers bounce houses, egg hunts and a chance to take a photo with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Call (813) 783-1515, or visit AvalonParkWest.com.

What: Cypress Creek Church Easter Event
Where: Cypress Creek Church, 5585 East County Line Road, Wesley Chapel
When: April 20 at 6 p.m.; April 21 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The church event will offer a worship service, as well as refreshments, followed by an egg hunt.
Info: Call (813) 909-4080, or visit CypressCreek.church.

What: Easter Sunday Mass
Where: Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church, 3758 Maryweather Lane, Wesley Chapel
When: April 21 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The Easter Sunday Mass will include the lighting of incense and musical performances.
Info: Call (813) 418-1281, or visit WCEpiscopalChurch.org.

What: First Baptist Church Easter Service
Where: First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel, 29716 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
When: April 19 at 6:30 p.m.; April 21 at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: A Good Friday evening service, open to the public, will usher in Easter weekend. Easter morning will begin with a sermon and song service, followed by breakfast and another ceremony.
Info: Call (813) 973-7185, or email .

DADE CITY

What: Dade City Community Good Friday Service
Where: Free Methodist Church, 37002 Howard Ave., Dade City
When: April 19 at noon
Cost: Free
Details: A Good Friday service will include music, a sermon and lunch afterwards.
Info: Contact Selena Semanco at (352) 567-8424 or .

What: Easter at the Zoo
Where: Dade City’s Wild Things, 36909 Blanton Road, Dade City
When: April 19 at 1 p.m. and April 20 at 3 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $20 for adults; $16 for ages 2 to 12; free for those age 2 and younger
Details: After an animal tour and lion encounter, kids can stay active with an Easter egg hunt around the zoo.
Info: Call (352) 567- 9453, or to purchase tickets, visit DadeCitysWildThings.com.

What: Renovate Church’s Easter Eggstravaganza
Where:  Renovate Church, 11631 Old Lakeland Highway, Dade City
When: April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This family friendly event will offer snow cones, egg hunting and face painting among other activities.
Info: Visit RenovateChurch.us/events.

What: Easter Morning Egg Hunt
Where: First United Methodist Church of Dade City, 37628 Church Ave., Dade City
When: April 21 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This event is geared toward infants to fifth-graders. It entails music, fun lessons, an egg hunt and snacks.
Info: Call (352) 567-5604, or email .

SAINT LEO 

What: Easter Triduum
Where: Saint Leo Abbey, 33601 State Road 52, St. Leo
When: April 18 at 7 p.m.; April 19 at 3 p.m.; April 20 at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The three-day ceremony will conduct mass, while focusing on Jesus’ last supper to his day of resurrection.
Info: Call (352) 588-8181, or email .

SAN ANTONIO

What: St. Anthony of Padua Easter Service
Where: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 32825 Rhode Island Ave., San Antonio
When: April 20 at 8 p.m., and April 21 at 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The services will entail an Easter vigil, as well as morning mass for attendees.
Info: Call (352) 588-3081, or email .

ZEPHYRHILLS

What: Easter Eggstravaganza
Where: Rising Star, 5026 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
When: April 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $30 per ticket for those ages 5 to 12 (guardians get in free)
Details: Kids can celebrate Easter with an array of activities, such as taking snapshots at the photobooth, decorating eggs, coloring Easter pictures and creating an Easter basket. Pizza and cupcakes will be served.
Info: For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/y6zsw8yk.
For other inquiries, call (813) 618-0700.

What: Egg Drop
Where: New Walk Church, 35008 State Road 54, Zephyrhills
When: April 19 at 6 p.m.; April 20 and April 21 both at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.  A wristband will be given to those who wish to participate, during the children’s ministry preceding the hunts.
Cost: Free
Details: A helicopter will drop more than 100,000 Easter eggs out on an open field for kids to run and grab.
Info: Call New Walk Church at (813) 469-9299, or visit NewWalk.Church/Easter. 

What: Easter Breakfast Service
Where: Cornerstone Community Church, 8527 Old Lakeland Highway, Zephyrhills
When: April 21 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: After a morning Easter service, attendees can enjoy a potluck breakfast and coffee.
Info: Call (352) 567-6494, or email .

What: Easter Sunrise Service
Where: AdventHealth Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills
When: April 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The hospital invites guests to bring a lawn chair and join in for a morning sermon, song service and the release of doves. Free refreshments will be served.
Info: Email Jane Freeman at .

While there is a wealth of Easter events within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, there are many other options throughout the Tampa Bay Area region.

Published April 17, 2019

‘Christmas in the Park’ offers a touch of nostalgia

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It’s an event that dates back more than half-century, and offers an old-fashioned touch for the holidays.

“Christmas in the Park,” presented by The Founders’ Garden Club of San Antonio, provides an evening designed to encourage families and friends to gather together to celebrate the season.

The event will be on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., and is expected to last 1 ½ to two hours, said Donna Swart, president of the garden club. It is held at San Antonio City Park, 12202 Main St., in downtown San Antonio.

Festivities will include a sing-a-long for the children accompanied by Dennis Devine and guests. The Sweet Adeline Lady Bug Quartet is expected to be there, and there will be a lighting of the Christmas Cards.

The club plans to offer free homemade cookies, warm cider, coffee and water, and each child will receive a little surprise bag of goodies.

People should bring their own chairs and flashlights.

From left: Diane Jones, Donna Swart and Camille Clancy are members of the organizing committee for ‘Christmas in the Park,’ a San Antonio tradition that’s been going strong for more than a half-century. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
From left: Diane Jones, Donna Swart and Camilla Clancy are members of the organizing committee for ‘Christmas in the Park,’ a San Antonio tradition that’s been going strong for more than a half-century.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

About 50 lighted Christmas cards, which are 4-by-8 or smaller, will be stationed on display around San Antonio City Park, representing various organizations, businesses and families.

The crèche — complete with nearly life-size Nativity figures will be a highpoint, too.

In keeping with the club’s tradition, the baby Jesus will not be placed in the crib until Christmas Day, according to Diane Jones, who is serving with Swart on the organizing committee.

She is looking forward to the event.

Jones thinks her son has come up with an apt description for the evening. “He calls it ‘A Norman Rockwell Night,’” she said.

Jones’ niece, Camilla Clancy, is on the organizing committee, too.

Swart, Jones and Clancy have been busy lining up gift baskets for a chance drawing.

Tickets sell for $1 each, or six for $5. They can be purchased at San Antonio City Hall, or on the night of the event at the park.

Anyone who purchases a ticket has a chance to win one of around 15 gift baskets.

Themes include spiritual, home office, garden, tea and others.

There’s also a couple of backpacks. One is for a girl and the other, for a boy.

Proceeds from the event support the garden club’s efforts to keep the park beautiful.

Other highlights of “Christmas in the Park” will include two decorated Christmas trees and a blessing offered by the Rev. Garry Welsh, pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

The Founders’ Garden Club dates back to 1961, when 11 women had a meeting in the park to found the organization.

Now, club meetings rotate between homes of the members.

“We meet on the first Thursday, at 9 o’clock, September through May,” Swart said.

The park, which sits on a site across the street from the church and Saint Anthony Catholic School, was originally donated to Saint Leo Abbey, which later donated it to the City of San Antonio.

When it gave the land to the city, the abbey stipulated that the church and the school get first priority in the use of the park, according to a historic account compiled for the club’s 50th anniversary in 2011.

Clancy, who now lives in Zephyrhills, grew up in San Antonio and has many fond memories of her childhood there.

She was recruited to help the club by her aunt, and is happy to be involved.

Jones said she’s love being part of the garden club.

“I love this community, and I want it to be beautiful for everyone else’s enjoyment,” Jones said.

All three ladies are looking forward to sharing their seasonal evening with the community.

“We just want to encourage people to come that night,” Swart said.

The Founders’ Garden Club of San Antonio
The name of The Founders’ Garden Club of San Antonio refers to the fact that it was the first garden club in the city, according to a document compiled to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary in 2011.

The name also pays homage to the foresight of the original founders of the Catholic Colony of San Antonio who set aside the land for a park, the document adds.

No minutes were taken at the club’s first meeting, the account says, but those attending the second meeting were: Jeanette Barthle, Stella Barthle, Rose Cope, Margaret Cissel, Alice Epperson, Bobbie Epperson, Jo Ann Franz, Marie Harper, Ruth Pike Herman, Mary Jones, Effie McCabe, Margaret Keifer, Patsy Reynolds, Theresa Schrader and Charlene Spalding.

The following month, Elizabeth Cannon, Blanche Naeyaert, Sylvia Gude and Dolores Nalley joined, and shortly thereafter, Alice Burger, Betty Burger, Sid Corrigan and Mary Schrader joined, the account says.

Published November 30, 2016

Celebrating St. Leo’s storied past

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On the surface, the town of St. Leo easily could be underestimated.

After all, the town’s population is just 1,350, and it has a tiny town hall.

But this place of rolling hills recently turned 125, and its history was celebrated with a mass at Saint Leo Abbey, followed by a barbecue luncheon and speeches at Saint Leo University, and then, an ice cream social.

An exterior view of Saint Leo Abbey, where a mass was held to kick off festivities to celebrate the Town of St. Leo’s 125th birthday. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
An exterior view of Saint Leo Abbey, where a mass was held to kick off festivities to celebrate the Town of St. Leo’s 125th birthday.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Abbot Isaac Camacho presided over the mass, while luncheon speakers included St. Leo Mayor Richard Christmas, Saint Leo University President Bill Lennox, Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader, local historian Bill Dayton and Holy Name Monastery Prioress Sister Roberta Bailey.

Those attending the luncheon had a chance to mill about, perusing tables that displayed artifacts offering a portal into the community’s past.

Items on display included a wedding dress dating to 1914, parts of the first telephone in St. Leo, a quilt with one square featuring the Serenity Prayer, old spectacles, displays from the town’s centennial celebration, historic photographs and newspaper clippings.

A slide show featuring about 250 images played continuously — creating a backdrop that prompted memories and sparked conversations.

During the luncheon, Mayor Christmas thanked Saint Leo University for providing the facilities for the festivities, and praised Town Clerk Joan Miller and Deputy Clerk Andrea Calvert for their hard work in organizing the celebration.

Without all of the help, Christmas said, “what we would have had here today, I think, (would have been) a very short 125th anniversary in the parking lot of St. Leo Town Hall, and we would have died of heat stroke in 5 minutes, and we’d have left.

“It’s really nice that we’re able to be here,” he said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader, who grew up in the area, congratulated the town for its historic milestone.

Local historian Bill Dayton shared the story of the Town of St. Leo’s incorporation, which occurred in 1891.
Local historian Bill Dayton shared the story of the Town of St. Leo’s incorporation, which occurred in 1891.

“As some of the pictures were going through (the slide show), it reminded me of the good old days growing up on Lake Jovita,” he said.

He recalls fishing for brim and enjoying the Jaycees’ fish-a-thons.
“Those are the fond, fond memories,” Schrader said.

Sister Mary David was pleased to be at the celebration.

“It’s wonderful that they’re getting in touch with their history, because a lot of times people don’t have any idea, where they came from, or what — what —stands for.

“If we can honor those who came before us, and their hard work and their values, we can grow. It’s like a tree. Those are the roots,” said the sister who just recently celebrated her 50th Jubilee.

A land development option
Historian Bill Dayton shared the story of St. Leo’s beginnings with an audience of around 100.

St. Leo’s history traces back to a time when Florida was in dire financial straits, Dayton said.

The state was on the brink of bankruptcy when Philadelphia financier Hamilton Disston bailed it out by purchasing 4 million acres of land, at 25 cents per acre, Dayton said.

At one time, the Town of St. Leo had its own police department. Now, it receives services from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
At one time, the Town of St. Leo had its own police department. Now, it receives services from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The transaction occurred in 1881, and Edmund Dunne, a devout Catholic and former chief justice of the Arizona Territory, handled the legal work on the deal.

For his attorney’s fee, Dunne — who wanted to form a Catholic Colony — took his payment in the form of an option to develop 100,000 acres, Dayton said.

Then, he and his cousin, Capt. Hugh Dunne, hiked over much of the northern portion of the Disston Purchase to select the lands for Dunne’s development option, Dayton said.

While scouting that land, the men climbed up a hill — to just about where the university sits today. They saw a beautiful lake, and since it was Saint Jovita’s Feast Day, the lake was christened Lake Jovita, Dayton said.

Judge Dunne claimed the top of the hill for his homestead, and he created a plan for the San Antonio Catholic Colony. That plan called for San Antonio to be the center of the colony, with satellite villages, named for saints, at the points of a compass. Land in between was preserved in forest, Dayton said.

“It was a very sophisticated and advanced land ownership plan,” Dayton said.

Within the colony, Dunne wanted a college, a monastery and a convent, Dayton said. All three came to fruition.

The Benedictine sisters arrived in 1889 and moved into the former Sultenfuss Hotel, at the north end of the square in San Antonio. The monks arrived that same year, to establish a college, which was chartered in 1889 and held its first class in 1890, Dayton said.

There was hostility among the locals when the monks arrived, Dayton said.

“Father Charles (Mohr) received word that a local vigilance committee was talking about burning the monks out,” Dayton said. So, Mohr rode out to the farm of one of the vigilance committee leaders. And, when he arrived, he found that that man was ill, and his wife was exhausted.

Mohr took charge of caring for the man, and the plans for burning out the monks were extinguished, Dayton said.

The great work still goes on
St. Leo’s incorporation stemmed, in part, from a dispute between the monks and the Pasco County Commission, Dayton said. At the time, county commissioners had the authority to order residents into the task of clearing and building roads, he explained.

Mohr was infuriated when commissioners drafted monks to do road labor, Dayton said.

“He wrote an angry letter to the County Commission pointing out that the Constitution of Florida exempted clergymen from road labor,” Dayton said.

Mohr also consulted a leading local lawyer who advised him to pursue incorporation, and that occurred in 1891, the historian said.

Dr. J.F. Corrigan, who had been a wealthy New Yorker, was one of the original colonists and went on to become the town’s first mayor. When he moved to the area, he built a three-story mansion, complete with a private chapel that had received papal sanction, Dayton said.

Dayton concluded his remarks by saying, “The town of St. Leo persists to this day and has maintained its integrity and its identity, and that’s a great accomplishment.”

This sign indicates the location of the Town of St. Leo’s town hall. It shares its space with a substation for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
This sign indicates the location of the Town of St. Leo’s town hall. It shares its space with a substation for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Sister Roberta Bailey, now serving in her second term as Prioress at Holy Name Monastery, reminded those gathered of the sacrifices that were made through the years, to create the St. Leo that exists today.

“We preserve our stories because we want never to forget that the opportunities we have today were not simply lavished upon us,” Bailey said. “They were purchased at a great price, at travel from home; cold, cracked, work-worn knuckles; study by night with midnight oil; stomachs that ached with hunger; raking, hoeing and manuring groves and gardens; saving, skimping and salvaging.

“What firm faith and incredible courage our founding sisters must have had,” Bailey said. “Imagine what daring it took to venture south into this unknown territory,” Bailey said.

Since arriving in 1889, the sisters have been educators and administrators, town mayors and commissioners, members of various boards, leaders of religious programs and ministries, and involved in work in surrounding communities and in other states.

“Now, here we are at the 46, 516th day of the 127th year of our history — yes, we were here even before St. Leo was a town,” Bailey said.

“The great work still goes on,” she said. “As long as there are gaps between our ideals and our reality, there will always be great work to be done.”

The case for incorporation
“Citizens of St. Leo, as already indicated by the public notices, Feb. 24 is to be the birthday of our little town. Let us turn out in full force on that day. Let nothing keep us at home. Let it be our boast that we cast our vote for incorporation.

“No town can prosper unless there is a unity of spirit among its inhabitants and this unity of spirit can only be brought about by incorporation.

“Incorporation means a long list of benefits that shall certainly be ours after the election — better roads, better feeling, enterprise, success. Come to Dr. Corrigan’s house at 10 a.m. and cast your vote for the prosperity and welfare of the new town.”

Dated: Feb. 16, 1891

Signed: B.M. Wichers, N.P. Bishoff, J.F. Corrigan

A papal honor
Pope Leo XIII conferred on Hon. Edmund Dunne, formerly chief justice of Arizona and new head of the Colony of San Antonio, the title of Count.

— Except from a report by The New York Times, Feb. 22, 1884

Published August 3, 2016

Saint Anthony’s makes history again

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At a place that can trace its history back to the 1880s, Saint Anthony Catholic School marked another milestone on June 3 with a ceremony to bless the completion of a renovated building constructed in 1922.

It was the second time in two years that Saint Anthony Catholic School paused to celebrate the completion of a construction project.

This view of the new school shows the St. Anthony Catholic School sign. The façade on the old school is plain red brick. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
This view of the new school shows the St. Anthony Catholic School sign. The façade on the old school is plain red brick.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The first event occurred on Feb. 5, 2015, when the Rev. Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, presided over the dedication of the school’s new building. That building, designed to architecturally match the existing building, was funded through the Diocese’s Forward in Faith Capital Campaign.

At last week’s event, Abbott Isaac Camacho, of Saint Leo Abbey, presided over the ceremony to bless the school’s newly renovated 1922 building. The Saint Anthony Parish community is covering the cost of the $1.8 million project.

Those gathered at last week’s ceremony expressed gratitude for the education the school provides.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Peter Quinn was among those attending the ceremony. His son, Gabriel, just graduated from the school, and his twin daughters, Faith and Grace, are seventh-graders.

These children are sharing a special moment in history at Saint Anthony Catholic School as they witness the blessing of the school’s renovated 1922 building. They are from left in the front row, Sofia Trevino, Andrew Werckman, Cora Woodard and Taylor Young. In the back row, from left are Abigail Kocher, Boden Ballinger, Kyle Bueno and Joseph Hammond.
These children are sharing a special moment in history at Saint Anthony Catholic School as they witness the blessing of the school’s renovated 1922 building. They are from left in the front row, Sofia Trevino, Andrew Werckman, Cora Woodard and Taylor Young. In the back row, from left are Abigail Kocher, Boden Ballinger, Kyle Bueno and Joseph Hammond.

“We got here three years ago. This is a pearl of joy for us,” Quinn said. He noted that he searched all of the Diocese, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Brandon, before choosing to enroll his children at Saint Anthony.

“I wanted a place where my parish life and my kids’ school life would be one and the same.

“When I found this place, with the sisters in residence, that was it.

“The surrounding community is just so supportive,” Quinn said.

Leo Brand and Kyle Christmas, both members of the Knights of Columbus, were there, dressed in their full regalia.

They came to present the school with a gift: A pole and a stand, to hold the school’s banner.

“They’ve always borrowed ours for years,” Brand said. So, the Knights of Columbus San Antonio Council 1768 decided to purchase one for the school, he said.

Abbott Isaac Camacho, of Saint Leo Abbey, presides over the ceremony which included blessing the restored building, room by room. Brother Lucius Amarillas stands to the abbott’s right.
Abbott Isaac Camacho, of Saint Leo Abbey, presides over the ceremony which included blessing the restored building, room by room. Brother Lucius Amarillas stands to the abbott’s right.

Christmas noted that one of his family members helped build the school decades ago. “He’s got his name on one of the bricks up on the top of the roof,” he said.

Christmas said he’s pleased to see that the school is building for the future.

“It’s nice to see that they are expanding and that they’re getting busy enough to expand, that people are taking advantage of a Catholic education,” Christmas said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader was at the event — but not in his role as an elected leader. He has closer ties to the church and school.

“I’m an alumnus. It’s my parish. My church. It’s a great part of our community. My parents were actually married in the church,” Schrader said.

The renovation of the 1922 school building marks a proud moment for the parish and school, Schrader said.

“The community just came together. They recognized the importance of a Catholic education,” Schrader said.

Leigh DiMaria has three children at the school.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal takes the stage during the June 3 dedication and blessing ceremony for the renovated 1922 building on the Saint Anthony Catholic School campus. She spent the majority of her time expressing gratitude for the project and thanking those who were involved in making it happen.
Sister Alice Ottapurackal takes the stage during the June 3 dedication and blessing ceremony for the renovated 1922 building on the Saint Anthony Catholic School campus. She spent the majority of her time expressing gratitude for the project and thanking those who were involved in making it happen.

“I love the fact that they were able to restore a lot of the old elements,” DiMaria said.

She’s pleased that her children, Faith, Vincent and Nolan, attend Saint Anthony, and that her family is part of the school’s community.

“The community around here, the support, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s amazing,” DiMaria said.

Abbott Camacho presided over the ceremony, but others took part, as well. Rev. Garry Welsh, the current pastor, Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the current principal, and Sister Roberta Bailey, the Prioress at Holy Name Monastery and former principal of the school, also offered remarks.

Students took part, too. Hannah Fox, led the assembly in “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You,” Lindsay Golliday read a selection from scripture, and Aiden Fox and Adeline Shiver were altar servers.

Abbott Camacho reminded those gathered that “one of the characteristics of us Benedictines (who founded the school) is to welcome the other, as Christ, no matter who the other is. To see in them, the image of Christ.

“It’s not about the teachers. It’s not about the good reputation of the school. It’s about the other. Can we see Christ in the other, no matter their background? If we see in them, Christ, things start to change for good,” Abbott Camacho said.

Sister Bailey recalled Saint Anthony Catholic School’s rich history, and noted that it has faced some tough times.

“We owe a great deal of credit to the pastors that were in this area. There was a day when the principal and the bookkeeper would come up with budget, based on the tuition that we knew we could collect. And, whatever we thought we couldn’t collect, we gave that debt to the pastors, and they figured out how to support the school,” Sister Bailey said.

But through prayer, God’s blessings, the help of the Diocese, and the generosity of the parish and community, there’s now a new school building and a renovated building, Sister Ottapurackal said.

“Our school looks beautiful, and it is ready for 21st century learning. We are proud of how it came out, because of God’s blessing and people’s help,” the principal said.

Published June 8, 2016

Saint Anthony to dedicate renovated school

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Saint Anthony Catholic School is planning a dedication ceremony for its renovated school building at 12155 Joe Herrmann Drive in San Antonio.

The event is slated for June 3 at 10 a.m., and the ceremony will mark the completion of a project to rejuvenate a three-story brick building originally erected in 1922.

The building in the foreground is the recently completed renovated 1922 building on the Saint Anthony school campus in San Antonio. Portions that could be restored, were restored, and the rest was renovated in the $1.8 million project. (Photos courtesy of Saint Anthony Catholic School)
The building in the foreground is the recently completed renovated 1922 building on the Saint Anthony school campus in San Antonio. Portions that could be restored, were restored, and the rest was renovated in the $1.8 million project.
(Photos courtesy of Saint Anthony Catholic School)

“We are so excited,” said Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal, noting that Abbott Isaac Camacho of Saint Leo Abbey will bless and dedicate the building.

After the blessing, those attending will be invited to tour the building and to stay for light refreshments.

The $1.8 million project involved restoration where possible, combined with renovation, to prepare the building for use by students today and for future generations.

The project is being paid for by the parish community, and $260,000 is still needed to cover the costs, the principal said.

The renovation involved converting the top floor of the building into a cafeteria and recreation space. The second floor has a media room, a computer lab, an art room and a Spanish classroom.

The ground floor has a music room, two extra classrooms and storage space.

Students began using the renovated building two weeks ago, Ottapurackal said, because she wanted the eighth-graders to have a chance to use it before leaving the school.

The cafeteria, on the building’s top floor, has gleaming wood floors. The floors, which are original to the building, were beneath carpeting that was torn out.
The cafeteria, on the building’s top floor, has gleaming wood floors. The floors, which are original to the building, were beneath carpeting that was torn out.

The dedication ceremony is being held on the last day of school because the community was eager to tour the building, she added.

Over the years, thousands of students have been educated in the building at a school whose history dates back to the 1880s.

Saint Anthony’s wants to share its celebration with anyone who would like to attend.

It issued this invitation through a news release: “You are invited to stroll through the halls of history, rekindle fond memories, and perhaps find the calling to make new memories for your children or grandchildren.

“Please join us as this grand hall of learning is dedicated and blessed as it prepares to enter into the next chapter of its story. You may find yourself among the pages.”

The renovation is the second major project completed at the school in recent years.

This computer lab reveals Saint Anthony Catholic School’s desire to give its students opportunities to use modern technology. At the same time, the crucifix on the wall and the message on the bulletin board demonstrate the school’s emphasis on a Catholic education.
This computer lab reveals Saint Anthony Catholic School’s desire to give its students opportunities to use modern technology. At the same time, the crucifix on the wall and the message on the bulletin board demonstrate the school’s emphasis on a Catholic education.

Last February, the school celebrated the dedication of a new building that was funded through the St. Petersburg Diocese’s Forward in Faith Capital Campaign.

The school officially opened in 1884, two years after San Antonio was founded as a Catholic colony.

The year before the school opened, a widowed woman named Cecilia Morse moved into the community with her six children. When she inquired about the school, she was told it could wait until there were more settlers. Instead, she began teaching 14 children — including six of her own — in her kitchen.

Saint Anthony Catholic School is the oldest parochial school in the diocese and also is one of the oldest Catholic schools in Florida.

School Dedication
What: Saint Anthony Catholic School is having a blessing and dedication of its renovated 1922 school building. After the blessing, there will be school tours and refreshments.
Where: 12155 Joe Herrmann Drive, San Antonio
When: June 3 at 10 a.m.
Who: All are welcome, but please RSVP by calling (352) 588-3041. The school wants to be sure to have enough refreshments.

Published June 1, 2016

Historian sheds light on German POWs in Dade City

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The recent death of Eva Martha (Goddard) Knapp has sparked memories of the work she did to trace the history of German prisoners of war who lived and worked in the Dade City area during World War II.

Knapp, who died on June 20, 2015 in St. Petersburg, was a noted historian in the Pasco County Historical Society.

This photo was taken during the 1995 dedication of a historic marker to record the fact that German prisoners of war lived in Dade City during World War II and served as laborers. They were paid the prevailing wages, but the U.S. government deducted money to cover expenses for housing and feeding them. (Courtesy of Fivay.org)
This photo was taken during the 1995 dedication of a historic marker to record the fact that German prisoners of war lived in Dade City during World War II and served as laborers. They were paid the prevailing wages, but the U.S. government deducted money to cover expenses for housing and feeding them.
(Courtesy of Fivay.org)

She was particularly known for the research she did about the German POW camps, including a camp housed in an area now known as Pyracantha/Naomi Jones Park.

Knapp donated many of her materials to the University of South Florida, according to local historians Madonna Wise and Eddie Herrmann, who put together some background information about Knapp, following her death, which they shared with The Laker/Lutz News.

According to their research, a biographical excerpt on Knapp in the USF collection details Knapp’s involvement in collecting information about the German POWs.

The USF excerpt says that during the 1991-1992 school year, Knapp was teaching English at Hernando High School in Brooksville, and her 10th-grade class read Betty Greene’s novel, “The Summer of My German Soldier.”

Eva Martha Knapp, former president of the Pasco Historical Society, did extensive work to trace the history of the German prisoners of war who lived in Dade City during World War II. (Courtesy of Madonna Wise)
Eva Martha Knapp, former president of the Pasco Historical Society, did extensive work to trace the history of the German prisoners of war who lived in Dade City during World War II.
(Courtesy of Madonna Wise)

After reading the book, Knapp’s students interviewed family members and acquaintances that were old enough to remember World War II to see if they knew if German prisoners of war had been held in Pasco County, the excerpt says.

During those interviews, they heard that some German prisoners had worked at the Pasco Packing Company, the excerpt adds.

So, two students visited the company and learned from company executives that German POWs indeed had worked there.

The class also was able to locate some of the men who had been prisoners in Florida camps, and who had remained in Florida after the war.

The class received a letter from a former prisoner, detailing some of his experiences.

Ludeke Herder, a prisoner who was a Protestant, shares his memories of one Christmas in a letter dated Jan. 9, 1992.

Because it was Christmas, the prisoners were allowed to go to a “Protestant-Lutheran Church in Tampa,” he writes.

“Our guards were inside the church too, without guns. After the worship, our guard told us to leave the church through the same door, like we came in, but the vicar told us to go through the door at the side of the church. Our guard was mad, but allowed us to take the other door,” he adds.

The story of the German prisoners of war who lived in Dade City is recorded on this historic marker. (Courtesy of Fivay.org)
The story of the German prisoners of war who lived in Dade City is recorded on this historic marker.
(Courtesy of Fivay.org)

As they came through a small door, he continues, “the people gave us cakes, candy and coffee and it was a wonderful Christmas day and I never can forget such a kind gesture.”

Letters such as this one are the types of items contained in the collection at USF, which resulted from the students’ and Knapp’s research efforts.

The archive also contains photocopies of material gathered by Knapp during her research, including copies of official documents from the National Archives, correspondence with former German prisoners of war, photocopies of Der P.O.W. Zeit-Spiegel (a publication) and other materials.

Knapp worked extensively with Herrmann to archive the information.

Herrmann shared some of his knowledge about the German prisoners during a recent interview.

The men lived in the Dade City camp, but went out to do jobs, Herrmann recalled.

“They went out every day. They rode a bus to go to work in Brooksville,” he said. They dug lime rock at a mine that was used in building construction.

“They worked in the orange groves,” Herrmann added. “They got to be friendly with people. They even worked in people’s yards.”

Additional details of the prisoners’ experiences in Dade City are contained on a historical marker Branch Camp No. 7, placed there in 1995 by the Pasco County Historical Preservation Committee.

The marker explains that the demands of World War II created a shortage of agricultural workers here at home.

To reduce that problem, the United States Army established about 500 prisoner-of-war camps to supply laborers.

Camp Blanding, near Starke, was headquarters for the 22 camps in Florida, with the Dade City camp being designated Branch Camp No. 7, according to the marker.

The Dade City camp began in March 1944 and housed about 250 men, many who had been involved with Rommel’s famed AfrikaKorps.

The camp was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It had a three-tent mess hall, which was also used for church services, classes and movies.

It also had a canteen attached to a small day room; a larger day room with table tennis and a piano; sleeping quarters and latrines, according to the marker.

The prisoners handled a variety of jobs, according to the marker. They worked at the McDonald Mine in Brooksville, where they made limestone bricks for Pasco Packing Building No. 7, and at Cummer Sons Cypress Mill in Lacoochee.

The prisoners’ spiritual needs were attended to by a minister of the Zion Lutheran Church of Tampa and by priests from nearby Saint Leo Abbey.

Knapp developed lasting friendships with the prisoners and even traveled to Germany to visit them.

She was long-time member of the Pasco Historical Society, where she served as president of the society in 2002.

She presented to the society in May of 1995 on her research about the prisoner of war camp and Pasco Packing.

She also participated as a costumed docent, demonstrating, and teaching spinning and weaving skills at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village.

She is survived by two sisters, Margaret Allen and Jane McDavitt; three children, Diana Neff, Roberta Stalvey and Howard Knapp; eleven grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pasco Historical Society or the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village.

More information is available at EastPascoHistoricalSociety.com/pascomurals.html or WarLinks.com/memories/knapp.

Published July 22, 2015

Saint Leo abbot discusses the art of spirituality

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For thousands of years before Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, books were printed and illustrated by hand — a painstaking process often completed within the confines of monastery walls.

Reproductions of two volumes of the St. John’s Bible are on display at Cannon Memorial Library at the University of Saint Leo this year to help celebrate the 125th anniversary of Saint Leo Abbey, Holy Name Monastery and the university. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)
Reproductions of two volumes of the St. John’s Bible are on display at Cannon Memorial Library at the University of Saint Leo this year to help celebrate the 125th anniversary of Saint Leo Abbey, Holy Name Monastery and the university.
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The St. John’s Bible, a modern version of that ancient practice commissioned by St. John’s Abbey and University, depicts the first handwritten illuminated Bible of a monumental size commissioned by a Benedictine Monastery in more than 500 years.

The original volumes are housed at the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library on the campus of St. John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota.

But 299 reproductions of the work have been made, and two volumes are on loan this year to Saint Leo University, Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey.

The illuminated volumes and other religious artworks were the focus of a discussion led by the Rev. Isaac Camacho, abbot of Saint Leo Abbey, which is a Benedictine community of monks in St. Leo.

The abbot’s talk, “The Art of Spirituality,” covered not only the use of art to inspire spiritual understanding and growth, but also the artful pursuit of the spiritual life.

“Who created me? What is there after life? What is God? How is God?” Camacho said. “God’s beauty does not remain wrapped up in himself.”

Through his creation of the universe, the abbot added, “our God has already demonstrated that natural things are fundamentally good.”

Art is an expression of mankind’s creative nature, he added.

“Every single human being knows that there is something creative inside of us and art is an expression of that,” Camacho said. “We cannot deny that art will lead us to try to understand that there is beauty beyond ourselves.”

He also believes that being artistic is an intrinsic part of being human.

“If you say you are not an artist, you are lying to yourself,” Camacho said.

For some people, the art can be as simple as a stick figure. For others, it can be a poem.

Pursuing that artistic expression, and using it to help express spiritual discovery, helps people feel more connected to their spiritual life, the abbot added.

He encouraged people to feel free to mark up their Bibles with illustrations or other notations, to help make it truly their own.

“Your spiritual journey will be nourished when you discover something beautiful,” Camacho said.

The St. John’s Bible was completed by a team of calligraphers led by Donald Jackson, the calligrapher to Queen Elizabeth II. The calligraphers collaborated with 80 contemporary artists who illuminated the work.

The volumes are made from traditional materials such as calfskin, ancient ink, gold and silver leaf. Calligraphers used quill pens, fashioned from goose, turkey and swan feathers.

The reproductions on display at the university’s library are two of the seven volumes of the Heritage Edition of the St. John’s Bible — a limited edition of full-size facsimile reproductions of the original work.

The public is invited to see the sacred works of art, which are on display in the lobby of the Daniel A. Cannon Memorial Library, on Saint Leo University’s campus at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

The two volumes that are on display include the first five books of the Old Testament and the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John from the New Testament. Pages of the text are turned on a regular basis to new illuminated passages in the volumes.

Published September 24, 2014

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The new Holy Name Monastery: A place for spiritual growth, refreshment

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When the Benedictine Sisters of Florida arrived in East Pasco from Elk County, Pennsylvania, in 1889, they lived in a three-story hotel in San Antonio.

This week, they’re hosting an open house at their new quarters, marking another major milestone in their 125-year history in Pasco County.

Holy Name Monastery, the home of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida for 125 years, has moved into new quarters. The new structure is much smaller and more modern than the sisters’ previous home, which is just across State Road 52. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Holy Name Monastery, the home of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida for 125 years, has moved into new quarters. The new structure is much smaller and more modern than the sisters’ previous home, which is just across State Road 52.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The new Holy Name Monastery replaces the sisters’ former quarters, which were in a 100,000-square-foot structure across State Road 52.

Saint Leo University purchased that building in October 2012, along with some additional acreage from the sisters. The purchase helped cover the cost of the new 28,000-square-foot monastery. The sisters also conducted a capital campaign for $500,000.

Like any new home, there are advantages and disadvantages.

The sisters have less space. However, the old multi-story structure where they had lived since 1960 had become too large for them and too expensive to operate and maintain.

Sister Mary Romana Gomez is delighted with the sisters’ new home.

“I just thank God for a dream come true,” she said.

“I’m just in awe,” added Sister Margaret Mary Roberts.

“It’s what we wanted,” Sister Jean Abbott agreed.

Visitors arriving at the monastery, at 12138 Wichers Road, will be greeted in a small lobby, which is flanked by stained glass windows representing Saint Benedict and his sister, Saint Scholastica.

The chapel is large and in a place of prominence, signifying its important role in the monastery. Furnishings for the chapel were moved there from the former monastery’s chapel.

Other features of the new monastery include a dining room and kitchen, as well as two small kitchens, where light meals and snacks can be prepared.

There’s also a multipurpose room adjoining the chapel. It has a wall that can be moved to create a larger chapel space when that is needed. Or, the room can be used to provide additional dining space.

The monastery also has an archives room, a library, an exercise room and a laundry room. There’s a television room, too, equipped with a wide-screen television, a gift to the sisters from the Tampa Bay Rays.

The living quarters are housed in a separate building, connected by a corridor that incorporates additional storage space.

There are 20 bedrooms, including four guest rooms.

It is easy to see that this is a place devoted to worship and spiritual growth. There’s an outdoor statue representing the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, which stands near the front of the building.

At the end of one corridor, there’s a statue representing the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In the dining hall, there’s a sign that says, “Give us this day, our daily bread” — an excerpt from the “Our Father,” a prayer recited in Catholic masses. There’s also a painting of the Last Supper, which represents when Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist, a fundamental part of the Catholic faith.

With just four guest rooms, the new monastery cannot accommodate overnight retreats. Still, Sister Mary David Hydro, who helps plan retreats, said she thinks the opportunity for hosting such gatherings may be even greater now.

Many people who are unable to attend overnight retreats may be able to break away for a day of reflection, she said.

The need for retreats is there, she said. “People are hungry for spiritual life.”

Providing spiritual replenishment is just one role the sisters have played through the years. They lead lives of prayer and accept prayer requests from the community.

They also have been instrumental in schools and on organization boards including Sunrise Spouse Abuse Shelter, Saint Leo University Haitian Mission Project, Florida Association for the Education of Young Children, Catholic Charities, Coalition for the Homeless, Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, and DayStar Hope Thrift Store and Food Pantry.

Each year they provide a Thanksgiving meal to feed more than 200 people. They’ll do the same this year, but will need to adjust their logistics, said Sister Mary Clare Neuhofer, the monastery’s immediate past prioress.

While a move to a new place requires adjustments, there are plenty of pluses, the sisters said.

For one thing, the views are fantastic. The monastery’s back porch sits at the top of a grassy hill.

Clusters of wildflower add bits of color, and the hills slope down to stands of trees below. There’s a wide expanse of sky above, and off in the distance, is a view of the steeple for Saint Leo Abbey church.

There is beauty and serenity at this place, on a hill.

As they were sharing their first meal together in their new dwelling place, the sisters saw a double rainbow arch across the sky. They took that as a sign of God’s blessing on their new home.

Published September 17, 2014

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