75th Jubilee Celebration concluded

Abbot Isaac Camacho, O.S.B. and the monastic community concluded the 75th anniversary of the dedication of the current abbey church at St. Leo Abbey, located in Pasco County, Florida on Monday, January 29, 2024.  The Most Rev. Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., D.D., V.G., Auxiliary Bishop of Newark, was the main celebrant for the solemn celebration of the Eucharist. The Rt. Rev. Martin de Porres Bartel, O.S.B. of St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA was the homilist. The first Benedictines in Florida arrived from the Archabbey in Latrobe in 1886, so the presence of the archabbot was significant and much appreciated. The church is Lombardic-Romanesque in style with a bell tower rising 86 feet.  The sandstone façade and trim came from St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana.  In 1998 the church was placed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.  Joining in the celebration were President Edward Dadez, officials, trustees, faculty, alumni and students from St. Leo University.  Also present were local clergy from the Diocese of St. Peterburg, religious women and men, oblates, and many friends and benefactors of the monastery.  The university chorus and the monastic schola made this jubilee celebration a truly inspiring experience as the gospel of the day noted: “Today salvation has come to this house” (Lk. 19:9).