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The Oblates had drawn the name of a monk from an "electronic hat" and then purchased a gift for their monk.
The Oblate program welcomed several guests whose first visit to the abbey or Oblate program was at the Christmas party.
Some of the desserts traveled with Oblates who came from all across Florida and some came from those who lived just a few minutes from the abbey, but they all found their way to the Lake Room on the third floor of the abbey.
In years past, the abbey's third floor housed the classrooms for Saint Leo College.
Entrance to the Lake Room, so named because it overlooks Lake Jovita. The Christmas party began after lunch with the monks in the abbey dining room.
One Oblate added to the lunch menu by bringing his famous sausages and sauerkraut dish.
Theresa Bakas welcomed everyone and Hector Ferrer took all the pictures.
Some of the Lake Room's Christmas decorations.
The Lake Room is where the Oblate novices and Oblates have their classes on the first Sunday of the month. Here is the upcoming Oblate Calendar.
Brother Jacob with his gifts from Oblates. Brother Jacob is the guest master.
Father Joseph and Brother Joshua.
Brother James. He manages the abbey gift shop.
Brother Clement.
Several Oblates painted the Lake Room in 2011. The green went well with the Christmas party decorations.
Father David on the balcony.
There were a lot of smiles.
Brother Stanislaw is Prior at the abbey and teaches the novice classes. He also plays the organ for Mass and the divine office prayers.
Brother Simon works in the abbey accounting department.
Victor is in discernment at the abbey.
Brother Stephen works in the reception office and is liaison with Saint Leo University founded by the abbey in 1889.
On the balcony.
Father Robert.
The Christmas party was fun for everyone. I can attest that these desserts were great.
What do monks do? They seek God. The Oblate (definition of an Oblate) program is a way for lay people to live according to the Rule of Saint Benedict as they are able. Oblates also seek God and are "admitted into spiritual union and affiliation with a Benedictine community of monks or sisters, so that they may share in the spiritual life, prayers, and good works of the monastic community." Reading resources for Oblate are here.
We love the monks at Saint Leo Abbey. Throughout the year they open their house to the Oblates and
the Christmas party is a small way to say thank you.
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