Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889
Ashes of death on our foreheads,
seeds of hope in our hearts.
As we begin the journey, beyond the cross,
let us remember,
God prepares us for life, not for death,
for resurrection and not for crucifixion,
for love and not for hate.
In a world where death holds us bound, and violence seems to reign
in thought and deed,
may this journey of Lent get us ready
to be God’s good news
of hope and wholeness,
peace and reconciliation,
and resurrection life.
Christine Sine
Dear Friends,
As of February 6, 2025 we have gratefully received $9,819 from you our donors. Our plan as previously written in our winter Tide newsletter was only a rebuild of the greenhouse structure and hydroponic portion.
That was four months ago when we felt the loss more intensely. In October, we saw evidence of tornado activity with twisted materials. The storm did NO damage to the fish tanks, nor to the three filtration components and system operation, even though pipes, air and electrical conduits were broken. In contrast, in 2017 Hurricane Irma as a powerful category 4 that did no harm but blew right over the round roof without so much as a tear in any plastic.
Taking all this into consideration, we re-evaluated and will again bring tilapia into the aquaponic system. We hope to begin again very soon—next month? To all who have supported us during these past 10 years, we gratefully accept any contributions you are able to make so we can again sustain ourselves and customers with nutritious food.
The description and cost estimate from Aquasol International of items, materials and labor for the rebuild is as follows:
Description Materials Labor
1 Remove damaged GH structure $1,250
2 Repair end walls $1,000 $1,000
3 Install new GH bows, purlins $13,000 $5,000
4 Install new greenhouse hip strut $500 $750
5 Install side curtains $1,500 $1,000
6 Install double layer poly film w/blower $1,200 $1,000
7 Install aluminet shade cloth $850 $500
8 Repair broken and or damaged air/water lines $250 $500
Sub-Total $18,300 $11,000 $29,300
9 Install evaporative cooling panels $5,000 $2,500 (optional)
10 Install evap cooling exhaust fans $3,200 $750 (optional)
11 Automatic Fish Feeders $400 $250 (optional)
Sub-Total $8,600 $3,500 $12,100
Total $26,900 $14,500 $41,400
Items 9-10 — evaporative cooling panels are mounted on an end wall; thermostat regulated and circulate air from exhaust fans to allow lettuce and vegetables to grow during the summer. In past years, lettuce grew from October until April.
Item 11– automatic fish feeders can be installed if wanted at a future time.
Kindly make checks payable to Benedictine Sisters of FL for: Aquaponics greenhouse rebuild
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As a gift to Benedictine Sisters of Florida, Oblate Luella Wilson would like to offer her services free of charge to prepare your income tax return and electronically file it.
She has over 50 years experience and is an ERO and AFSP registered with the IRS.
As a professional, Luella wants clients to know: “I will stand behind any return I prepare. All I ask is that you make a donation to the Benedictine Sisters of Florida.”
You can do so by mail at:
P.O. Box 2450
St. Leo, FL 33574
or
at their website:
www.benedictinesistersoffl.org
(for donations only – no tax information on website)
“Feel free to ask questions.
I am here to help.”
To schedule your appointment please call or email:
Luella Wilson
Phone: (352) 206-8662
Email: taxdonebyme@aol.com
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After significant tornado damage from Hurricane Milton to the greenhouse aquaculture system at Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo, Florida, a decision was reached by the Benedictine Sisters and Phil Reasons of Aquasol International to dismantle the ruined structure and rebuild anew. Damage includes broken pipes, twisted metal beams, splintered wooden sideboards, and shredded plastic coverings. The 60+ large tilapia suffered trauma, would not eat and so had to be harvested and shared with various organizations.
The plan to rebuild took considerable assessment of many factors and we believe this is God’s work that needs to continue. We will eliminate the aquaponic component which is the tilapia rearing tanks and focus on hydroponically grown plants in the new greenhouse. The outside portions of the farm and fruit tree section are intact so will continue to produce as before the storm.
Months before the hurricanes, the second-hand golf cart which was used to carry supplies around the area gave up the ghost. In addition to the greenhouse construction, a golf cart would be a substantial contribution (approx. $3000) to the monastery and greatly appreciated.
To all who have supported us during these past 10 years, we gratefully accept any contributions you are able to make to this rebuild so we can sustain ourselves and customers with nutritious vegetables.
Below is the breakdown of materials, labor, total by Aquasol International.
Dismantle existing greenhouse $2,500
Install new greenhouse bows and purlins $20,000
Remove aquaculture system $1,000
Repair damaged equipment $1,500
Golf Cart Needed $3,000
Total $28,000
Please make checks payable to: Benedictine Sisters of Florida for greenhouse rebuild
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