Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

Events

Flag Day

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Did you know…

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States which took place on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. It was not until August 3, 1949 that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

The origin of the display of the American flag in many parishes in the United States appears to have its origins in the offering of prayers for those who served during the Second World War (1941-1945). At that time, many bishops and pastors provided a book of remembrance near the American flag, requesting prayers for loved ones – especially those serving their country in the armed forces – as a way of keeping before the attention of the faithful the needs of military families. This practice has since been confirmed in many places during the Korean, Vietnam and Iraqi conflicts.

US Conference of Catholic Bishops

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National Day of Prayer

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Today is National Day of Prayer.  It is so easy to forget to pray.  Jesus knows about being human, a soul housed in a human body, a body which needs air, needs water, needs food.  But He admonishes us that we must also nourish our spiritual self not only through the sacraments, but also through private prayer.

Today we have the opportunity to join with all people of faith in prayer for ourselves, our communities, and our world.  We can go into our personal desert to pray alone as Jesus did while on earth.  But prayer is an anywhere, anytime, activity.  We can pray in the car, in the shower, while we walk, during the commercial breaks while watching television (the mute button is useful here).  Jesus is always ready to hear us.

Today, let us join all who pray.  Let us raise our souls to God, if only for moment, if only to say “Here I am.  Thank you for life.  Thank you for now”.

~by Sister Eileen Dunbar

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Ash Wednesday

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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

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Help Us Rebuild Our Aquaponics Greenhouse!

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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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Help Us Rebuild Our Aquaponics Facility!

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Help Rebuild Our Aquaponics Facility!

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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