The Saint Leo Abbey Church was filled with students, faculty, staff, and the public engaging in this tradition that dates back to16th century Europe for Catholic colleges and universities.

In addition to those in attendance in the church, the Saint Leo WorldWide community, which includes those who study and work online and at the university’s regional education centers, participated online through the livestream of the Mass.
“On behalf of the monks of Saint Leo Abbey, the town of St. Leo, the university, everybody who is here, investing in your success and your future, welcome,” said Brother Apollo Rodriguez, OSB, before Mass began.

“We are very happy, pleased, and proud of each and every one of you who are here to worship with us, asking God to bless and consecrate this year of education, of formation, of living the core values of Saint Leo University in your everyday life,” added Rodriguez, the administrator of Saint Leo Abbey and a member of the Saint Leo University Class of 2019.  

“As the Rule of St. Benedict says, before you begin any endeavor, start it with prayer, and so here we are, beginning our academic year with the prayer of prayers, the holy sacrifice of the Eucharist.”

Celebrating the Mass was Father John McEvoy, assistant university chaplain and retired Diocese of Saint Petersburg (FL) priest. Concelebrants were Father Joseph-Mary Paek, OSB.  and Father David Steinwachs, OSB.

Saint Leo students and faculty also took part in the celebration of Mass, with Dr. Randall Woodard, professor of religion and theology and director of the graduate program in theology, and student Jack Wetherington serving as lectors, student Rosa Mills serving as choirmistress, students, and students Yulissa Barrios, Lily Glasgow, and Jake Carillo presenting the Eucharistic gifts. Religion and theology faculty members Dr. Thomas Humphries and Dr. Stephen Okey served as Eucharistic ministers while members of Saint Leo University Ministry were altar servers.

In his homily, McEvoy said that those on the journey of education “need to listen and in prayer to the Holy Spirit and to the gifts we are given -- knowledge, understanding, and wisdom are given to each one of us as we journey in learning and discovery in Saint Leo University. Our hearts are opened but sometimes on this journey, we feel overwhelmed and must ask for peace of heart; sometimes we will feel lost on the journey and we need to pray for clarity; and sometimes we will feel alone, away from home, away from our loved ones, and therefore we must ask for his presence.”
McEvoy noted that the university draws students, faculty, and staff from, “many different beliefs and people from many different backgrounds, it’s multicultural, and people come from distant lands and international countries.

“The Holy Spirit doesn’t erase differences but helps us and gives us and empowers us to engage in respective communication,” he continued, encouraging everyone to, “Let this year be courageous in conversations and in compassionate listening.”
Opportunities to Learn, Practice Faith

Mass (Eucharist) is celebrated in the Saint Leo Abbey Church at noon and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Student Praise & Worship with Eucharistic Adoration is 7-8 p.m., Tuesdays when class is in session, at the Saint Leo Abbey Church.

First Friday Devotion begins with Mass at 9-9:30 a.m., followed by Eucharistic Adoration and Confession, 9:30 a.m.-noon, in Saint Jude Chapel in the Student Activities Building (SAB) complex. Due to the small size of Saint Jude Chapel, Confessions will be heard in SAB, Room 117.

For more information visit ministry.saintleo.edu, email ministry@saintleo.edu, or stop by the University Ministry offices in the Wellness Center.