It was 1889 when five Benedictine Sisters answered the call for teachers in the small German village of San Antonio, Florida. The original Monastery was built in 1889. Made of wood, it served the Sisters well for 70 years. The sisters decided to build in 2012 a smaller monastery for their needs.

The Sisters came to this area to “begin a great work” of staffing a Catholic educational center. They operated Holy Name Academy from 1889 until its closing in 1964 and St. Benedict’s Preparatory School for Boys from 1929 to 1959.

Their current educational ministries continue with two Sisters working with children at Sacred Heart Pre-school. Their other ministries include counseling, spiritual direction, and traditional Benedictine Hospitality for retreatants and guests.

The next meeting of the Pasco County Historical Society will feature “The History of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida” by Sister Roberta Bailey, O.S.B. It will be held on Friday, January 17, 2020, at 6:00 P.M. at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Road, Dade City, Florida in the Mabel Jordan Barn. Guests are welcome

About Sister Roberta Bailey of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida

Sister Roberta Bailey, O.S.B., is the Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida at Saint Leo, Florida. In 1959 Sister Roberta began her career as a classroom teacher and has taught infants through college-level students. She has been in educational leadership since 1970. Sister Roberta founded the Montessori schools in Saint Leo, Florida and at Blessed Trinity in Ocala.

She serves currently as the Prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida.

Sister Roberta serves on the Board of Trustees of Saint Leo University; is a board member of the local Chamber of Commerce and Sunrise of Pasco. She was a governor appointee on Florida’s Universal Pre-K commission.

Sister Roberta is a frequent lecturer on a variety of topics such as parent education, early childhood development, stress management, and humor. Sister Roberta is the past editor of the ECA of Florida journal Children Our Concern.

January 17 meeting of the Pasco Historical Society to feature History of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida by Sister Roberta Bailey , O.S.B.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION: Guests are welcome. A carry-in dinner precedes the program, so bring a dish to share as well as cutlery for your personal use, plate(s), (disposable is fine) and your beverage of choice. 

LOCATION: The museum is located 1.3 miles north of downtown Dade City, at the corner of US 301 and Museum Road, turn east onto Museum Road and cross the railroad tracks. 

Special thanks to the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village that allows the Pasco County Historical Society to hold meetings at their facilities. Stephanie Black, Executive Director and the Board have been gracious in allowing the historical society to meet at their wonderful facility which honors the history of Pasco County.

For additional information, contact Glen M. Thompson, Secretary at bookbollard@icloud.com or telephone (352) 567-7449.