University Ministry, TKE host Oktoberfest for Saint Leo community

Saint Leo University Ministry partnered with Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity’s Sigma Theta chapter to host Oktoberfest the evening of November 2 on the Lakeside Patio outside of the Student Community Center. The event, originally scheduled for late October, was rescheduled due to rain.

About 200 students participated, enjoying music and German cuisine including bratwurst and sauerkraut. Father Randall Meissen, university chaplain, welcomed students with a prayer and harvest blessing to inaugurate the festivities on a beautiful autumn evening, joined by Saint Leo senior cybersecurity major and TKE chapter president Tyler Bourdeau.

The traditional Oktoberfest decorations include the blue and white diamond pattern resembling the Bavarian flag. Students noted the connection to the coat of arms and heraldry of Saint Leo Abbey, a reminder of the German roots of some of the key Benedictine founders of Saint Leo Abbey, including Abbot Charles Mohr, the first abbot of Saint Leo and himself the son of German Catholic immigrants, Meissen said.

Upcoming events for University Ministry include Theology on Tap at Al’s Famous Pizza in San Antonio, FL, at 6 p.m., Thursday, November 18. Guest presenter is Father Chuck Dornquast, chaplain for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the director of vocations for the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg (FL).

Photos by Isaac Jeter