St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College Gala

Saint Joseph Abbey + Seminary College will host its annual fundraising gala, Deo Gratias, Latin for “thanks be to God,” on Saturday, October 24, 2015, on the beautiful grounds of Saint Joseph Abbey, located at 75376 River Road, in Saint Benedict, La., just north of Covington.

The evening begins at 6:00 PM with Vespers in the Abbey Church with the Benedictine monks. The Abbey Church, included on the National Register of Historic Places, is illuminated by murals painted by renowned artist-monk Dom Gregory de Wit. The gala begins at 7:00 PM on the grounds of the Abbey and will continue until 10:00 PM. Guests will enjoy a meal prepared by Chef Drake Leonards of LÜKE and a silent auction featuring a variety of items, including art by local artists. This year’s featured artwork is a painting of “St. Benedict” by Jazz Fest artist, Connie Kittok.

Other auction items include unique religious pieces, jewelry, game tickets, get-a-ways, distinctive household items and gift certificates. A favorite auction item is always a basket of goods made by members of the monastic community at the Abbey. The Deo Gratias raffle this year will include a stunning diamond pendant, a week long get-a-way, a work of art by one of the Abbey monks, and a Monk Soap of the month subscription.

All proceeds from this event benefit Saint Joseph Seminary College, celebrating more than 125 years of service to the southeastern region of the U.S., which welcomed a record enrollment of nearly 140 students this fall.

Sponsors for Deo Gratias will enjoy a pre-gala reception hosted by Abbot Justin Brown and Fr. Gregory Boquet, president-rector, in the beautiful monk's refectory which features ceiling to floor murals, also by de Wit. Chef Leonards will be on hand to meet the guests and treat them to special appetizers. Sponsors also enjoy reserved seating at the gala. In addition, sponsors can enjoy the benefits of higher sponsor levels by participating in the "Sponsor Pledge Program." Simply make the initial sponsor contribution and then pledge the rest. Benefits include additional pre-gala tickets.

Gala tickets are $85 each, and raffle tickets are $25 each. For more information on being a sponsor, or to purchase tickets and raffle tickets, visit http://www.sjasc.edu/, or contact Kathy Nastasi, manager of marketing and volunteers, at 985-867-2284.