Saint Bernard Abbey

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Saint Bernard Abbey Saint Bernard Abbey is a Catholic monastery of Benedictine monks who, through prayer and work, strive St. In 1891 those monks gathered to establish St.
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In the 1840s monks from Metten Abbey in Germany, a monastery founded c. 700 A.D., came to America to plant the Benedictine monastic life in the United States and to minister to the growing German-speaking immigrant population. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, became the first foundation, and in the 1870s monks from St. Vincent were sent to Alabama to serve the needs of German Catholics here. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama. One year later, 1892, a school was opened at the new Abbey. At overlapping intervals from 1892 to 1979 the monks operated a high school, junior college, four-year college, and seminary. The present St. Bernard Preparatory School, opened in 1984, is the recipient of this Catholic educational heritage. In 1934 the Ave Maria Grotto, a religious devotional creation of Brother Joseph Zoetle, O.S.B., was dedicated in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Abbey grounds. This garden walk through Brother Joseph’s miniature replicas of famous Old Testament and Christian buildings has welcomed visitors every day since. Most famous among the miniatures are the buildings of ancient Jerusalem, thus the creation’s popular name “Little Jerusalem”. In 1981 the monks opened the St. Bernard Abbey Retreat and Conference Center. This center welcomes religious retreat and pilgrim groups as well as Abbey guests, school groups, and others.

Abbot Brendan’s ordination to the diaconate, originally scheduled for Oct. 20, is being rescheduled as we await further ...
10/19/2026

Abbot Brendan’s ordination to the diaconate, originally scheduled for Oct. 20, is being rescheduled as we await further communication from Rome. We will share the new date once it is confirmed.

Thank you for your understanding and for keeping Abbot Brendan and our monastic community in your prayers!

10/18/2026

Due to a scheduling conflict, the Diaconate Ordination of Abbot Brendan, originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon.

Please keep Abbot Brendan in your prayers as he prepares to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders!

🌸 Vendor applications are NOW OPEN for the 43rd Annual Bloomin’ Festival!Planning is already underway for an exciting we...
10/06/2026

🌸 Vendor applications are NOW OPEN for the 43rd Annual Bloomin’ Festival!

Planning is already underway for an exciting weekend of arts, crafts and community on April 17–18, 2027, at St. Bernard in Cullman, Alabama!

We invite returning vendors and new artists to apply and join this cherished tradition. We can’t wait to see the handmade creations you’ll bring to campus!

🌷 Register by November 15 to receive $10 off your vendor fee.
🔗 Apply at https://www.bloominfestival.com/become-an-exhibitor/

Help us spread the word by sharing this post with an artist or maker you’d love to see at Bloomin’ Festival!

Happy 135th birthday, St. Bernard! ❤️On Sept. 29, 1891, a significant chapter in St. Bernard’s history began.A solemn Po...
09/29/2026

Happy 135th birthday, St. Bernard! ❤️

On Sept. 29, 1891, a significant chapter in St. Bernard’s history began.
A solemn Pontifical Mass was celebrated by Bishop Leo Haid, O.S.B., D.D., at 8 a.m., Father Dennis acting as archpriest, Father Benedict as deacon and Father Fridolin as subdeacon.

The election for the first abbot of St. Bernard took place in the sacristy at 9:30 a.m. and was concluded quickly, since Father Benedict Menges was chosen unanimously as the first abbot on the first ballot.

The loud ringing of the bells brought the good news to the people of Cullman. Once the Te Deum had been sung, the people who had gathered in the churchyard were given the election results and presented with their newly elected abbot. That night, a brass band played for him, and a telegram was sent with news of the election to St. Vincent and the other abbeys.

One hundred thirty-five years have now passed, and we recall the establishment of St. Bernard and the event that marked the start of its history in Cullman.

Happy Founding Day, St. Bernard! 🎉

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Archangels—Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael—who are God’s faithful messengers, po...
09/29/2026

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Archangels—Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael—who are God’s faithful messengers, powerful protectors, and healers. On this joyful feast day, we celebrate with gratitude two of our own brothers who carry the names of these heavenly patrons: Br. Michael Gregerson, O.S.B. and Br. Raphael Ray, O.S.B.

A native of the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, Br. Michael served his country in the Air Force with courage and fidelity before answering the call to monastic life. For many years, he served our community as our dedicated sacristan, faithfully caring for the sacred vessels and vestments that adorn our daily liturgy.

Hailing from Lebanon, Tennessee, Br. Raphael shares his energy and guidance with the youth of our school, teaching Civics and Physical Education at St. Bernard Prep. Having recently professed his simple vows, Br. Raphael is currently continuing his formation in the Juniorate. We ask for your special prayers for him today as he continues to dive deeper into the Rule of St. Benedict, that he may persevere with joy toward his solemn vows.

The archangels are honored in Sacred Scripture and tradition as special agents of God’s plan of salvation—announcing His word, defending His people, and healing His creation. As our guardians and intercessors, they accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage toward our heavenly home.

Let us invoke their names today with confidence and thanksgiving, especially for Br. Michael and Br. Raphael:

St. Michael, defend us in battle.

St. Gabriel, announce to us God’s will.

St. Raphael, heal us from all ills.

Holy archangels, pray for us, for our brothers, and for the whole world. Amen.

09/24/2026

Main Church Entrance Closed Sept. 28–30

The main entrance of the church will be closed while the stone above it is cleaned.

Monday, September 28 – Wednesday, September 30
🕗 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

During those hours, please enter the church through the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

✅ The main entrance will be open in time for Mass.

Thank you for your patience!

Today is the feast day of Pope St. Linus, the second bishop of Rome and a martyr of the early church. He is mentioned in...
09/23/2026

Today is the feast day of Pope St. Linus, the second bishop of Rome and a martyr of the early church. He is mentioned in the New Testament by St. Paul in 2 Timothy 4:21. He was entrusted with the office of the episcopate by the apostles Peter and Paul, and he ruled the church from about 67 to 76 or 79. He is among the martyrs named in the canon of the mass and his relics are venerated in several churches.

Today we also celebrate one of our own monks, Fr. Linus Klucsarits, O.S.B. A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Fr. Linus serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Cullman. When he isn't serving his parish flock, he enjoys spending time outdoors gardening, running, and following baseball.

We ask for the intercession of Pope St. Linus, who followed Christ faithfully and served his church with love and dedication. May he inspire us to live out our baptismal call to holiness and mission. We also thank God for the gift of Fr. Linus, who enriches our community with his talents and his joy. Happy feast day!

NOTICE: NEW PARKING CONFIGURATION ON ST. BERNARD QUADThe road around the Quad has been restriped. It remains a one-way...
09/20/2026

NOTICE: NEW PARKING CONFIGURATION ON ST. BERNARD QUAD

The road around the Quad has been restriped. It remains a one-way road, but parking is now permitted on one side only, rather than both sides as before. The new configuration keeps a clear lane open for emergency vehicles and improves safety for everyone on campus.

Additional parking is available in the Swisher Parking Lot, a short walk from the Quad. (See attached map for more details.)

SAVE THE DATEThe monks of St. Bernard Abbey invite you to mark your calendars for two significant occasions in the life ...
09/16/2026

SAVE THE DATE

The monks of St. Bernard Abbey invite you to mark your calendars for two significant occasions in the life of our monastery: the Diaconate Ordination and Abbatial Blessing of Abbot Brendan Seipel, O.S.B.

Diaconate Ordination
Tuesday, October 20, at 4 p.m.

Bishop Steven J. Raica will ordain Abbot Brendan to the Sacred Order of Deacons during the Mass of Ordination, celebrated at 4 p.m. in the Abbey Church. All are welcome to attend.

Abbatial Blessing
Saturday, November 21, at 10 a.m.

Bishop Raica will celebrate the Mass of Abbatial Blessing at 10 a.m., during which Abbot Brendan will receive the formal blessing of an abbot. A festive luncheon reception will follow.

Further details will be shared on this page and by email as the dates approach.

We ask you to pray for Abbot Brendan and the monks of St. Bernard Abbey as we prepare to celebrate these momentous events in the life of our community!

Yesterday we celebrated the feast day of St. Augustine, patron saint of our Br. Augustine! A newly professed monk and fo...
08/30/2026

Yesterday we celebrated the feast day of St. Augustine, patron saint of our Br. Augustine! A newly professed monk and former Navy submariner, Br. Augustine serves as Webmaster. As the son of an Air Force officer, he was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and grew up in Dayton, OH, San Angelo, TX, Azores, Portugal, and Wichita Falls, TX. He has also lived in Hungary, Spain, and Hawaii.

St. Augustine was one of the greatest Christian thinkers and writers of all time. He was born in 354 in Algeria and converted to Christianity after a long and restless search for truth. He became the bishop of Hippo and wrote many influential works, such as Confessions and The City of God. He is also known for his doctrines of original sin, grace, and predestination. He died in 430 during the siege of Hippo by the Vandals. St. Augustine’s life and writings inspire us to seek God with all our heart, mind, and soul, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. He is the patron saint of brewers, printers, theologians, sore eyes, and many cities around the world. Let us ask for his intercession today and always.
St. Augustine, pray for us!

Address

1600 St Bernard Drive SE
Cullman, AL
35055

Telephone

+12567348291

Website

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