Left to right: Deacon Tim Vaughn, Most Rev. John M. Quinn, D.D., Most Rev. Robert J. Baker, S.T.D. and Abbot Cletus Meagher, OSB
CULLMAN – The monks of St. Bernard Abbey and their guests assembled on the 127th anniversary of the Abbey’s founding to celebrate their annual Benefactors Day. Students, parents, friends, oblates and supporters of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School gathered in the Abbey Church on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 to offer thanks to God for his many blessings over these many years since its foundation.
The Most Rev. Robert J. Baker, S.T.D., bishop of Birmingham in Alabama, served as the main celebrant and the Most Rev. John M. Quinn, D.D., bishop of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota, was the homilist for the occasion. Bishop Quinn congratulated the St. Bernard community for its 127th year anniversary and for its many years of ministry. In his homily he spoke about the need to open the door to the riches, the goodness and mercy, of God, and reminded all believers of our task to open that door continually through life, and that to do so is possible only with the willing and joyful heart of a child.
At the end of the service, Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., of St. Bernard Abbey thanked everyone for being a part of the life of St. Bernard. He reminded them, “Without your support and participation, there would be no St. Bernard. Each day we prayerfully remember you and all our benefactors who make it possible for us to continue the many ministries of this Abbey.”
At the end of his remarks, Abbot Cletus received a standing ovation in recognition of his 24 years of service as the ninth Abbot of St. Bernard Abbey.
Music for the Mass was provided by Dr. Rebecca C. Whited, organist, Holy Spirit Church, of Huntsville. Altar servers were provided by the St. Bernard Preparatory School Knights of the Altar, Gavin Whaley, grand supreme knight.
To round out the day, guests enjoyed an authentic German lunch prepared by Flik Dining and were entertained by the St. Bernard Prep School Jazz Band on the Abbey lawn.
