Brother Marion Sanchez / St. Bernard
CULLMAN – Abbot Cletus Meagher recently appointed Brother Marion Sanchez as the director of Ave Maria Grotto following the retirement of former director, Bill Ellis.
Originally from LaSalle, Illinois, Brother Marion professed his first monastic vows at Saint Bernard Abbey on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, 2013. He is a graduate of Saint Bede Academy in Peru, Illinois, a school run by the Benedictine Monks of Saint Bede Abbey. Before coming to Saint Bernard, he was in seminary studies for his home Diocese of Peoria, Illinois and enrolled at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary of Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota.
In addition to this appointment, Brother Marion will continue to serve as the director of the Saint Bernard Conference and Retreat Center. He will oversee these two organizations which are part of the hospitality tradition for which Benedictines are known.
“At first, I was a bit apprehensive about being the director of the Grotto, but now I find that I really enjoy serving in this capacity,” said Brother Marion. “I especially enjoy the history of the place and having the opportunity to welcome the visitors from all over the world who come here. Most of them have no idea what to expect when they arrive and are continually amazed at the beauty and uniqueness of the place. Most are surprised to learn that it is the creation of a monk of our Abbey.”
He continued, “Just reviewing the comments recorded in our registry, many visitors, who have visited the Holy Land, leave comments about the beauty, uniqueness and accuracy of the miniatures built by Brother Joseph. This is especially amazing since Brother Joseph never visited the Holy Land, but only had pictures to help him envision his creations.
“As we prepare for Easter, many people who visit the Grotto at this time of year often leave comments in the registry about the section in the Grotto called ‘Scenes from the Holy Land.’ They comment that it’s like being there in miniature,” he said.
“I’m amazed at how the gardens seem to be protected by God,” Brother Marion said. “Recently, a damaging hail storm ripped through the Cullman community. Though we had damage on Saint Bernard’s main campus, the Grotto itself was spared with only minimal damage being done in the 4-acre park.”
Brother Marion concluded by saying, “Everything is budding and hopefully in the next few weeks all the flowers and trees will be in full bloom just in time for the Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair scheduled for April 21-22, 2018. We are expecting thousands of visitors that weekend. Flowerbeds are being prepared for those days and the gift shop had a whole new line of merchandise.”
The Grotto gift shop offers a full line of Bibles, books, rosaries, crucifixes, medals and first communion items. In addition, freshly made Monks Bread, jams, jellies and Benedictine coffee are available.
Ave Maria Grotto is open daily from 9a.m.–5 p.m. for self-guided tours. For guided tours contact the grotto at 256-734-4110.
