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Br. Benedict Dyar, O.S.B. Makes Profession of Solemn Vows
--- 2011-09-12 19:42
August 22 is celebrated as a solemnity at St. Bernard Abbey because it is the titular feast of our abbey--the feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. This year, the day was marked with even greater joy and festivity as Br. Benedict David Dyar, O.S.B. professed solemn vows as a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. Joining the monastic community for this occasion were Br. Benedict's family and friends, along with various priests of the Diocese of Birmingham and religious. Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. was the celebrant and preached the homily. Concelebrants included Abbot-Emeritus Victor Clark, O.S.B.; Fr. Anthony Mary Stelten, M.F.V.A., the superior of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word; and Monsignor Michael Sexton, who represented Bishop Baker of the Diocese of Birmingham.
The ceremony was filled with stark symbolism: Br. Benedict sang the ancient "Suscipe" before the altar with arms extended in the form of a cross; lay prostrate on the floor as the Litany of Saints was sung; was covered in the funeral pall; and finally received the cuculla (pleated cowl worn by solemnly professed monks). In all these actions, the finality of the vows which were being made was vividly clear. Also evident was Br. Benedict's happiness and he embraced the monastic life forever. This fall, Br. Benedict will begin seminary studies at St. John's Abbey, Collegeville, MN. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hZdVClpD7I/TmLLSK0YzfI/AAAAAAAAAjk/JFSkRr68wpA/s72-c/Br.%2BBenedict%2BSolemn%2BVows%2B157.JPG
St. Bernard Monks on EWTN
--- 2011-09-12 18:57Last night, four monks of St. Bernard Abbey appeared on EWTN's "Life on the Rock." You can watch the entire show
http://img.youtube.com/vi/2JoKBwnGsFA/default.jpgVocation Retreats
--- 2011-09-10 14:02Saint Bernard Abbey offers several Vocation Retreats each year (free of charge) to help men discern if they have a call to the monastic life.
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COME AND SEE RETREAT
October 21-23, 2011
January 6-8, 2012
March 2-4, 2012
In the Gospel of St. John, Jesus invites his disciples to follow him with these words: "Come and see." This retreat is for men who are college-age or older. During the weekend, you will receive an overview of the monastic life here at St. Bernard Abbey, and hear some of the monks' own vocation stories, as well as having time for prayer and reflection. If you are interested in attending a Come and See Retreat, please contact:
Fr. Jacob Amos, O.S.B.
Vocation Director
Saint Bernard Abbey
1600 St. Bernard Dr., S.E.
Cullman, AL 35055
brjacobosb@yahoo.com
256-255-5801
Click here to register online
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MEN IN BLACK RETREAT
November 4-6, 2011
The Men in Black (MIB) Retreat is specifically for young men in high school. We open this retreat to anyone who wants to learn more about who monks are and what they do. Just because you come on this retreat does not mean you want to become a monk. Over the weekend, you will live in the monastery, get to know some of the monks, and hear their stories. This is a very popular retreat and most people return after their first one. Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested, please contact:
Fr. Jacob Amos, O.S.B.
Vocation Director
Saint Bernard Abbey
1600 St. Bernard Dr., S.E.
Cullman, AL 35055
brjacobosb@yahoo.com
256-255-5801
Registration Form
http://img.youtube.com/vi/2JoKBwnGsFA/default.jpg Everything’s Amazing But…….
--- 2011-09-02 09:53“Everything’s Amazing But Nobody’s Happy”
![189060_194612957225887_100000315528021_617177_1562903_n (1)[3]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DvM43MfNTDI/TmDt1-gBZwI/AAAAAAAAAoo/XgyMDlJha4E/s1600-h/189060_194612957225887_100000315528021_617177_1562903_n%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg "189060_194612957225887_100000315528021_617177_1562903_n (1)[3]")
“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
- - C. S. Lewis
Br. Jacob Ordained to the Priesthood
--- 2011-03-25 08:42
On Saturday, March 5, 2011, Brother Jacob DiMaio Amos, O.S.B. was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ by The Most Reverend Robert Baker, S.T.D., Bishop of Birmingham, in the Saint Bernard Abbey Church. Concelebrating prelates were The Most Reverend David Foley, D.D., Bishop-Emeritus of Birmingham; The Right Reverend Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Bernard; and The Right Reverend Victor Clark, O.S.B, Retired Abbot of St. Bernard. Many priests from near and far also concelebrated. Fr. Jacob's mother, Ms. Barbara Amos, was present for her son's long awaited ordination. Many friends were also on hand for the occasion.
Originally from San Francisco, California, Fr. Jacob came to St. Bernard Abbey in 2004. He entered the novitiate in 2005, receiving the religious name "Jacob." On March 21, 2006, he made his simple profession of vows as a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. On March 21, 2009, he made his solemn profession of vows, and was ordained to the diaconate on May 31, 2010. For the last four years, Fr. Jacob has been pursuing Theological studies at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA. Fr. Jacob also serves as the Vocation Director at St. Bernard.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rWiXyjtfJdY/TXebe1zikcI/AAAAAAAAAiA/e7Oug9NP5fg/s72-c/DSC_0497.JPGSt. Bernard Abbey’s “Live” Weather Station
--- 2011-03-25 08:40What is that! I am sure this is the question many people have asked while driving pass the Monastery Candle Shop the pass few days. While waiting on the candles to set in the molds I (Br. David) have been tasting a new weather station behind the candle shop. And now you can view the data collected from that station, wind speed, direction, rain totals with history, temp, dew point and many more. you can find this information on weather underground and many other sites, or go to my site.
This is Live information from our Station
It is still in it’s trial period, but will move it to its final location in late May.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rWiXyjtfJdY/TXebe1zikcI/AAAAAAAAAiA/e7Oug9NP5fg/s72-c/DSC_0497.JPGChant to Inspire
--- 2011-03-15 09:17From the “Faith & Family” website:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rWiXyjtfJdY/TXebe1zikcI/AAAAAAAAAiA/e7Oug9NP5fg/s72-c/DSC_0497.JPGA song for Saturday
Posted by Lisa Hendey in Faith on Saturday, March 12, 2011 1:13 PM
A few years ago, my parents and I had the opportunity to visit Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman, Alabama. It was such a moving experience that I created a video which is now featured on the Grotto’s website. While in Cullman, we enjoyed mass at St. Bernard Abbey and were treated to chant by the Monks of the Abbey. Today, while searching YouTube, I came across this video which features chant by the Monks of St. Bernard. Their music is the perfect thing to savor during Lent. Once you’ve enjoyed this, please take some time to visit their website, which includes a virtual chapel, their fantastic candle shop, and more information about the Benedictine monks who live and pray together at the Abbey.
Mass Celebrated in the Ave Maria Grotto
--- 2011-02-25 20:39
Many people who visit the campus of St. Bernard come to see the Ave Maria Grotto. The Grotto is the work of Br. Joseph Zoetl, O.S.B. (1878-1961), a monk of our abbey. Besides the main grotto dedicated to Our Lady, Br. Joseph built hundreds of miniature versions of famous places, including important sites in Jerusalem and Rome. All of these can be seen in the same park as the main grotto.
This Wednesday, Fr. Bede and Fr. Joel celebrated the school Mass in the Ave Maria Grotto. To our knowledge, it was the first Mass celebrated there since Br. Joseph's funeral in 1961, fifty years ago. The students enjoyed the unique experience of seeing the grotto used for its original purpose for the first time in their lives.
For more pictures, click here.
For more information on the Grotto, please visit avemariagrotto.com.
Today is the anniversary of the death of Father John Peter Capesius
--- 2011-02-23 08:23
Edward Capesius was born on December 1, 1900, in Bous Luxemburg. He received his elementary education in that same city and early in life came to the United States with other members of his family. He attended St. Bernard High School and Junior College from 1920 to 1924. He then entered the novitiate of St. Bernard Abbey taking “John” as his religious name. He professed his simple vows in 1925. Fr. John did his philosophical and theological studies at St. Bernard and after taking his solemn vows in 1928, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1931. For five summers Fr. John studied at Notre Dame University and then enrolled at the University of Alabama where in two years (1933 to 1935), he received both the BA and MA degrees in mathematics. Fr. John returned to the Abbey to devote his life to teaching and various assignments in the monastery and school.
Fr. John served as Cleric’s Master from 1936 to 1938, Subprior from 1941 to 1949, and Procurator from 1949 to 1957. He, along with his brother, Fr. Andrew Capesius, became outstanding members of the school faculty. They were quick to let the students know that “what Fr. John doesn’t know, Fr. Andrew does, and what neither of them know, nobody does”. When the Abbey expanded its educational program into a four year liberal arts college, Fr. John became a dynamic and greatly admired mathematics teacher. After leaving the Procurator’s office in 1959, Fr. John devoted himself full-time to college teaching until 1979. He was also a long time member of the Abbey Senior Council, being called upon repeatedly as a consultant in financial affairs for both the Abbey and College.
Until he broke his hip, Fr. John kept himself active by overseeing the Abbey’s clothing and supply store. One day a week was set aside for the monks’ needs. Each Christmas he served a Santa’s helper by providing and wrapping presents for each monk.
Fr. John was called to his eternal reward in February of 1993. He had received the sacrament of anointing the previous day and his confreres were watching with him as he awaited the call of his Lord. His jovial presence among us is missed. His death brought to a close a special era in the history of our Abbey.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5XUHxHhmjkE/TWgXTGp5iXI/AAAAAAAAAh4/GAtDUOWrx84/s72-c/Grotto%2BMass%2B1.jpgVisit to St. John the Baptist, Madison
--- 2011-02-20 21:17
On Friday, February 11, Fr. Joel and Br. Bernard travelled to St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Madison, Alabama (the largest elementary school in the diocese). It was the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Fr. Joel celebrated the school Mass and preached about how St. Bernadette--who was the same age as some of the students--changed the world. He encouraged them to do the same. After Mass, Br. Bernard gave a presentation on the monastic life to the junior high students. The students were all very interested and had many questions.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZomJDPNVk1s/TVw-3KMyS2I/AAAAAAAAAhI/NbV2Qy6MAjU/s72-c/DSC01144.JPG 
Trip to Mobile
--- 2011-02-20 21:15
This past weekend, Br. Bernard took a trip to Mobile, Alabama to represent St. Bernard Abbey in a vocation fair at Our Savior Catholic Church. There were several religious groups represented, including the Jesuits, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, the Dominican Sisters, the Daughters of Charity, and Archdiocesan Priests and Deacons. The fair began with several talks, including one on Celibacy, which Br. Bernard thought was exceptionally good. Afterwards, participants were able to visit each community's booth and chat with the various priests, brothers, and sisters. The day was concluded with Benediction, celebrated by Fr. Alejandro Valladares, the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Mobile. It was a great occasion.
While in town, Br. Bernard received a tour of Spring Hill College (which is the fifth oldest Catholic college in the United States) from some of St. Bernard's alumni who are currently studying there. He was also able to meet with some students who are considering a religious vocation. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tpXHXgthF8c/TVxEcRMiq2I/AAAAAAAAAhg/vi7Vbtm-uAo/s72-c/DSC01167.JPG
Visit to the University of Alabama
--- 2011-02-20 21:14
Br. Benedict visited St. Francis University Parish on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. He attended the student Mass and had dinner with the students. He then gave a talk on monastic life and promoted our upcoming "Come and See" Retreat. Br. Benedict concluded the presentation with our vocation video and a Q&A session. The evening ended with a game of Ultimate Frisbee.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWeGxaHwnDE/TVxHkTiO02I/AAAAAAAAAhw/vxk0RGADakQ/s72-c/DSC01176.JPGToday is the anniversary of the death of Father Hugh Taylor
--- 2011-02-20 13:43Today is the anniversary of the death of Father Hugh Taylor, who went to God in 1968.
Fr. Hugh was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1902. He mad his first vows as a monk of St. Bernard in 1928.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1934, he spent the next thirty years in active ministry in parishes throughout the South. He spent several years as a missionary in Central America and dreamed of founding a monastery there.
He was great Civil War buff and was a full Colonel in the “Stars and Bars” Organization. He had a complete Confederate Army uniform and cut a dashing figure at conventions. Throughout his life, Fr. Hugh kept up a lively interest in sports.
Afflicted with cancer, Fr. Hugh retired to the Abbey the last few years of his life. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWeGxaHwnDE/TVxHkTiO02I/AAAAAAAAAhw/vxk0RGADakQ/s72-c/DSC01176.JPG
Today is the anniversary of the death of Father Denis Stolz
--- 2011-02-17 11:10Fr. Denis was born at Williamsburg, NY, on February 7, 1845. He entered the Scholasticate of St. Vincent’s at an early age and at a time when it was in its primitive development. Fr. Denis was born in this country and this proved quite advantageous for him since he was intermingling with German students who had such a hard struggle in mastering the English language along with conquering Cicero. He made simple vows in June 16, 1865, and was ordained on September 19, 1868, by the Right Reverend Bishop M. Domenec, D.D., of Pittsburgh. He served as Professor at St. Vincent’s College and then as assistant pries or missionary in several places in Pennsylvania. In 1888 Fr. Denis served as assistant priest at Carrolltown, Pennsylvania. The following year he was chaplain of the Benedictine Sisters at Ridgely, Maryland, and later became pastor in Decatur, Alabama. There he must have found good soil for the planting of the Word of God, for the records disclose that during the first year of his pastorate he baptized five adult converts and a number of children of two years and older. He also erected the residence there. He was a very eloquent speaker, pious, and a studious priest. This endeared him to both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He remained in Decatur until after the erection of the monastery in 1892, when he went to Tuscumbia.
On a visit to Pennsylvania in 1912, death came upon him suddenly and unexpectedly. Fr. Denis was one of the original founders of St. Bernard. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWeGxaHwnDE/TVxHkTiO02I/AAAAAAAAAhw/vxk0RGADakQ/s72-c/DSC01176.JPG
Vocation Retreats
--- 2011-02-11 21:52Saint Bernard Abbey offers several Vocation Retreats each year (free of charge) to help men discern if they have a call to the monastic life.
COME AND SEE RETREAT
Next Retreat: March 25-27, 2011
More Info & Online Registration
MEN IN BLACK RETREAT
Next Retreat: February 25-27, 2011
The Men in Black (MIB) Retreat is specifically for young men in high school. We open this retreat to anyone who wants to learn more about who monks are and what they do.
Br. Bernard J. Denson, O.S.B.
Assistant Vocation Director
Saint Bernard Abbey
1600 St. Bernard Dr., S.E.
Cullman, AL 35055
brbernardosb@yahoo.com
256-255-5801
Website Updates
--- 2011-02-11 11:44It is that time of the year again. we have given our website a much needed update, however there is still much more to come. here are a few of the latest changes:
- font size – a smaller clearer font type
- Images “dressing” – added a picture box around page images
- send a post card to a friend (look under the Welcome tab)
- added a Calendar
we are working on:
- Necrology section (found under history)
- interactive Cemetery listing
- a new 360 photo gallery!
So there you go. Just a few thinks to look for and to look forward to
