St. Bernard Abbey is honoring the lifetime achievements and monastic service of The Right Reverend Marcus J. Voss, O.S.B., 10th abbot of St. Bernard Abbey. Abbot Marcus, born Aug. 29, 1943, to Joe and Catherine Voss, has dedicated his life to faith, education and community. His deep ties to Cullman, where he was baptized and raised at Sacred Heart Parish, are foundational to his lifelong commitment to service.

Abbot Marcus attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Cullman High School and St. Bernard High School, where he excelled in athletics, particularly basketball. His sports ability and extensive contributions as a school administrator earned him a place in the Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

Initially enrolling at the University of Alabama, Abbot Marcus soon realized his monastic calling and shifted his focus to theological studies for St. Bernard Abbey. He completed his seminary education at St. Bede Abbey in Illinois and St. Louis University in Missouri, obtaining a Master of Divinity. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University and pursued further studies in monasticism at the Collegio Sant’Anselmo in Rome.

Abbot Marcus professed his vows as a Benedictine monk July 5, 1964, and was ordained to the priesthood May 24, 1971, alongside his predecessor, Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. During the years, he served in various capacities at St. Bernard Abbey, including college registrar, procurator, choirmaster, novice master and weekend pastoral assistant. He played a pivotal role in the re-establishment of St. Bernard Preparatory School in 1984, where he also served as a teacher, headmaster and president. Today, he remains the chairman of the board of directors.

On July 24, 2019, Abbot Marcus was elected the 10th Abbot of St. Bernard Abbey, a position in which he continues his decades of leadership and devotion.

In celebration of his 60 years of service to the monastic community, St. Bernard Abbey offered heartfelt gratitude for Abbot Marcus’ unwavering commitment during a special liturgy held in his honor, led by The Most Reverend Steven Raica, Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama, with Reverend Frank Muscolino as homilist. Among those in attendance were members of the clergy, religious communities, friends and relatives of the Abbot.

Immediately following the Mass, a luncheon catered by Kathy G’s of Birmingham, Alabama, was held in the Abbey Byre.