Friends, family members, alumni, and supporters from across the United States gathered with the monks of St. Bernard Abbey on Feb. 6, to celebrate the retirement of Abbot Marcus Voss. The joyful occasion, held at St. Bernard Abbey, was marked by deep gratitude for a lifetime of faithful service to the Benedictine community and the wider Church.

Bishop Steven J. Raica presided over the Mass, offering heartfelt thanks to Abbot Voss and praising his decades of leadership. Reflecting on the Rule of St. Benedict, Bishop Raica reminded those gathered that Benedict taught more by example than by words. “Abbot Marcus,” he said, “your leadership has been marked by perseverance, faithfulness, and service—always pointing beyond yourself to Christ.”

During the celebration, Abbot Voss reflected on his lifelong connection to St. Bernard. Raised in a deeply Catholic and Benedictine family, he followed in the footsteps of his uncle, Abbot Victor Clark, and his aunt, Sister Mary Jude Clark. The son of Joe and Catherine Voss, Abbot Voss shared that St. Bernard had always been part of his life.

Educated by Benedictines for much of his life, Abbot Voss discerned monastic life after encouragement from a monk at St. Bernard, who suggested he try a year in the seminary. He fondly recalled a conversation at age 19 with Father Lambert. “I told him I was thinking about entering the seminary,” Abbot Voss said, “and he replied, ‘What took you so long?’”

In 1970, Abbot Voss arrived at St. Bernard College expecting to join the faculty but instead he was appointed registrar. He shared a lighthearted memory of meeting Dr. Payne, the outgoing registrar, who handed him a book titled How to Be a Registrar and then announced that he and his wife were leaving on vacation. He served in the registrar’s office for eight years. He then was transitioned into Campus Ministry, working out of the rock house near Ave Maria Grotto. His ministry included visiting the sick and engaging in prison outreach. During this period, Abbot Voss also served parishes throughout the diocese, especially at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, where he ministered to many families and shared in weddings, Baptisms, and other significant moments in their lives. 

Abbot Voss recalled that 1979 was a particularly challenging time, when St. Bernard College closed. “Those were dark days,” he said, noting that government loans for several academic buildings as well as other debts had to be repaid.

Hope returned in 1984 with the opening of St. Bernard Preparatory School under the leadership of alumni Mike Burke, Jim Miller, and Pete Nassetta. In 1986, St. Bernard Abbey assumed responsibility for the school, and Abbot Hilary Dreaper appointed Abbot Voss as headmaster. “During that time,” Abbot Voss said, “I served as headmaster, bus driver, boys’ dorm director, and, in the evening, visited families to recruit new students.”

Eight years later, he was named director of development, ushering in a period of renewal with the support of dedicated alumni and benefactors. Major milestones followed: the construction of the Fazi-Richard Athletic Center in 1996, renovations to Boniface Hall in 1999, and upgrades to the soccer fields, including new lighting and a concession stand.

In 2005, the middle school was established in Founders Hall. Additional improvements included renovations to the Ave Maria Grotto Gift Shop. This was followed by the restoration of the Heidrich Building, which had become a theater and even a haunted house. Now, the restored building is once again a cornerstone in Cullman County as the Heidrich Library Building, complete with books, computers, and classrooms.

Also, during this campaign, the hay barn on the Abbey farm was transformed in The Byre, a theater for academic performances as well as an assembly hall for social events.

Most recently, the Anniversary Campaign, resulted in significant renovations for St. Bernard Monastery which provides housing for the monks of St. Bernard Abbey. Abbot Voss said, “With this renovation, the monks finally have a place they can call their home.”

In closing, Abbot Voss expressed heartfelt gratitude. “I am grateful to God for blessing me, St. Bernard, and this community,” he said. “I cherish the times we pray together and our life together. I am thankful for the opportunity to have served as the abbot and am also deeply grateful to all who have worked for St. Bernard. As I look to the future, I pray that God grants me the grace to continue serving this community and that, in all things, God may be glorified.

Following the ceremony, guests gathered in the dining hall to enjoy fellowship and a delicious buffet dinner prepared by Chef Thomas Maddux and his staff, bringing a fitting and joyful close to a memorable celebration of service and thanksgiving.