St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman recently celebrated the Senior Class of 2025 during the traditional Senior Dedication Mass, marking their pivotal role as leaders within the school community. During the Mass, each senior received a Benedictine Cross, a symbol of their dedication and commitment to living out the values of St. Bernard.

The Mass began with seniors seated in the pews before the pulpit, signifying their role at the forefront of the school’s spiritual and academic life. Benedictine Father Joel Martin, the school’s president, welcomed all in attendance, including honored guests, parents, and grandparents. In his remarks, he recognized the sacrifices made by the families, benefactors, faculty, and staff of the school to bring these students to this significant moment in their journey as school leaders.

Father Martin, who asked for prayers for Abbot Marcus as he recovers from eye surgery, delivered the homily, including words by Abbot Marcus. In his message, the priest reminded the seniors of their responsibility to lead by example, stating: "You have grown and matured over the years. Other students look to you for guidance. You help shape St. Bernard, and it will be different because of you. While you have the light, believe in the light we have among us, let your light shine, and change the world. Be the best so your community can grow and thrive. … We ask God to empower you for lives of service, because service always means taking up the cross, and we need the help of the One Who hung on that Cross for us.  And remember, the cross is the only way to true life, here and forever.”

Following the homily, Headmaster Phuong Nguyen called each senior individually to the front of the church, followed by the faculty and staff. In a powerful moment of unity, he asked for God’s blessing on the senior class, so they might serve as faithful leaders in the St. Bernard tradition. After a resounding agreement from the faculty and staff, Father Martin invoked God’s blessing upon the senior class of 2024.

The seniors then received their Benedictine Crosses, a long-standing tradition at St. Bernard Prep. Father Martin explained the significance of the cross: “It is a crucifix, reminding us of the price in this world of truth and love. To be truly wise, one must learn that life is lived to the fullest by dying to oneself and coming alive to the needs of others." He also highlighted the powerful inscriptions on the medal embedded in the cross, including Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (he Cross of our Holy Father Benedict) and Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (May the Holy Cross be my light!), offering these words of faith as a guiding light for the seniors.

The ceremony concluded with a response from Madi Kerber, the senior class president, who expressed gratitude on behalf of her classmates. Each senior then approached the abbot to receive their cross, a symbolic gesture of their dedication to service and leadership. 

Then the entire congregation stood to sing the St. Bernard Alma Mater and the solemn Mass continued. A luncheon followed in the Abbey Byre.

St. Bernard Preparatory School Choral Music provided music for the occasion under the direction of Sister Therese Lopez, L.I.H.M.