On Sept. 30, St. Bernard Abbey celebrated the lifetime achievements and monastic service of Abott Marcus J. Voss, O.S.B., Tenth Abbot of St. Bernard Abbey. To mark his 60 years of service to the monastic community, a special liturgy was held in his honor, led by Bishop Steven Raica. 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 was held in the Abbey Byre.

Abbot Voss, born on 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 Voss attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Cullman High School, and St. Bernard High School, where he excelled in athletics, particularly basketball. His athletic 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 Voss 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 Voss professed his vows as a Benedictine monk on July 5, 1964, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1971, alongside his predecessor, Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B. Over 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 Voss was elected the tenth Abbot of St. Bernard Abbey, a position in which he continues his decades of leadership and devotion.