Students, faculty, and guests at St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman gathered for Mass on Tuesday, Nov.11, in honor of Veterans Day and the feast of St. Martin of Tours. St. Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier-turned-bishop, is the patron saint of soldiers, beggars, and France. He is remembered for his compassion toward the poor and his conversion to Christianity after famously sharing his cloak with a beggar. 

Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., celebrated the Mass and delivered a homily reflecting on the life of St. Martin of Tours, drawing parallels between the saint’s courage and the selfless service of veterans who dedicate their lives to the greater good. “Both St. Martin and our veterans committed themselves to something greater—something worth dying for,” Abbot Cletus shared.

Three local veterans were recognized during the celebration and later joined students for lunch on campus.