Saint Bernard Abbey is a Catholic monastery of Benedictine monks located in Cullman, in the Appalachian foothills of northern Alabama.

The motto of Benedictine monks is "Prayer and Work". The monks of Saint Bernard Abbey live this life of prayer by celebrating the Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours four times daily in the Abbey church, as they have done at St. Bernard since 1891. They live out the mandate of "work" by ministering to parishes, directing a coeducational college preparatory school, operating a retreat and conference center, welcoming visitors to the Ave Maria Grotto shrine and gardens, and offering hospitality to monastery guests for a time of prayer and quiet.

St. Bernard abbey has a long tradition as a place of prayer and a place of welcome for guests. Many come to our campus to visit the world famous Ave Maria Grotto, a setting of miniature buildings and shrines hand-crafted by Brother Joseph Zoettl over 50 years ago.

The Retreat & Conference Center provides a space for individuals or groups to "come away" for prayer, meetings, seminars, youth retreats, sports training camps, celebrations and/or reunions. The newly renovated and decorated center can accommodate 96 guests. Each room has 2 twin beds with a private bath. There are two rooms for the handicapped. Complete meal and banquet facilities. 800 acres in the mountain lake district. Meeting rooms.