I was recently invited to speak at the Magnificat Prayer Breakfast in Birmingham, Alabama. I spent several days with my friends, Myron and Donna, at their beautiful home in Wilsonville, Alabama. Prior to the Magnificat event, my friends introduced me to an interesting discovery on the grounds of a beautiful abbey in Cullman, Alabama.

The Ave Maria Grotto is located at Saint Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama. This abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1891. The Grotto was created by Brother Joseph Zoetl, OSB and consists of 125 small stone and cement structures.

Brother Joseph was born in Bavaria in 1878. He joined Saint Bernard Abbey in 1892. During his time at the abbey, Brother Joseph constructed miniature buildings using stone, concrete, and unwanted materials such as broken plates, costume jewelry, ceramic tile, beads, marbles, and seashells. The first replica building was completed by Brother Joseph in 1912. The Grotto opened in 1934.

Here are some beautiful photos of the structures created by Brother Joseph.

My latest YouTube video provides more of the beautiful artwork displayed at the grotto.

The Saint Bernard Abbey Church was another beautiful structure. Construction for this church began in 1956. The cornerstone was laid in 1959. The first Mass was held at the Abbey Church in 1964.

As we were leaving Cullman, Alabama, we noticed a large stone church with a beautiful rose window.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church was established in 1874. The original building was a log cabin style with no windows and split logs for pews. In 1910, the groundbreaking for the stone church took place. This church was dedicated in 1916.

The stained-glass windows were designed in Ohio in 1914. However, twenty-four of the windows were built in Munich, Germany and installed in 1920.

During my road trip in December 2023, I discovered the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. I wrote about this discovery in my blog titled: A Special Shrine in Alabama.

These latest discoveries on my recent visit to Alabama were new to me. However, there is more to come. Stay tuned for my next blog featuring a beautiful Maronite Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

My latest book is now available on Amazon! This book features the life story of Father Pedro Camilo Simoes, SAC. I had so much fun writing this book with Father Camilo. I know you will enjoy reading about his adventures.

Click on the link below to order your copy today!

Divine Threads: My Journey of Faith and Blessings

By Simoes SAC, Pedro Camilo, Mercado, Denise

Buy on Amazon