Saint Mary Bernard, virgin

Santa Maria Bernarda was the first saint of Swiss origin. Born on May 28, 1848 in the small village of Auw, she was the fourth daughter of Henrique and Catarina Bütler. She received her first baptism shortly after birth and at the age of seven began attending school.

Youth and consecrated life

While still young, Maria Bernarda fell in love with a young worker, however, when she realized God's call, she decided to break with this commitment and consecrated herself to the contemplative life at the age of 19.

Missionary call

Maria Bernarda's life changed completely when she received a letter from the Bishop of Portoviejo, Ecuador, reporting the precariousness of the local population. With a strong missionary desire, she went alongside other sisters to Ecuador and worked announcing the Gospel.

Foundation of the Congregation of Franciscan Missionary Sisters

Following her missionary call, Saint Maria Bernarda founded the Congregation of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians. The sisters worked based on works of mercy, and shortly afterwards, the fruits of their dedication began to appear. However, they were also subject to diverse problems such as poverty, sultry weather and health risks.

Fuga do Ecuador and other congregations

In 1895, due to violent persecution of the Church, the sisters had to flee Ecuador and went to Cartagena, Colombia, where they were welcomed by Dom Eugênio Biffi. During their 36 years outside their homeland, they sent sisters to other congregations in countries such as Germany, Russia, Brazil and the United States.

Fame for holiness

Maria Bernarda's reputation for holiness spread from Ecuador and was reinforced by the local parish priest who stated: “This morning, in our city, a saint passed away: the Reverend Mother Bernarda”. She died on May 19, 1924, in Cartagena, Colombia, after 56 years of consecrated life and 38 years of missionary life.