St. Maria Bernarda Butler

St. Maria Bernarda Butler was a Swiss missionary and religious founder who served in South America and brought the Gospel to the poor with great courage and faith.

Maria Bernarda Butler was born on May 28, 1848, in Auw, a small town in the Canton of Aargau, Switzerland. She was baptized with the name Verena Butler. From an early age, Verena showed a strong inclination toward religious life. Despite economic hardships and the early loss of her father, she remained firm in her devotion and was drawn to a life of service and contemplation.

At age 19, Verena entered the Franciscan Capuchin convent of Mary Help of Christians in Altstätten, Switzerland, taking the religious name Maria Bernarda. Her devotion to the religious life was evident in her strict discipline, compassionate spirit, and deep love for the Eucharist and prayer. She quickly rose to positions of responsibility within the convent and was eventually elected superior.

But her story truly begins when she responded to a call for missionaries. In 1888, Sister Maria Bernarda, along with six other sisters, departed for Ecuador to serve the poor and marginalized. Facing incredible cultural and climatic challenges, she never wavered in her resolve. Political tensions eventually forced the sisters to leave Ecuador, and in 1895, they relocated to Cartagena, Colombia. There, she founded the Congregation of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians. Her work flourished, and the congregation grew rapidly under her leadership.

She was known for her personal sanctity, her love of silence and prayer, and her practical works of charity. Despite poor health and the burdens of leadership, she remained humble and committed. She lived among the people, understanding their needs and providing spiritual and material support.

Maria Bernarda died on May 19, 1924, in Cartagena. Her reputation for holiness spread quickly after her death, and many sought her intercession. Pope Benedict XVI canonized her on October 12, 2008, acknowledging her life of missionary zeal, faith, and service to the Church and humanity.

Feast Day

19-5-

Birth Date

28-5-1848

Died Date

19-5-1924

Canonised Date

12-10-2008

Bahía Blanca Cathedral, Argentina

St. Maria Bernarda, missionary of love and courage, help us to serve with joy and walk in trust wherever God leads us. May we, like you, bring Christ’s light to every corner of the world. Amen.
ST. MARIA BERNARDA BUTLER

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ST. MARIA BERNARDA BUTLER

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