May 19
Saint María Bernarda Bütler
Religious Sister, Foundress
(1848 – 1924)
“The Holy Spirit taught me to adore, praise, bless and give thanks to Jesus in the tabernacle at all times, even at work and in real life.”
Saint Maria Berndarda Bütler
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or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
Click here for the Amazon page or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
Saint’s Life Story
Her Early Life
Verena, also known as Maria Bernarda Butler, was born on May 28, 1848 in Auw, Aargau, Switzerland. She was the fourth of eight children born to a family of farmers. On the day she was born, she was baptized with the name Verena. On April 16, 1860, Verena made her First Communion. Even from a young age, Verena was known for her piety and devotion to the Eucharist, showing a strong inclination toward religious life. Despite economic hardships and the early loss of her father, Verena remained firm in her devotion and was drawn to a life of service and contemplation.
Having completed her elementary studies at the age of 14, Verena dedicated herself to farm work and experienced affection for a worthy young man with whom she fell in love. On feeling the call of God, she broke off the engagement in order to turn completely to the Lord.
During this period in her life, Verena was granted the grace of enjoying the presence of God, feeling Him very close. She herself said: “To explain this state of soul to someone who has never experienced anything similar is extremely difficult, if not impossible” and “The Holy Spirit taught me to adore, praise, bless and give thanks to Jesus in the tabernacle at all times, even at work and in real life.”
Sister María Bernarda
At age 19 on November 12, 1867, Verena entered the Franciscan Capuchin convent of Mary Help of Christians in Altstätten, Switzerland. On May 4, 1868, she took the Franciscan habit and took the religious name Maria Bernarda of the Sacred Heart of Mary. On October 4, 1869, she made her vows with the firm proposal of serving the Lord until death in the contemplative life.
Missionary Call
Maria was very soon elected Mistress of Novices and Superior of the Community on three occasions, positions she served for nine consecutive years. Her zeal and love for the Kingdom of God had prepared her to begin a new missionary experience.
When Bishop Pedro Schumacher of Portoviejo, Ecuador, wrote describing the total abandonment in which the people of those lands lived. Offering his diocese as a missionary field, María Bernarda was convinced that this invitation was a clear call from God to proclaim the Gospel and to found a branch house of the Altstätten monastery in Ecuadorian lands. Eventually, María Bernard overcame the initial resistance of the ecclesiastical authorities and obtained papal permission to leave the monastery. So, on June 19, 1888, Maria Bernard and six companions traveled to Le Havre, France, where all seven embarked for Ecuador.
Foundress of New Congregation
Only their light of faith and zeal to announce the Gospel sustained the Blessed and her companions in the difficult separation from their beloved Monastery and Sisters. In her intentions, María Bernarda thought of giving birth to a missionary foundation dependent on the Swiss Monastery. Instead, The Lord, made María Bernarda the foundress of a new Religious Congregation, that of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Sinners.
María Bernarda was entrusted with the community of Chone, in Ecuador, which presented a distressing spectacle because of the total lack of priests, scant religious practice and rampant immorality. María Bernarda became “everything to everyone”, placing prayer, poverty, fidelity to the Church and the constant exercise of the works of mercy at the base of her missionary work. Together with her daughters, Maria began an intense apostolate among families, deepening their knowledge of the language and of the culture of the people. The first fruits did not delay in maturing. The Christian life of the people blossomed again as if by magic.
The new Franciscan Congregation also grew in number and two filial houses were founded in Sant Ana and Canoa. Her missionary work endured many sufferings that included: absolute poverty, torrid heat, uncertainty and difficulties of every kind, risks to their health and security of their lives, and misunderstanding on the part of ecclesiastical authorities. Maria underwent all this with heroic fortitude and in silence without defending herself or nourishing resentment towards anyone. Instead, María Bernarda forgave them from her heart and prayed for those who made her suffer.
Fled to Columbia
Political tensions during the anti-Catholic revolution eventually forced Maria and her 14 Sisters to leave Ecuador. On August 2, 1895, Maria and her 14 Sisters, reached Cartagena, Columbia where there were received by Bishop Eugenio Biffi. They found hospitality in a female hospital, commonly called a “Pious Work”. The Lord had led María Bernarda by the hand towards that asylum. Here, María Bernarda would remain to the end of her life. After the house in Cartagena, the Foundation was extended not only in Columbia but also in Austria and Brazil.
With a compassionate heart, María Bernarda engaged above all in relieving the spiritual and material needs of the poor, whom she always considered to be her favorites. María Bernarda used to say to the Sisters: “Open your houses to help the poor and marginalized. Give preference to the care of the indigent over all other activity”. For over 30 years, María Bernarda guided her Congregation. Even after resigning from the Office of Superior General, María Bernarda continued to animate her dear Sisters with feelings of true humility, especially through the example of her life and her words and writings.
Her Death
María Bernarda died on May 19, 1924. She was 74 years of age, 56 years spent in the consecrated life and 38 years in missionary life. News of her death spread quickly. The Pastor of the Cathedral of Cartagena announced her passing away, saying to the faithful: “A saint has died in this city, this morning: the reverend Mother Bernard!”. Her tomb immediately became a center of pilgrimage and a place of prayer. As a Franciscan, Saint María Bernarda Bütler cultivated the same veneration which Saint Francis of Assisi nourished for “Holy Mother Church”.
Today, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Sinners continue their work in schools, colleges, kindergartens, hospitals, nursing homes in Switzerland, Colombia, Brazil, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and some African countries.
Born: May 28, 1848 in Auw, Aargau, Switzerland
Died: May 19, 1924 age 75 in Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Beatified: October 29, 1995 by Pope John Paul II
Canonized: October 12, 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI
Feast Day: May 19
Patron Saint: Missionaries
Reflection
Saint Maria Bernarda Bütler, a Swiss-born Franciscan missionary, answered God’s call with courage and trust that carried her far from home. Leaving behind the familiarity of her homeland, she traveled to Columbia and Ecuador in South America, where she devoted her life to serving the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. Her mission was not easy. She faced political unrest, exile, and hardship, but she remained firm, trusting that God’s work would continue through her tenacity.
Saint Maria did not rely on her own strength, but on God’s grace to guide her through uncertainty. She founded a religious congregation dedicated to charity and service, showing that love for Christ must be lived in care for others, especially those most in need.
Saint Maria Bernarda reminds us that when we open our hearts to God’s call, even when it leads us into unfamiliar or difficult places, He provides what we need. Her life teaches us that faith, courage, and compassion can transform challenges into opportunities for grace.
Where might God be inviting me to step out in faith and serve others more generously, even when it feels uncertain or uncomfortable?
Prayers
Saint María Bernarda Bütler,
You were filled with a spirit of courage, compassion, and deep trust in Your will.
Through your missionary work and humble service in South America, you brought the light of Christ to those in darkness and need, saying “yes” to God’s call even when it led you far from home.
Help us to be generous in our response to His voice.
Teach us to live with joy in hardship, with peace in uncertainty, and with love in all we do.
May we serve others with the same faith, humility, and zeal that guided your life.
Saint María Bernarda Bütler, pray for us! Amen.
Saint Links
All Saint Stories – St. Maria Bernarda Butler
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 19 May – St Maria Bernarda Bütler (1848-1924)
Find a Grave – Saint Maria Bernarda Verena Butler
Saint Resources – Mary Bernard Bütler
Saints Story – Story of Saint Mary Bernarda Verena Butler (1848-1924)
Video Link
Saint of the Day for May 19 – Saint Verena Bütler – YouTube (Street Catholic)