St. Maria Bernarda Bütler
Swiss-born Franciscan and foundress of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians. Sent first to Ecuador and then expelled with her sisters during anti-religious unrest, she found refuge in Cartagena, Colombia, where her congregation flourished. She lived among and served the poorest of the city, training her sisters in a missionary spirit that took the order to Africa, Austria, and Brazil.
Life & Times
Also known as: Verena Bütler; Mother Maria Bernarda · Born: May 28, 1848 · Died: May 19, 1924 · From: Auw, Aargau, Switzerland; Ecuador; Cartagena, Colombia.
Patronage
St. Maria Bernarda Bütler is invoked as the patron of switzerland, colombia, ecuador, missionaries, the franciscan missionaries of mary help of christians. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Maria Bernarda Bütler, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.