Mother Bernadette Josèphe Berquer: A Courageous Woman Who Opened New Paths

22/12/2025

Mother Bernadette Josèphe Berquer passed away on December 6, 2025, in community at St. Saulve, France. Her memorial service was held on December 11.

She served as Prioress General of the Ursulines of the Roman Union for two consecutive terms, from 1983 to 1995.

From the France-Belgium-Spain Province, we cherish her memory:

We remember her as a determined, courageous person who spared no effort in her work. She was a person of decision and authority, with a sensitive heart, beyond appearances, attentive to people and events, with a broad range of thought. She continued to want to understand, question, and give her opinion. A bold woman who knew how to break new ground with tenacity and perseverance. She left a strong mark. Her desire to serve stemmed from her union with the Lord. She experienced the richness of the internationality of our Roman Union. “In our international Institute,” she said, “life moves on, it does not die out.” We believe that she will continue to intercede for the future of the Institute.