Sister Bernadette Feist, OSU, gives her acceptance speech upon receiving the St. Philip Neri Award from Catholic Missions in Canada. With her is Msgr. David Reilander, president of CMIC. (Photo by Adam Helmers, CMIC)
By Sister Teresita Kambeitz, OSU
Sister Bernadette Feist, OSU (Prelate) was this year’s recipient of the St. Philip Neri Award given by Catholic Missions in Canada in recognition of her longtime ministry in Canadian missions.
The award was presented at the “Tastes of Heaven Gala” held in Toronto on May 8th.
Her 54 years of ministry with Indigenous people began by teaching in the Chipewyan community at LaLoche, SK and was followed by 45 years of pastoral ministry in the Qu’Appelle Valley in the Archdiocese of Regina. She immersed herself in First Nations spirituality by making an 8-day sweat and fast and by learning their culture, symbols and rituals. Having received the simple direction to respond to requests, she engaged in the ministry of listening – “Qu’Appelle” (Who calls?) – and building on the work of previous church leaders by creating the environment to reinforce the Indigenous experience of faith.
In 1985 she was appointed Archdiocesan Director of the Valley Native Ministry Program and was responsible for pastoral ministry on 27 Reserves among the Cree, Saulteaux, Nakoda, Dakota and other First Nations. Supported by funds from Catholic Missions in Canada, she conducted formation programs, did sacramental preparation, led weekend liturgies and funerals and tended to many other pastoral concerns, including the rebuilding of six churches that had fallen into ruins.
She formed the Archdiocesan Native Pastoral Council and, along with First Nations people, set up a weekly lunch program in 1993 as well as a second-hand store called “Too Good to be Threw.”
She helped to operate the museum of the Lebret mission and mapped the graves in three parish cemeteries. In a 20-year period, she participated in over 800 wakes and funerals, including cultural rituals and ceremonies led by elders.
In 1993, she began printing a monthly newsletter with a circulation of 120 subscribers.
For 12 years, she coordinated the “twinning” of Native Ministry with 18 CWL groups that donated clothing, funds and other goods.
She has worked with four Archbishops and numerous Oblate, Jesuit and diocesan priests, local and international, in the challenges of integrating their cultures with the varying cultures of First Nations people. She has recently retired to Saskatoon where she is writing her memoirs.
About Catholic Missions in Canada:
Founded in 1908 as the Catholic Church Extension Society, Catholic Missions in Canada is a registered non-profit charity that works to advance and sustain the Catholic faith in Canada “from sea to sea to sea.” CMIC has a mandate to serve Roman Catholic and Ukrainian Catholic bishops and their dioceses, supporting missionary outreach, education of seminarians, formation programs for lay leaders, repair and maintenance of mission services and supporting religious education programs. Learn more and/or donate to CMIC at cmic.info/donate
