Bernadette Theresa Marie Lang was born on December 3, 1927 in Glenside, PA. Her father Jacob, known as “John”, was a commercial artist. He was born in Pennsylvania as was her mother, Marie King. Bernadette was baptized at St Luke’s in Glenside and was confirmed March 15, 1938 at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
There were 9 children in the family. They lived in a 17 room house that her father wanted to hold on to even though it was so big. He did hold onto it until the decision was out of his hands as construction began for I-95. Later on, while noting the place where their home stood, she remarked, “We are a billboard now.” She grew up in the Kensington area. Bernadette worked as a telephone operator and at one point saw herself serving at the switchboard at the Motherhouse. That never actually happened.
The family was very close knit and this remained true through the years. She maintained close contact with her family, spending summer vacations together.
Through the years the family has always generously supported the Community.
Bernadette belonged to our lay branch, the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, for 2 years before she requested admission to the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity. She was no stranger to the Missionary Cenacle Family. Bernadette entered on February 11, 1949. She made her first profession August 15, 1950 and professed her final vows as an MSBT on March 25, 1954.
Her sister also entered the community and was known by her religious name, Sister John Regina. The sisters at times lived and worked together on mission. She mused, “Mother always wanted a priest and she got two nuns.” When she asked her mom how she felt about that, her mom said “It’s not the same.” Sr. Marie Bernadette continued, “It seems the Irish always wanted a priest in the family. But she was happy to have us.”
In May of 1971 Sr. Marie Bernadette earned a BS in Education from St. Bernard in Cullman, AL. She also was awarded a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa in May of 1973. Sister continued her education through many workshops and lectures. The MSBT requested a listing from all the Sisters of the continuing education they had acquired from 1980-1988. During that time, she attended 32 workshops, lectures, conferences. Many related to ordinary social work issues, but a few others that stood out included Agent Orange Victims Seminar, Compulsive Gambling Awareness and Diocesan Canon Law Conference. Sister also attended theology seminars and Scripture lectures. She never stopped learning.
Through the years, Sister had to deal with significant medical issues regarding her loss of hearing. This never stopped her in her missionary efforts. Sister’s first three missions were in parish ministry and religious education in Philadelphia, MS and Birmingham AL.
In 1958 Sister began a long history of ministry in various Catholic Social Services agencies and many years in the agency in the Birmingham Diocese. Sister had something of a revolving door relationship with Birmingham, returning there several times. These assignments in social work continued until 1995. Her ministry took her to Birmingham, AL; Pensacola, FL; Birmingham, AL; Long Beach MS; Alexandria LA; then back to Birmingham. Then onto Bridgeton, NJ; followed by Parish Social Ministry at Holy Redeemer in PA and then to Wilmington, DE.
In September 1980, Sister requested to be missioned in Camden Diocese in New Jersey. She wrote, “I feel I could make a contribution as an MSBT that would truly be in the Spirit of Father Judge, Mother Boniface and the Missionary Cenacle. The work in Cumberland County seems to reflect our roots of reaching out to the rural poor and abandoned people of God. I feel the Holy Spirit is leading me to this missionary Apostolic Center.” Sr. went and ministered there for over 10 years. In response to a questionnaire from the community, Sister noted that she had served Choctaw Indians, Vietnamese boat people, African Americans and Cuban refugees, for the short list.
In September 1959 Sister began 17 years of ministry in St. Ann’s parish in Wilmington, DE. It was to be ministry to elderly and shut ins but we know this ministry touched so many others. Anyone in need found a friend and a helper in Sister (and of course, Sr. John Regina, as well.) And the priests knew they could send anyone to the Sisters and they would be taken care of. The Bishop of Wilmington who wished that they (both Sisters) “would continue to bring the good news to all whom you meet in your daily encounters.” The Sisters did just that.
Sister came to the Motherhouse in 2012 and served in intra-community services for two years until August 2014 when she was missioned to Mother Boniface Missionary Cenacle at Wesley. There she continued her ministry with the Sisters and residents and guests at Wesley until God called her home.
“St. Mary Parish extends to you its thanks for your work in teaching catechism to our children during your time in PNS. And in leading the teachers towards their goal of Christian perfection and Christ like work. The work of your community and your work, has made a lasting impression on our parish and its children of yesteryear. In addition to all this, they have helped to build up the parish spirituality by enlisting many of its members in the work of the MCA.” ~ Pastor of St. Mary Pensacola, FL
“The work of the Trinitarian Sisters in Mobile and Birmingham has been a real witness to the care and concern of the Holy Trinity in our midst. You have been a very devoted Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity and I feel there is no greater compliment I can give you.” ~ Bishop Vath of Birmingham
Sr. Marie Bernadette had a long and fruitful missionary life. She was someone who never complained and always had a smile. Whenever I got to Wesley she would have a warm welcome. Sometimes she would grab your hand and just pat it. We miss her very much.
We are grateful to God for Sister Marie Bernadette’s presence among and for the innumerable lives she touched with God’s love. Surely the Trinity greeted her with the words we all long to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant! Well done good and faithful Missionary Servant. Enter into the joy of your God!”