With great gratitude and deep sorrow, we remember Father Bernard Rey-Mermet C.Ss.R., who passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, at Maison St.-Paul nursing home in Fribourg, Switzerland. Father Bernard was a member of the Redemptorists for over 70 years and spent his life tirelessly serving the faith and people.
Father Bernard was born on October 3, 1933, in Troistorrents in the Valais region of Switzerland. From an early age, he was fascinated by the mountains, especially the Dents du Midi, which he could always see from his childhood home. His family had a strong connection to the Redemptorists; three of his uncles were already members of the order, and several aunts were nuns. These influences led young Bernard to decide at the age of six that he wanted to become a missionary – a desire inspired by his uncle Jean-Maurice, who was a missionary in Peru.
At the age of ten, Bernard entered the Redemptorist college in Uvrier, near Sion, and began his education. He continued this in 1944 at Bertigny near Fribourg and completed his final exams at the Collège St-Michel in Fribourg in 1953. He then spent his novitiate in Teterchen, France, before beginning his theological studies in Echternach and Luxembourg. Although this time took him away from his beloved mountains, it prepared him for his life’s mission. He was ordained a priest in 1958, and his first Mass was celebrated in his hometown of Troistorrents, attended by the entire village.
Father Bernard’s first assignment came in 1959 at the Collège St-Joseph in Matran, where he served as a French and literature teacher. However, his missionary zeal soon emerged, and in 1962 he began conducting missions and retreats in Châtel-St-Denis and later in Martigny, covering the western part of Switzerland and neighboring France. His tireless work, especially with youth and the Catholic Action movement, left a lasting impact.
In 1966, Father Bernard completed a course at the renowned EMACAS school of Catholic and Social Action in Lille, France. This experience sharpened his awareness of the needs of ordinary people and the challenges facing the working class. In 1969, he participated in a mission trip to the island of La Martinique, where he was deeply impressed by the local culture and mentality. He found great joy in working with rural youth.
Back in Switzerland, Bishop Adam of Sion offered him the position of youth director, which Father Bernard initially hesitated to accept. In the following years, he supervised over 700 young people annually through weekend retreats, camps, and educational events. His success was partly due to the introduction of a new hymnbook, which he helped publish, as “singing brings joy and unites people.” Father Bernard repeatedly demonstrated his ability to connect with people across generations.
In the 1980s, Father Bernard took on more responsibilities within the Catholic Action, particularly focusing on the working class. He also served as the editor of the “Lettre à nos amis,” a publication of the Swiss Redemptorists, for over 40 years. Through this work, he kept friends and benefactors informed about the missions, especially those in Bolivia. In this way, he indirectly participated in the mission among the Indigenous people, a dream he had always cherished.
Father Bernard was known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. When he returned to Matran in 1988, he was constantly in demand as a pastor, youth minister, and missionary. Despite his many commitments, he remained deeply connected to people and touched hearts with his eloquent and lively presence. Reflecting on his life, he once said, “What has always been important to me is the life in our religious community and the contact with so many people.”
He celebrated his 90th birthday with joy, surrounded by family and friends in October 2023. However, shortly afterward, his health declined rapidly. He suffered several falls, which led to his admission to the nursing home of the Sisters of St. Paul in Fribourg, where he spent his final months. Despite his failing strength, he wrote one last “Lettre à nos amis” in 2024. On July 14, 2024, he peacefully returned to the Creator he had served throughout his life.
His service and dedication to the Gospel were deep and unwavering. We thank God for the gift of his life, for his missionary spirit, and for the many lives he touched.
“Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
Father Bernard Rey-Mermet lived a life full of dedication, zeal, and love. May he now find the peace and rest in the majesty of God, which he sought and proclaimed for so long.