A painting in the the Merwin Art Store on Chapel Street looks east, showing 1890 New Haven from High Street: Yale, the Green, Chapel Street bridge, distant roads leading west. The Cove? Nothing. Woods, the palisades; a rocky, east shore. No barns, homes or roads. Nothing.
How quickly the landscape changed! Its possible the trolley cars down Woodward Avenue introduced New Haven to the beauty of the Cove.
The first residents brought their delicious foods, work ethic, family values and, of course, their Faith. Immediately, they wanted a place to worship Christ on Sunday morning.

In July, 1934, the cornerstone was installed; in October, the first Mass. The rest is history. Since 1934, 4102 Baptisms, 3868 First Holy Communions, 3381 Confirmations, 1916 Marriages; 2756 Funerals. St. Paul once wrote, “You are citizens of the saints and members of the household of God. You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ, Himself as the main cornerstone” (Eph 2:20f.) How true! In 75 years, how often our parishioners have received special graces from Christ, Himself. The school opened in 1957; to date, 1357 graduates

Last year, Bishop Francis Deniau or Nevers, France, wrote,”You are fortunate to have a parish dedicated to Saint Bernadette, perhaps the first in the world.” Born in 1844, she saw and heard The Virgin 18 times in 1858 at Lourdes. She entered the convent in 1866, died,1879. She wrote,
“I am only a broom in the hands of the Virgin Mary;” “Place yourself in the Heart of Mary and remain there. Make her heart your dwelling place on earth.” When sick, after receiving Communion, “I just received the Best Doctor.”

How fortunate we are to have Bernadette as our patroness! May the Eucharist continue to be the immeasurable source of all grace for our entire parish. May we honor Bernadette and seek her help. And, may we always remember our ancestors who left the testimony of their lives and this magnificent Church. Amen.