Papal blessing for The Love Movement founder

By Kaelanne Jordan

mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

Bernadette Scott’s legacy is not a single concert, not even a papal blessing—though both are extraordinary. Her legacy is the thousands of lives touched, the hearts healed, the youth empowered, and the unwavering faith that has been the quiet force behind it all.

“We’re giving God the glory in all of this, eh? And maybe it’s also encouragement to others—when you lay your life down to do His work, He gives you a talent, and you lay your life down to do it for Him… it’s usually very challenging. I’m very happy, very humbled, and very much thankful to God…” Scott said.

On a Sunday morning before Republic Day, during the 9 a.m. Mass at the Church of the Assumption, Scott was presented with a Papal Blessing from Pope Leo XIV in recognition of her over 50 years of service to the parish’s music ministry and her unwavering dedication through The Love Movement. Yet, for Scott, the moment was never about accolades.

“It is always wonderful and encouraging to be recognised or to be thanked, but I’ve always had a little bit of a problem… I never liked people to think that it’s all about me…”

The beginning

The Love Movement’s 53-year journey was born while Scott was the organist at St Ann’s Catholic Church. She told The Catholic News she felt inspired to form a choir of about 15 members from the church choir, along with a few friends, to use their musical talents to raise funds for the poor and to spread God’s message of love and salvation through music.

From that spark, what began as a small church initiative quickly grew into a major national and international ministry. A second concert at St Mary’s College Auditorium was such a success that the movement gained momentum—and a name.

“I said, but I have no name for this group… My very good friend Barry Francheschi rang me up one day and said, ‘Bernadette, I have a name for the group… The Love Movement.’ He said it’s a movement for love of the less fortunate people, so spreading the gospel.”

Scott emphasised, “Every single concert we have done in 53 years—except for one year when we did a gospel musical called Dreamer—the word ‘love’ has been in every single concert.”

From the start, concerts were more than entertainment. They were ministry, “healing hearts and changing lives one note at a time.”

Driven by faith, Scott began working with young people—especially those in need.

Loving outreach

Her work organically evolved into outreach in institutions like St Dominic’s, St Jude’s and St Michael’s Homes. With the support of partners like Republic Bank, she ensured transportation for these children to attend rehearsals and perform in concerts.

Scott has always followed God’s lead. “When God plants a seed in my heart, I know I better listen!”

Even after losing her singing voice over 40 years ago, she continued composing. “I needed to get all of this inside me out and I started composing music. I composed a whole Mass… That song ‘People of La Trinity’… I sent a copy of that CD to the Pope… and we did get a thank you letter from him.”

Another inspiration struck while in the chapel in Medjugorje. “I got the call when I was in Medjugorje on Apparition Hill… to do a CD using my three groups—kids, youth, adults—and do the four Mysteries of the Rosary… It took me three years. It’s called Promulgating the Rosary Among the Youth.”

Over the years, The Love Movement has toured internationally—from Harlem and New York to Barbados and Canada. “The group doesn’t get paid. Whoever joins, joins as a ministry of love to people.”

From Gospel to Calypso, Classical to Pop, The Love Movement has always stayed rooted in love.

“When you come to one of our concerts, you get shrimp and some hard pork… you get a little bit of everything!”

So, what’s next? “I’m getting older so it’s becoming a bit more difficult, but I know that God has a purpose for me…I take it one year at a time. At the beginning of the year, I pray for guidance…”

Her next focus is clear: youth. “I know the youth really need support… but I’ll wait on God to guide me, as I do each year.”