Decisions of far-reaching consequences

The young sisters in Ribeauville were faced with a very important decision for their future. Father Theodosius suggested that they enter the convent of the Ursulines, in Lucerne.

"After prayerful discernment" they refused to accept the suggestion. In Ribeauville they recognised their vocation to a religious life with activities in community schools in the midst of the people and not to a life of enclosure. They decided to remain in Ribeauville if "the possibilities to found a community for teaching-sisters were not possible in their home country".

On 16 October 1844, they made their first profession of Proverty, Chastity and Obedience according the rule of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis of Assisi, in Altdorf. On 17 October they proceeded to Menzingen to take over the school for young girls.

With the above decision the foundation for an apostolic religious life was laid.

Mother Bernarda: "We thank God in our hearts to have been called for the education of the young".