The Ursulines of Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany

In June 1841, after the disruption of their studies at the Capuchinesses in Baden, Maria Anna Heimgartner, Anna Kramer and Walburga Mäder left their home country to continue their studies in Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany. There they continued their education with the Ursulines under the guidance of the superior and directress Sr Karoline Kaspar.

The political situation of the grand duchy Baden-Württemberg was not very different to the one in Switzerland. The state promulgated regulations for all female teaching orders. The sisters were not allowed to have enclosure, pray their office, make final vows or take in novices. Their existence was allowed only in view of one goal, the education of female youth.

Since they had no noviciate the three young women could not continue their way into religious life with the Ursulines.

In Freiburg Maria Anna had the opportunity to experience openness to the world, tolerance and respect for other Christian denominations. Here she gained a wide general knowledge and practical experience of sound teaching methods from which she would benefit later on in the training of her novices in Menzingen.