Mother Bernarda withstands the Temptation to accept private teaching positions with rich and renowned people

1857 the first request was made by a wealthy family, of Salzburg in Austria, for a governess and teacher. No matter how honourable and inviting this offer was Mother Bernarda rejected it decisively. She wished to remain faithful to the purpose of the congregation:"to dedicate themselves to the education of youth in public town- and country schools". (M. Bernarda to Zeerleder, 19. January 1857). An article in the constitutions forbade the acceptance of private teaching positions in homes.

Through M. Bernarda's attitudes the Sisters were formed not to allow themselves to be intimidated by opponents.

Because the Teaching-sisters were members of a religious congregation they had many opponents in regions belonging to the diaspora (St Gall, Bern) but also in the March and in Baar. These opponents belonged mainly to the church-hostile groups of radicals. The employment of the sisters in these areas often served as a play-ball for party-politics. It is remarkable that M. Bernarda did not allow herself to be deterred by such oppositions but resolutely went ahead and risked the opening of schools when she was convinced of the need. She carefully chose efficient and experienced teachers for such posts (Sr Feliziana for St Gall in 1856).

M. Bernarda did not allow the dilution of the essential identity of Religious Life.

An article in the government-constitution of the Canton Bern of 1846 read:"No religious co-operation or order or affiliation to such, which is foreign to the Canton, ist allowed to settle in its region. Neither may an individual belonging to such a co-operation come to the region and teach without the explicit permission of the Towncouncil". In order to comply with the above article the parish-priest of Bern described the Menzingen sisters as "pedagogical association". M. Bernarda downright refused to accept this. But M. Bernarda could all the same be flexible and adjust to a situation. The sisters could go without religious dress if this was not tolerated. As long as the purpose of the institute would be met.