Father Theodosius' Vision

In his vision Father Theodosius saw a new society on the way, a society that was more humane and just according to the understanding of the Gospel. Notwithstanding the obstacles, attacks and failures, and convinced about his mission in the church, he was determined to take the wheel of time into his own hands.
"Before 1839 already I had made a plan to counteract the anti-Christian school-education with a Christo-catholic one..." (he meant a Catholic education).

Mother Bernarda's Vision

Mother Bernarda's concern was for a holistic Christian education, especially for girls of working-class families.

By raising the educational level of girls the position of women in society would gradually improve and a deepening of the Christian faith would take place.

People of her time should receive a clear orientation built on faith in all the confusions of the enlightenment and restoration.

Mother Bernarda, a woman who fought for a great idea

Mother Bernarda was deeply convinced about her vocation for the education of youth. It is amazing to note with what clarity and determination she worked towards this goal and fought for her vision. That a woman should assert herself repeatedly against authorities of the church and world was unheard of in the 19th century. The priests involved called Mother Bernarda proud, ungrateful and disobedient. Even some of the sisters became rather unsure of her approach.

Mother Bernarda was determined to remain faithful to the original vocation for the education of the young. This led her into serious conflicts with Father Theodosius who demanded unconditional obedience from her. This dissension was especially painful for Mother Bernarda since she honoured Father Theodosius as priest and one to whom "next to God she owes everything".

Also from the political authorities she had to endure many hostilities and oppositions and constantly fight for her vision.