She was willing to endure prejudice to defend her beliefs, principles and ideals, which consequently promoted growth in the upcoming institute as 2 new novices joined the order.
In 1867 she went to Adelaide to take her vows of obedience, chastity, poverty and children's education. The institute was established with Father Julian Woods as director, having the final say in decisions. The new RULE of the institute stated no property ownership and there was to be central government, which meant self-government-not under diocesan authority. By being an independent order, Mary's institute challenged tradition, church authority and other established sisterly orders. The order was the first nun community in Adelaide. .
Mary and the order established their first school with 60 pupils. Mary was determined to allow lower class families to see things from her point of view. Mary was persistent, strong hearted and a hard worker. These qualities led to almost ½ the schools in Adelaide under the control of 70 Josephite nuns. Mary's order was growing in its power and popularity. .
Mary's faith in her principles brought an innovative education system for the poor. She had made her mark, and went further, opening orphanages, homes for the homeless and maltreated females. Her work corrected societies injustices, all based on her undying belief in human dignity. Mary's order continued to defy tradition, society's expectations, and they set themselves apart, fearless in the face of prejudice. They taught the poor, not the rich and lived and worked where they were visible, rather than being isolated in an elaborate convent. Mary's principles and beliefs lay in this new order, and she was determined to fight for it.
Woods sent her to QLD, where she and the sisters established a number of schools, however the bishop demanded total control over the Institute like he did with other orders. Mary was fearless to church authority and was prepared to stand up for her actions.