She joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland at age 17 and was sent to Calcutta, where she taught at a high school. After contracting tuberculosis, she was sent to rest in Darjeeling. It was on the way that she felt what she called "an order" from God to leave the convent and live among the poor. The Vatican granted her permission to leave the Sisters of Loreto and to live her new call under the guidance of the Archbishop of Calcutta.