Mary travels to Rome dressed as a widow under the name of her mother, seeking approval of the Rule written by Father Julian to establish secure foundations for the congregation. Mary has the support of Father Anderledy SJ, who helps translate documents and is also her spiritual advisor.
On 1 June 1873, Mary has a personal audience with Pope Pius IX. He insists changes have to happen — that the emphasis on poverty not be so extreme and that the sisters acquire property for financial security. This sadly leads to a rift between Mary and Father Julian, who is afraid of the implications it will have on the strict poverty he holds so dear.