The couple moved to Bugire in northern Tanganyika around 1960 where Aoko was baptized into the Catholic church at a local mission.
[1] After separating from her husband and the deaths of their children,[4] Aoko said that she had a vision where she was commanded by Jesus and Mary to establish Legio Maria.
[6] Aoko was renamed "Gaudencia" and travelled back to Kenya to meet Simeon Ondeto and his mother in the town of Suna to found the new religious movement and church.
[2] Aoko began work to baptize people living in South Nyanza and preach according to Legio Maria.
Aoko played a major role in the church's early growth, and was described as a "charismatic" leader, preaching to large crowds across a wide area.