She lived in rural Rutland and would often explore the land around her, developing a love of flora and fauna, as well as an ability to find comfort and relief in nature.

Stuart continued to develop and search for her relationship with God into her early adulthood, when she met the Catholic priest Peter Gallwey who became her spiritual mentor and friend.

[4] Stuart was named Mistress of novices on 12 February 1889,[4] which began her three decades of serving as secretary and associate of the mother superior.

In this role, Stuart studied social injustice in her community, taught Sunday school, and advocated on behalf of poor tenant farmers.

In this role, Stuart made it her mission to become personally acquainted with all the religious and visit every community affiliated with the Society in the world.

Stuart proceeded to visit almost every RSCJ community around the world and travelled extensively throughout the United States and Latin America.