She told Gregorio Navarro, Abbot of Francavilla, of a vision in which the Blessed Virgin had directed her to build a church in honour of the Most Holy Conception of Mary.

Rumors of her visions and ecstasies raised complaints and in May 1582 she was called to Rome, where was subjected to rigorous examinations by a commission which included Cardinal Giulio Antonio Santorio, then Grand Inquisitor in Rome, and Philip Neri, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory.

Little by little, other pious women joined them, to the number of sixty, whose members devoted themselves to the education of youth, especially of the girls.

[5] The rule was that of an ascetic life devoted to contemplative prayer to support the apostolic work of the Oblates.

In 1617, Benincasa had the revelation that her community was to join the Theatine Order, which was authorized by Pope Urban VIII in 1633.