He was doubtless of Italian origin, but he had been born in Paris, and had quitted the seminary of St.Sulpice with the best possible record.

Very intelligent and very ambitious, he had evinced an activity which even made his superiors anxious.

Then, on being appointed Bishop of Persepolis, he had disappeared, gone to Rome, where he had spent five years engaged in work of which very little was known.

However, since his return he had been astonishing Paris by his brilliant propaganda, busying himself with the most varied affairs, and becoming much appreciated and very powerful at the archiepiscopal residence.

He devoted himself in particular, and with wonderful results, to the task of increasing the subscriptions for the completion of the basilica of the Sacred Heart.