Born in a castle to a well-placed family, his parents intended that he
become a lawyer, enter politics, and carry on the family line and power.
Studied at La Roche, Annecy, Clermont College in
Paris, and law at the University of Padua. Doctor of Law.
He returned home, and found a position as Senate advocate.
It was at this point that he received a message telling him to "Leave
all and follow Me." He took this as a call to the priesthood, a
move his family fiercely opposed. However, he pursued a
devoted prayer life, and his gentle ways
won over the family.
Provost of the diocese of Geneva, Switzerland, a
stronghold of Calvinists. Preacher, writer and spiritual director in
the district of Chablais. His simple, clear explanations of
Catholic doctrine, and his gentle way
with everyone, brought many back to the Roman
Church.
