Frédéric was born into a devout farming family in northern France in 1838. He was the youngest of thirteen children. His parents were educated and hard working and instilled in Frederic the values of self-control, integrity, courtesy, faith and charity. They frequently prayed the rosary together as a family.
However, his father died of stomach cancer when Frédéric was only 9. He felt drawn to the priesthood and was a diligent, exemplary student. However, a few years later, Frédéric had to leave school to support his mother. He worked as an errand boy and then was very successful as a traveling salesman. His business skills would serve him well throughout his life.
After his mother died in 1861, Frédéric returned to school to complete his studies. He then joined the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor. He was ordained a priest in 1870. During the Franco-Prussian War, he served as a military chaplain. After, he served as assistant novice director, librarian, and community superior. He also completed a course in practical homiletics, another skill at which he excelled.
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