For some years he was engaged in parochial duties, and combated the Anabaptist movement in Flanders with great zeal and success. In 1625, he became secretary and almoner of Cardinal Alfonso de la Cueva, later becoming canon and scholaster of St Martin's Cathedral, Ypres.
For a period of time, he was engaged in local responsibilities and actively opposed the Anabaptist movement in Flanders with great success. In 1625, he became secretary and alms-giver to Cardinal Alfonso de la Cueva, later becoming canon and schoolmaster at St Martin's Cathedral, Ypres.