Charles Philippe was born in the castle of Beerlegem in 1552, son of Louis de Rodoan, knight, lord of Doncourt and Berleghem, master of the household of Anna of Lorraine.

He studied at Leuven University, graduating Licentiate of Canon Law in 1574.

From 1578 to 1584, when the rebels ruled Ghent during the Dutch Revolt, he resided first in Verdun and later in Mons.

[1] In 1602 he was proposed as bishop of Bruges, the nomination was confirmed by the pope in 1603, and he took possession of the see in 1604.

With the beginning of the Twelve Years' Truce in 1609 he was able to visit the rural parishes, and take steps to reform the education of the young in the schools of his diocese.