Feeling called to religious life, in 1845 Houben was admitted to the novitiate of the Passionists, who had recently arrived in Belgium, in the village of Ere, near Tournai.

It was during this time that Charles met Dominic Barberi and was among the group of students who were chosen to accompany him to the boat shortly before his death at Reading in August 1849.

He was appointed assistant novice master in the Passionist retreat of St. Wilfred at Cotton Hall and ministered to neighbouring areas, including Cheadle, Staffordshire.

Serving there, Charles first came in contact with the Irish who were moving to England in the wake of the devastating famine taking place there.

Another member of the Passionist community in Dublin, Sebastian Keens, CP, told of a 12-year-old boy who had lost the use of his leg and was brought to him.

"[7] Charles' writings were approved by theologians on 9 May 1934, and the cause for his canonization was formally opened on 13 November 1935, granting him the title of Servant of God.

The theologian consultors and the Ordinary Congregation of Cardinals and Bishops gave their unanimous approval of the claimed supernatural aspect of the said alleged healing.

[7] From December 2021 to January 2023, a special holy year has been given recognition by Pope Francis to commemorate the bicentenary of the birth of Charles.

The Apostolic Penitentiary has granted the possibility of gaining a plenary indulgence to those faithful who visit the tomb and shrine of St Charles at Mount Argus or the place of his birth at Munstergeleen in the Netherlands.