Subsequently, joining the Congregation of the Redemptorists, he entered upon his new vocation with great energy, conducting missions all over the world, but proving especially valuable in the Highlands from his thorough acquaintance with the Gaelic language.

For several years he acted as rector of the Redemptorist Monastery at Kinnoull, and after holding several other important offices, he was appointed Provincial of the Order.

[1][2] The wisdom of his nomination was manifest from the very outset of his episcopal career in the repair of old, or the erection of new churches, in the enlargement of schools, and in the promotion of the general prosperity and working order of his diocese.

He took a great interest in the welfare of the junior seminary of St Mary's College, Blairs, near Aberdeen, and threw himself enthusiastically into the scheme for rebuilding and extending the institution.

Personally, he was of a most amiable and unassuming disposition, respected by all classes of the community in the North, and held in the highest estimation by his clergy and people.