[1] One of seven children, he was the youngest of his parents' five sons; his eldest brother and one of his sisters also pursued religious careers.

[4] Inspired by the works of Father Pierre-Jean De Smet, he decided to become a missionary in North America.

[2] He continued his studies at the American College for two more years Brondel arrived at Vancouver, British Columbia in 1866.

[4] He taught at Holy Angels College in Vancouver for one year, then moved to the Washington Territory in the United States.

[5] On 26 September 1879, Brondel was appointed the third bishop of the Diocese of Vancouver Island by Pope Leo XIII.