[1][2] Faict was born in the coastal village of Leffinge at the time when the whole of West Flanders was part of the French empire.

Faict's term as bishop lasted three decades, during a period of social and political turbulence in many parts of western Europe including Belgium.

The church became uncompromisingly conservative during the lengthy pontificate of Pius IX, and Faict followed the papal guidelines during his own time as bishop.

Within the church community this triggered a resurgence of ultramontane pressures which the bishops themselves tended to reflect.

Bishop Faict was strident in his defence of church privileges, although his actions were frequently milder and more pragmatic than his rhetoric.

Where politics became more polarised, Faict sided with the Conferation of Catholic parties, becoming an influential supporter.