 Finally in January 1840, negotiations were completed with regard to a Passionist foundation at Ere, near Tournai, in Belgium, the superiors, mindful of Barberi's singular vocation to England, in spite of his age and ill health, sent Barberi to be superior of the Belgian mission.The first Passionist Retreat in Belgium was founded at Ere in June 1840.On arrival in Belgium the local bishop was so unimpressed with Barberi's plebeian appearance that he was subjected to intense examination in moral theology before being allowed to hear confessions.