 Barberi was received into the Congregation of the Passion in 1814 after the re-establishment of the religious orders in the Papal States.Initially Barberi served as a lay brother, but once his extraordinary gifts were revealed his status was changed to that of a clerical novice, in an extraordinary break with custom.During his studies Barberi's brilliance was an example to his fellow students, although he would often take steps to play down his intelligence.