In 1867 he entered the Discalced Carmelites (one brother also entered the order) at their convent at Santa Maria della Scala in Rome and assumed the religious name "Antonio di Gesù" upon commencing his period of novitiate. On 19 January 1868 he was vested in the habit for the first time in Santa Maria della Scala. In 1868 he began his philosophical and theological studies in Caprarola and later made his initial profession on 20 January 1868. He made his solemn profession into the order on 20 January 1869 in Santa Maria della Scala into the hands of Fr. Domenico di San Giuseppe.
