In Italy the Jesuits made rapid progress from the first.
Lainez occupied the Venetian territory, opposing Protestant opinions in Venice itself, at Brescia, and among the mountains of the Valtelline.

Le Jay combated the forces of Calvin and Renee of France at Ferrara.
Salmeron took possession of Naples and Sicily.

Piacenza, Modena, Faenza, Bologna, and Montepulciano received the fathers with open arms.

The Farnesi welcomed them in Parma.

Wherever they went, they secured the good will of noble women, and gained some hold on universities.