Returning to Italy he began, though a layman, to preach in the outskirts of Rende and Cosenza.

Later on he joined the Cistercians of Cortale, near Catanzaro, and there took vows.

Shortly after elected abbot of the monastery in spite of refusal and even flight, he was seized after a few years with the nostalgia of solitude, and sought from Pope Lucius III.

a discharge from his functions (1181), that he might consecrate all his time to the works which he had in mind.

The pope granted his request, and even permitted him to go wherever he might deem best in the interest of his work.