Early interest in seismology and astronomy, training in physics; postgraduate year at Harvard Observatory with Harlow Shapley, 1931-1932; on staff of Riverview Observatory, Australia, 1933-1952; director of the Vatican Observatory, 1952-c.1970. Interest in variable stars, seismology, changes in character of international meetings over the years, popular interest in astronomy, role and attitudes of Catholics (e.g. George Lemítre) in astronomy. Also prominently mentioned are: Bertiau, Arthur Stanley Eddington, George Lemítre, Peter Millmann, Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin, Henry Norris Russell, Martin Ryle; International Astronomical Union, and Mount Wilson Observatory.