Born in Avella in 1811, D'Avanzo studied at the seminary at Nola and the University of Naples. He was appointed Canon Theologicus in the Cathedral Chapter of Avella, and he taught theology and Hebrew at the seminary at Nola. He rose to be Primicerius in the Cathedral Chapter. He was appointed Bishop of Calvi-Teano on 13 July 1860 by Pope Pius IX. He was named a Cardinal on 3 April 1876. Ritzler-Sefrin, VIII, pp. 53, 174, 190. La Civiltà Cattolica. Serie 12 (in Italian). Vol. VIII. Firenze: La Civiltà Cattolica. 1884. pp. 492–493. UOM:39015036662149.
Positano was a native of Naples, born in 1816. He served as Economos of the Parish of the Incoronatella, Rector of the church of S. Bartolommeo, Censor of the Clergy, Inspector of Schools, and Canon and Vicar-Curate in the Collegial Church of S. Giovanni Maggiore. He was consecrated on 23 March 1873 by Cardinal Carlo Sacconi. Pope Pius IX (1873). De Franciscis, Pasquale (ed.). Discorsi del Sommo Pontefice Pio IX (in Italian and Latin). Vol. II. Roma: Ghione e Lovesio. p. 287. Ritzler-Sefrin, VIII, p. 190.
