Born in Ghent, Cooreman was trained in law, and practised as a lawyer, but was more active as a businessman and financier, and became involved with Catholic social groups.
Gent'te doğan Cooreman hukuk eğitimi aldı ve avukat olarak çalıştı, fakat bir iş adamı ve finansör olarak daha aktifti ve Katolik sosyal gruplarıyla ilişki içine girdi.