Baring-Gould’s sources: Belgian Martyrologies. Authority A life written by Goswin Bossu, praecentor of Villars, shortly after the death of Arnulf.J This is the ghastly story of a man whose whole life was spent in self-torture. It is a life to wonder at, and not to imitate.

He was born of parents of the burgher class at Brussels, towards the close of the 12th century; and at an early age renounced the world, and took the habit of a lay brother in the Cistercian [strict Benedictine reform begun at Cîteaux in 1098] abbey of Villars. He wound horsehair ropes round his flesh till the skin was broken, and the wounds bred worms and stank. He beat himself with holly and brambles, and tore his breast and back with hedge-hog’s skins. He ate his porridge only when it was in a state of decomposition, and scourged himself till the blood rolled down, if it made him sick. The story is filled with repulsive details.

Towards the end of his life he laughed immoderately, even in church, during the performance of divine service. This was hysterical, and caused him and the rest of the monks great annoyance.

He had many visions. Amongst others, one of the Blessed Virgin, who revealed to him seven joys in ■S. Raymund Lulli. addition to the seven usually reckoned as the joyful mysteries. He is called Amoul de Comibout, in Belgium, and is venerated at Villars.