Their story
Bavo, also called Allowin, was a nobleman of Hesbain near Liege who led a disorderly life. After his wife died, he heard St Amand preach and was moved to change. He followed Amand, fell at his feet in tears, confessed himself the worst of sinners, and began a course of canonical penance.
He gave his goods to the poor and received the tonsure from Amand at the monastery in Ghent. Later, with permission, he lived as a hermit: first in a hollow tree, then in a cell in the forest, and finally as a recluse near the monastery of St Peter at Ghent under the abbot St Floribert.
He died on 1 October, about 653 according to Mabillon, while Henschenius gave 657; Amand and Floribert were present. Butler says the example of his conversion led sixty gentlemen to take up a penitential life, and they founded the church of St Bavo at Ghent. He is patron of Ghent and of Haerlem.


