His father died before he was born, and his mother died in childbirth. A Flemish noble, he was raised by relatives, and upon discovering what happened to his parents, felt called to live a life of prayer and penance devoted to God.
At the age of 20, he sold all he owned to live as a shepherd, hermit, pilgrim and anchorite. Recognized for his holiness and charity, he is the Patron Saint of Coffee because of his meager diet.
