Saint Bavo of Ghent

Biography

Saint Bavo of Ghent, also known as Allowin, Bavon, or Bavone, was a Belgian nobleman born in 589 in Brabant, Liege, Belgium. He is known for his wild youth and reputation for selfishness. It is said that he even sold his own servants as slaves to local noble houses. However, Saint Bavo's life took a dramatic turn after hearing a sermon by Saint Amand of Maastricht. Moved by the words of Saint Amand, Bavo underwent a profound conversion. He renounced his former way of life and committed himself to a path of holiness and virtue. As a result of his conversion, Saint Bavo built an abbey on his estate, initially named Saint Peter's Abbey, which is known as Saint Bavo's abbey today. He entrusted the abbey to the care of Saint Amand and decided to become a monk in the same house. Saint Bavo's transformation was remarkable. He selflessly gave his estate to the abbey, distributed his belongings to the poor, and chose to lead a simple life of seclusion. Initially, he resided in a hollow tree and later moved to a small cell in the forest near the abbey. Throughout his life, Saint Bavo was often depicted in various representations. Some of these include the image of a duke hunting with a falcon or hawk on his wrist, symbolizing his noble birth and former pursuits. Another representation shows him as a prince giving alms in front of his palace, reflecting his newfound generosity and charitable nature. Other depictions of Saint Bavo portray him as a hermit near a hollow tree, emphasizing his life of seclusion and prayer. In some representations, he is seen carrying a staff and wearing a glove, which could be related to his former involvement in falconry. He is also depicted near a wagon, a huge stone, with a purse, or giving alms, further emphasizing his acts of charity and selflessness. One notable representation of Saint Bavo shows him with an angel holding a palm above him, symbolizing his sanctity and heavenly favor. Additionally, he is depicted with a sword and scepter, representing his noble ancestry, or as an old king in armor near a book, broken tree trunk, ship, and Saint Bavo's monastery, highlighting his role as a wise ruler and patron of the abbey. Saint Bavo of Ghent passed away on 654 at Saint Bavo's abbey, dying of natural causes. He was later canonized, although the exact date of his canonization remains associated with the pre-congregation era. Saint Bavo is revered as a patron saint of Ghent, Belgium, and is also honored in Haarlem and Amsterdam, Netherlands. He is considered a protector against pertussis or whooping cough. His life serves as an inspiration for those who have gone astray, showing that through repentance, conversion, and a life dedicated to God, transformation and holiness are possible.