Momelin was a 7th-century Benedictine monk, abbot, and bishop who served the church in France and Belgium. Born near Lake Constance, he entered the monastery at Luxeuil before traveling with companions Saint Bertin and Saint Ebertram to the region of the Morini. After establishing early monastic communities near Saint-Omer, he was eventually chosen to succeed Saint Eligius as the Bishop of Noyon-Tournai. He is remembered for his leadership within the monastic movement and his long tenure overseeing his extensive diocese.
Monastic life
Following his time at Luxeuil, Momelin helped establish a small monastery in the marshes near Saint-Omer. As his community grew, he moved with his disciples to a new location, the Abbey of Sithin, which later became the Abbey of Saint Bertin. Throughout these transitions, he served as a superior and abbot, working closely alongside Saint Bertin the Great to spread the Gospel in the region.
Episcopacy and death
Upon the passing of Saint Eligius, Momelin was elected to lead the see of Noyon-Tournai. He governed this large territory for approximately twenty-six years, demonstrating fluency in both Latin and the Germanic languages spoken by the Flemish people. He died around 685, leaving a legacy that is preserved through his presence in historical charters and religious documents of the era.
Veneration
The saint is commemorated annually on 16 October. His remains are distributed across several locations, including his cathedral in Noyon and the city of Tournai. Fragments of his skull are also kept at Saint-Mummolin near Watten, where his initial monastic settlement was originally founded.