Saint Etton was a 7th-century Irish monk who traveled to the European continent to spread Christianity. After journeying to Rome with a group of seven fellow monks, he received episcopal ordination from Pope Martin I. He focused his missionary work on the Thiérache region, eventually settling in Artois. He later established a monastery in Fusciau, located in Hainaut, where he lived alongside his followers before his death around 660.
Life and work
Following his ordination, Etton dedicated himself to converting the local populations. After his time in Artois, he moved to Hainaut to found a monastic community. In his final years, he sought solitude, retreating to an hermitage situated within the forest of Dompierre-sur-Helpe, where he lived until his passing.
Veneration and relics
The relics of the saint were kept in Mons for a long period. During the 16th century, the abbey of Liessies took possession of them. In July 1789, a group of 400 local residents traveled to the abbey to bring the remains back to Dompierre.