The care of his education was confided to the venerable Senile, who was eminent for his sanctity and knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.

It was probably through his influence that the young man resolved to devote himself to the monastic life.

For this purpose he placed himself under the direction of St.
Comgall, who then governed the great Monastery of Bangor (Banchorr).
It was not until he entered his fiftieth year that he decided on quitting his native land, so that there can be no reason to doubt that his high intellectual attainments were acquired and perfected in Ireland.
With the blessing of his superior, and the companionship of twelve faithful monks, he set forth on his arduous mission; and arduous truly it proved to be.

The half-barbarous Franks, then ruled by Thierry or Theodoric, lived more a pagan than a Christian life, and could ill brook the stern lessons of morality which they heard from, and saw practised by, their new teacher.

The saint did not spare the demoralized court, and the Queen-Dowager Brunehalt became his bitterest foe.