Bertulf was the son of an
Austrasian nobleman and a near relative of
Arnulf of Metz, whose example had such an influence on Bertulf that he became a Christian and in 620 entered the monastery of
Luxeuil. A few years later he became acquainted with
Abbot Attala, who had come to Luxeuil on a visit, and, with permission of Abbot
Eustace of Luxeuil, accompanied Attala back to Bobbio in
Italy. Upon the death of Attala in 627, Bertulf was elected by the monks of Bobbio as their abbot. Like his predecessor, he insisted on the observance of the austere rule introduced by
Columbanus, the founder of
Bobbio Abbey, and preached fearlessly against
Arianism, which had gained a firm foothold in Italy under the Lombard kings.
Jonas, a monk of Bobbio, who accompanied Bertulf on his journey to Rome, relates that, while returning to his monastery, Bertulf was attacked by a deadly fever, and cured miraculously by
Peter. The same author ascribes a few other miracles to the prayers of Bertulf. Bertulf served seventeen years as abbot and died on August 19, 640. He is buried in the crypt of the Basilica of San Colombano. Most martyrologies give him the title of saint. His feast is celebrated on August 19. ==References==