Even before the tolerance edict of Emperor Constantine, Saint Piatus is said to have come to preach in Tornacum. From the 4th century, there was a Christian presence in the city. A new evangelization began in the 7th century with Saint Elooi, bishop of Noyon and Tournai. During this operation, according to tradition, he founded a monastery dedicated to Martin of Tours in Tournai. The Norman raids put an end to monastic life.
