Originally from the region of Laon, he studied at the Cathedral SchoolofLaon (France) and was ordained as a priest by the bishop, Madalgaire.
After entering the Benedictinemonastery of Lobbes, he became a disciple of Saint Ursmar. After nomination by Ursmar, he was elected as his successor as the head of the abbey, founded by Saint Landelin. He had a reputation for wisdom and sanctity. His biographer, abbot Anson of Lobbes (+800), stated that he also had a gift for prophecy.
He died in Lobbes in 737, and is interred in a sarcophagus in the crypt of Saint Ursmar's Church in Lobbes. He was succeeded as abbot by Theodwin.
AVita Ermini was written by Abbot Anson of Lobbes between 750 and 768. This biography was published in the Acta Sanctorum by the Bollandists (April, vol. III).