Saint Genevieve
Stored in Cargo: Saint Genevieve
| Saint Genevieve | |
| Feast Day | January 03 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Paris, disasters, fever |
| Birthplace | Nanterre, France |
| Death Place | Paris, France |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, Paris |
St. Genevieve was born around 422 AD in Nanterre, near Paris, into a noble family with a Gallo-Roman father and Frankish mother. At the age of seven, she met St. Germain of Auxerre, who predicted her future sanctity and encouraged her to dedicate her life to God. She moved to Paris after her parents' death, becoming known for her piety, charity, and prophetic visions. Her life was marked by acts of faith, including convincing Parisians to remain and pray during Attila the Hun's threat in 451 AD, which led to the city being spared.
Genevieve continued her life of service, helping to provide food during the siege of Paris by Childeric in 464 AD and was instrumental in the construction of Saint Denis's basilica. She died around 512 AD in Paris at the age of 89, having lived a life of austerity, prayer, and charity. Her relics were greatly venerated, and numerous miracles were attributed to her intercession, including the cessation of a plague in 1129. Her feast day is celebrated on January 3, and she is recognized as the patron saint of Paris, disasters, and fever.
Biography
Birth
St. Genevieve was born around 422 AD in Nanterre, a village near Paris, to a father of Gallo-Roman descent and a Frankish mother.
Early Life
Recognized early for her devotion, at seven years old, St. Genevieve was singled out by Bishop St. Germain of Auxerre, who predicted her sanctity and consecrated her to a religious life.
Occupation
She started as a shepherdess but, after her parents' death, committed herself to a life of prayer and charity, eventually taking the veil at 15.
Vocation
Genevieve's vocation was one of spiritual leadership and intercession. She was a protector of Paris, influencing the city's fate through prayer and direct action during invasions.
Death
St. Genevieve died around 512 AD in Paris, having lived a long life dedicated to God, dying peacefully of natural causes.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Nanterre, France
Death location: Paris, France
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