Today, January 3rd, is the feast day of St. Genevieve. She is not a saint much spoken of today. In fact, for most of my life the only Genevieve I knew of was the dog that rescued Madeleine from the beloved children’s series. But St. Genevieve is a shining example of a holy life from beginning to end. There are miraculous stories associated with her in adulthood and after her death, but she demonstrated that even children can dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the Lord. 

Early Life

Genevieve was born to peasants Severus and Gerontia in Nanterre, France around the year 422. When she was about seven years old, St. Germanus, the bishop of Auxerre, traveled through Nanterre on his way to Britain. Many flocked to receive his blessing, the little Genevieve among them. When he saw her, he predicted that this young and pious girl would grow up to be a great saint. He dedicated her to the Lord as a consecrated virgin and she pledged to the holy bishop that she would fulfill her vow to God faithfully. 

As she grew Genevieve was devout and true to her word. She dedicated herself to prayer and acts of penance that the will of the Lord be done. At fifteen, she met with the bishop of Paris and asked to become a nun. She then took up fasting and continuous prayer. 

The Abundant Life of the Spirit

After the death of her parents, Genevieve lived in Paris with her grandmother and became known for her spiritual and corporal works of mercy. She also was known to be a visionary. Filled with the life of the Holy Spirit, her inner life spilled over and became manifest to those around her. This was not always pleasing to those who knew Genevieve, however. It is reported that some did not believe that she was a true mystic and tried to have her seized and put to death. The bishops protected Genevieve and defended her honor.

Influence on Others

Genevieve began to have quite a reputation for her holiness and prudence. She was appointed by the bishop of Paris to guide and teach other consecrated virgins in the city. She was sought after by kings, Childeric of Gaul and Clovis of France among them, for counsel and advice. Under her influence, these kings both spared and released prisoners. 

In 451, Attila the Hun was on his ransacking tour of Europe. When he set his sights on Paris, Genevieve went throughout the city urging people to stay home instead of running away. She counseled everyone to fast and pray that Paris might be spared. It was. Attila the Hun passed by Paris without ransacking it. 

Death and Miracles After

Genevieve died a holy death at the age of 89 after living a life of virtue and true dedication to fulfilling the will of God. A small church was built over her tomb in Paris but that tomb today is empty. Her relics were removed and encased in a shrine of silver and gold. In the centuries following her death the relics have been processed through the city a number of times to invoke her intercession. The most famous occurred in 1129 when a terrible fever swept through Paris. Those who touched her shrine as it was processed through the city were healed and from that day no one else got sick.

St. Genevieve is the patron saint against plague and disasters as well as one of two patron saints of the city of Paris. 

St. Genevieve, pray for us!