Genevieve

:This page is abount the Saint. For the film see Genevieve (film).

Related Topics:
Saint - Film - Genevieve (film)

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In Roman Catholicism, Saint Genevieve (Nanterre near Paris, ca 419/422 - Paris 512) is the patron of Paris. Her feast is kept on January 3.

Related Topics:
Roman Catholicism - Nanterre - 512 - Paris - January 3

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Though there is a vita that purports to be written by a contemporary, Genevieve's history cannot be separated from her hagiography, which describes her as a peasant girl of Nanterre who was encouraged by Saint Germain of Auxerre. She went to live with her godmother Lutetia in Paris, where she became admired for the extremes of her piety and her devotion to works of charity, which included her severe corporal austerities, and a vegetarian diet which allowed her to sup but twice in the week. "These mortifications she continued for over thirty years, till her ecclesiastical superiors thought it their duty to make her diminish her austerities," the Catholic Encyclopedia reports.

Related Topics:
Hagiography - Germain of Auxerre - Godmother Lutetia - Vegetarian

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Like many of her Celtic neighbors, Genevieve had frequent communication with the other world and reported her visions and prophesies, until her enemies conspired to drown her; through the intervention of Germain of Auxerre, their animosity was finally overcome. The bishop of the city appointed her to look after the welfare of the virgins dedicated to God, and by her instruction and example she led them to a high degree of sanctity. Genevieve's presence in Paris was credited with averting Attila and his army, who went on to besiege Orléans instead. During Childeric's siege of Paris, Genevieve passed through the siege lines in a boat, bringing grain to the starving city.

Related Topics:
Celt - Attila - Orléans - Childeric

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