St. Genevieve

Saint Genevieve, the patroness of Paris, was born at Nanterre, eight miles from Paris, in 422. In 429 St. Germaine of Auxerre and St. Lupus of Troyes were sent from Gaul to Britain to combat the heretical teachings of Pelagius. On their way, they stopped at Nanterre.

 

Biography of St. Genevieve Patroness of Paris

St. Genevieve was a 5th century French saint who is venerated as the patron saint of Paris. She is known for her piety and her role in protecting the city of Paris from barbarian invasions. She was born around the year 422 in the village of Nanterre, which is now part of the greater Paris region.

When Genevieve was seven, St. Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre visited her home and recognized her exceptional spiritual gifts. He took her under his wing and taught her about Christianity. Genevieve quickly developed a deep devotion to God, and she made a vow to remain chaste for the rest of her life.

When Genevieve was about 15 years old, the city of Paris was threatened by barbarian invasions. Genevieve was concerned about the safety of the city and its inhabitants, and she had a vision in which the Bishop of Auxerre told her that God would protect the city if the people fasted and prayed. Genevieve urged the people of Paris to do this, and as a result of their fasting and praying, the barbarians were unable to conquer the city.

During her lifetime, Genevieve was known for her charity and her care for the poor. She often went to the markets to buy food and clothing for the needy, and she set up a network of hospitals and hostels to provide for the sick and the travelers. She also helped the city’s widows and orphans, and was known to have used her own funds and her own resources to help the community.

After her death, Genevieve’s remains were interred at the cemetery of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, but her tomb became a place of pilgrimage. In 512, King Clovis built a church to house her relics, and later in the 7th century, a larger church was built in her honor, which became known as the Basilica of St. Genevieve.

St. Genevieve’s cult was officially recognized by the Catholic Church in the 6th century, and she was canonized by Pope Clement in the 12th century. Her feast day is celebrated on January 3rd. She was venerated as the patron saint of Paris and was considered a protector against invasions, plagues, and other disasters.

St. Genevieve has been depicted in many forms of art, particularly in the Middle Ages and the Baroque period, where she was often shown in the act of prayer, holding a model of the city of Paris in her hands. Her influence on the city and its people is still commemorated today in Paris, with the church of Sainte-Geneviève and Place de Sainte-Geneviève in the Latin Quarter, both of which are named in her honor.

St. Genevieve’s name is also associated with several institutions such as schools and hospitals, especially in France, and many places have been named after her. Many churches have been built in her honor and her relics are still found in different places around the world. She is still considered as a model of charity and a powerful intercessor for the people of Paris, and people still pray to her for protection and guidance.

The Life of St. Genevieve

While preaching to the multitude that came out to greet them, St. Germaine was attracted by the pious demeanor of a little shepherdess. After the sermon he asked that the child be brought to him. Learning that Genevieve desired to devote herself to God’s service, he interviewed her parents and predicted that their child would lead a holy life, and by her example and instruction lead many virgins to consecrate themselves to God. His prophecy was fulfilled.

Before his departure the following morning St. Germaine saw Genevieve again. After renewing her consecration to Jesus, Saint Germaine blessed her and gave her a medal engraved with a cross and told her to keep it in remembrance of her dedication. After the death of her parents, Genevieve went to live with her godmother in Paris, where she led a prayerful life, performing works of charity and corporal austerities.

God bestowed upon her the gifts of prophecy and miracles. Some neighbors, jealous of her power, accused the girl of being an impostor and a hypocrite, and treated her visions and prophecies as frauds and deceits. They even conspired to drown her. When St. Germaine sent the holy child some blessed bread as a token of esteem, the furor ceased, and she was ever afterwards honored as a Saint.

St. Genevieve Saved Paris

In 451, Attila and his Huns were sweeping over Gaul and the inhabitants of Paris prepared to flee. Genevieve encouraged them to hope and trust in God, and urged them to perform works of penance, stating that if they did so the city would be spared. They heeded her exhortations. Calm was restored; and Attila’s hordes turned towards Orleans, leaving Paris unharmed.

Several years later the Franks took Paris. During the siege Genevieve distinguished herself by her acts of charity and self-sacrifice. After Clovis, who had become the king of the Franks, was converted by his holy wife St. Clotilda, St. Genevieve was made his adviser. It was she who conceived the plan to erect a church in Paris in honor of Saints Peter and Paul, which was begun by Clovis shortly before he died, in 511.

Death of St. Genevieve

St. Genevieve died the following year, aged 89, and upon completion of the church her body was interred therein. This fact, and the many miracles performed at her tomb, caused the name of Saint Genevieve to be given to the church. It was rebuilt several times during the centuries. The latest restoration was undertaken shortly before the end of the 18th century. The French Revolution broke out before these repairs to the ancient church were completed.

In 1791 the church was taken over by the Revolutionists and given the name of the Pantheon, to be a burial place for distinguished Frenchmen. St. Genevieve’s relics had been preserved in her church for centuries. Paris witnessed many striking proofs of the efficacy of her intercession. In 834 she saved the city from complete inundation. In 1129 a plague broke out in Paris, killing 14,000 persons in a short time. The same day that the shrine of St. Genevieve was carried in a solemn procession through the city, only three persons died and the rest recovered.

St. Eligius designed the decadent shrine of St. Genevieve in Paris. Saint Genevieve is the Patron Saint of Paris.

Popular St. Genevieve Medal and St. Genevieve Rosary

Prayer to St. Genevieve

Saint Genevieve, you who by the days before, penance and prayer, ensured the protection of Paris, intercede near God for us, for our country, for the devoted Christian hearts. You who cured the sick and fed the hungry, obtain the light of God and make us stronger to reject temptation.  You who had the concern of the poor, protect the sick, the abandoned, and the unemployed. You who resisted the armies and encouraged the besieged, give us the direction for truth and justice.  You who through the centuries never ceased taking care of your people, help us to keep the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. May your example be for us, an encouragement to always seek God and serve him through our brothers and sisters.

 

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Prayer to St. Genevieve

Dear St. Genevieve, you were marked out for an extraordinary life at a young age, when St. Germaine saw you in a crowd and predicted your future holiness to your parents. Inspired by this extraordinary prophecy, you made a vow of virginity and kept it til the day you died. Becoming a religious, you were exemplary in keeping the Rule, practicing charity, chastity, and austerity. You were also gifted with the charism of reading hearts and prophecy. When Paris was threatened by Attila the Hun, you saved the city by averting an attack and by enabling a ship of grain to run through a military blockade.

St. Genevieve, we ask your intercession with confidence because of your earthly life of holiness. Pray for us in our every need. We especially pray for those in our lives in need of healing, of those who have suffered the after effects of natural disasters, and for all those suffering from war. Pray that we may persevere in holiness of life as you did and be with our Heavenly Father for all eternity. Amen.

St. Genevieve, pray for us!

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Prayer to St. Genevieve

Dear St. Genevieve,

You were a woman of deep faith and courage, who stood up against the invading armies and protected your city of Paris. Your unwavering devotion to God inspired many to turn towards the Lord and find solace in His love.

Today, I pray to you and ask for your intercession. Please be with me in times of trouble, and give me the strength to face any challenges that may come my way. Help me to always trust in God’s plan for my life, and to have the faith and courage to follow His will.

Thank you for your example of devotion and your prayers on my behalf. May I always remain steadfast in my faith, just as you did throughout your life. Amen.

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Prayer for Strength and Courage through St. Genevieve

Dear St. Genevieve,

You were a beacon of hope in times of despair, and a source of comfort in moments of fear. Your unwavering devotion to God gave you the strength and courage to stand up against the invading armies and protect your city.

Today, I ask for your intercession in my life. Please give me the strength and courage I need to face the challenges that come my way. Help me to trust in God’s plan for me, and to have the faith to follow His will.

Thank you for your example of devotion and courage. May I always remain steadfast in my faith, just as you did throughout your life. Amen.

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Prayer for Protection and Guidance through St. Genevieve

Dear St. Genevieve,

You were a protector of your city and its people, standing up against the invading armies and guiding your fellow citizens towards safety. Your unwavering devotion to God gave you the wisdom and guidance to make the right decisions, even in difficult times.

Today, I ask for your intercession in my life. Please be my protector and guide, helping me to make the right decisions and to always trust in God’s plan for my life. Give me the strength and courage to follow His will, even in difficult times.

Thank you for your example of devotion, protection, and guidance. May I always remain steadfast in my faith, just as you did throughout your life. Amen.

 

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Also check out our handmade St. Genevieve Medal and St. Genevieve Rosary and St. Genevieve Rosary Bracelet .