St. Genevieve

by Sarah Mitchell

Biography

St. Genevieve was born around 422 in Nanterre, France and later moved to Paris after her parents died. She then lived with her godmother. When she was seven she was picked out by St. Germain of Auxerre. Genevieve told him she wanted God to be with her. She was told what she will do in her religious, future life from him. She was then consecrated to be a virgin. From that point on she was a charitable and prayerful person. One of the many miracles Genevieve generated was the one she got people to pray and do penance when they found out the Attila the Hun was invading Gaul (France). Soon he turned away from Paris and went to the Orleans. St. Genevieve died in the year 512 and her feast day is January 3rd. She had performed other miracles even after her death too.

St. Genevieve’s Prayer

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. Amen.

Nanterre, France & Paris, France

↑This is where St. Genevieve was born and lived until her

parents died.

She moved here with her godmother

afterwards.

↓

Nanterre, France

Paris,

France

Cannonization

Her cannonization is unknown but her Feast Day is January 3rd.

Facts about St. Genevieve

• She sometimes was dressed like the blessed mother

• She didn’t wear any pearls, gold, or any other jewels. Genevieve wore one medal all the time that was given by St. Germain of Auxerre.

• She only ate 2 times out the 7 days of the week.

More Facts• Once Genevieve died, people placed her in a tomb

inside the Cathedral she had wanted to make.• She would see visions of angels and saints frequently• Some of her relics were burned by the public in 1793• After a procession going through Paris with the relics of

St. Genevieve’s, a horrible epidemic went through Paris. Later her coffin went through and cured the sick who saw or touched the coffin.

Symbols for St. Genevieve

• Bread• A Candle• Cattle• Keys • A shepherdess holding a candle while the devil is extinguishing it and the angels coming and are trying to protect• A shepherdess with a coin around her neck

What is St. Genevieve the Patron Saint of?

St. Genevieve is the patron saint of Paris. She is also the patron saint of….

-Young girls- French security forces- Droughts - Natural Disasters

When Did Christianity Enter St. Genevieve’s Life?

Christianity entered her life when St. Germain of Auxerre came to Nanterre. Genevieve became a Christian when St. Germain was visiting her town. She prayed and did penance everyday and later on when she was 15 years old she became a nun.

Bibliographyhttp://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=120

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06413f.htm

http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-genevieve/

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Saint_Genevieve.aspx

http://sosdrs.wordpress.com/2009/01/03/january-3-saint-genevieve-patron-saint-against-disasters-drought/