Saintly Saturday - St. Genevieve

St. Genevieve was born a simple peasant in the early fifth century in Nanterre, France. When she was seven years old, Nanterre was visited by the Bishop of Auxerre, St. Germanus. Prefiguring her sanctity, the Bishop signaled young Genevieve out of the crowd, and she asked to be taken to the church and consecrate herself to God. The following day, Germanus gave the young girl a brass medal engraved with a cross, instructing her to wear it as a symbol and reminder of her consecration. He also advised her not to wear any other item of jewelry as a means to avoid vanity.

After her consecration, and with the help of the holy Bishop, Genevieve devoted herself to prayer and penance. By the time she was fifteen, she was blessed with the grace of continual prayer. She also abstained from meat and would, for many years, eat only twice a week. 

As a result of her parents’ death, Genevieve moved to Paris to live with her grandmother. There she continued to live her life dedicated to God through spreading the faith, prophesying, and charitable works. 

The Holy Spirit, working through Genevieve, performed miracles, and the saintly woman also experienced heavenly visions. This caused some amount of uproar when revealed, driving the people to deem her a hypocrite and false visionary. The persecutions and accusations were eventually silenced by Germanus’ intervention. 

Interestingly, when Attila fell upon Paris with his Huns, Genevieve encouraged the frightened people to stay in their homes and to fast and pray. Her prediction that Paris would receive heavenly protection came true when Attila changed his path. 

During her life, Genevieve was given to look after the welfare of consecrated virgins; she also held some influence over King Childeric of Gaul and King Clovis, both of which respected her. Genevieve died in 512 and her feast day is celebrated on January 3rd.

   

St. Genevieve, Pray for Us!