14 Facts About Genevieve

Genevieve is the patroness saint of Paris in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Genevieve was described as a peasant girl born in Nanterre to Severus and Geroncia.

On his way to Britain, Germanus of Auxerre stopped at Nanterre, and Genevieve confided to him that she wanted to live only for God.

Genevieve encouraged her and at the age of fifteen, Genevieve became a consecrated virgin.

Genevieve reported her visions and prophecies until her enemies conspired to drown her in a lake.

Genevieve pleaded to Childeric for the welfare of prisoners-of-war, and met with a favorable response.

Genevieve cherished a particular devotion to Saint Denis, and wished to erect a chapel in his honor to house his relics.

Around 475 Genevieve purchased some land at the site of his burial and exhorted the neighboring priests to use their utmost endeavors.

Genevieve's attributes are a lit candle, bread, keys, herd, cattle.

Sometimes Genevieve is depicted with the devil, who is said to have blown out the candle when she went to pray in the church at night.

Clovis I founded an abbey where Genevieve might serve, and where she was entombed after her death.

In 1129, when the city was suffering from an epidemic of ergot poisoning, this "burning sickness" was stayed after Saint Genevieve's relics were carried in a public procession.

Genevieve was remarkable for his piety, and, when ordained, succeeded after a hard struggle in reforming the abbey.

Genevieve, founded at Paris in 1636, by Francesca de Blosset, with the object of nursing the sick and teaching young girls.