Ste. Geneviève

Ste. Geneviève was born about the year 422, at Nanterre near Paris. She was seven years old when St. Germain of Auxerre came to her native village on his way to Great Britain to combat the heresy of Pelagius. The child stood in the midst of a crowd gathered around the man of God, who singled her out and foretold her future sanctity. At her desire the holy Bishop led her to a church, accompanied by all the faithful, and consecrated her to God as a virgin.

When Attila was reported to be marching on Paris, the inhabitants of the city prepared to evacuate, but Ste. Geneviève persuaded them to avert the scourge by fasting and prayer, assuring them of the protection of Heaven. The event verified the prediction, for the barbarian suddenly changed the course of his march.

The life of Ste. Geneviève was one of great austerity, constant prayer, and works of charity. She died in the year 512. Her feast day is January 3rd.

One of the symbols of this Ste. Geneviève is a loaf of bread because she was so generous to those in need.

Information received with thanks from Catholic Online

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