Portal:Catholic Church/Patron Archive/January 3

Genevieve (French: Sainte Geneviève; Latin: Sancta Genovefa, Genoveva; also called Genovefa and Genofeva; c. 419/422 AD – 502/512 AD) is the patroness saint of Paris in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Her feast is on 3 January.

Genevieve was born in Nanterre. After encountering Germanus of Auxerre and Lupus of Troyes, she moved to Paris (then known as Lutetia) and dedicated herself to a Christian life. In 451 she led a "prayer marathon" that was said to have saved Paris by diverting Attila's Huns away from the city. When the Germanic king Childeric I besieged the city in 464, Genevieve acted as an intermediary between the city and its besiegers, collecting food and convincing Childeric to release his prisoners. (Full article...)
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.
Attributes: shepherdess with crook and wallet, as aristocratic virgin with devil and angel or with a burning light or two keys (of Paris) in the hand
Patronage: Paristhe religious order and clubs, named after her, women, shepherds, hatters, wax-chandlers, vine dressers, against war, dryness, pest, fever and sickness of the eyes