Genevieve

Genevieve, or Genovefa, the patron saint of Paris, was born about 425 A.D., probably at Nanterre. She is reported to have entered upon the religious life at the age of seven under the influence of St. Germain d'Auxerre. She acquired high repute for piety and austerity, and also for prophetic power, which enabled her to predict Attila's invasion and retreat. In 460 she built the first church over the remains of St. Denis, and at her death towards the beginning of the next century the fame of Ste.-Genevieve, afterwards merged in the Pantheon, was raised over her grave. Her day is kept on January 3. In the 17th century religious orders for both sexes were established in her name. The filles de Ste.-Genevieve have, more recently been known as Miramiones, and devote themselves to nursing and teaching.