Feast Day of Saint Genevieve – January 3
A few days ago, we celebrated the Feast of Saint Genevieve.
”We give as patron of the chapel of the Sisters of Charity the Feast of the Compassion of the Blessed Virgin… We choose Saint Vincent of Paul as the first patron of the Sisters of Charity… Saint Elizabeth, Queen of Hungary, whose feast day is celebrated on November 19th, will be the patroness of the elderly and infirm women; and Saint Genevieve, Virgin, whose feast day is celebrated on January 3rd, will be the patroness of the orphan girls entrusted to the care of the Sisters of Charity.”
L’Institut de la Providence, Mandement de l’Institut, 1844. Page 410
From the very beginning of the congregation, Saint Genevieve was, for the foundress, Mother Émilie Gamelin and her daughters, the Sisters of Providence, not only the Patroness of the orphans, but also the Protector of the Novitiate.
A few historical notes…
Saint Genevieve (born c. 420-422, died c. 502-512), venerated as a virgin and martyr, was born in Nanterre (France), into a peasant family. From an early age, she lived a life of exemplary piety. She worked as a shepherdess, which brought her across the fields and into neighboring villages, where she developed great compassion for the poor and sick.
After the death of her parents, Genevieve went to live with her godmother and mentor in Paris and decided to take the Virgin veil. In 451, her prayers and advocacy for peace helped Paris escape the violence of Attila. Thirteen years later, when the city was besieged by the Franks and their king Childéric I, Genevieve led a detachment of soldiers to bring in provisions. This action earned her the king’s respect and saved many lives.
Genevieve died at the age of eighty-nine, on January 3, 512 (appr. year).
Countless miracles have been attributed to her intercession. Her tomb is still venerated in the church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in Paris. Saint Genevieve is one of the great patron saints of France: she is patron saint of the diocese of Nanterre, where she was born, of the city of Paris and of the gendarmerie. Her reputation is such that many places have been placed under her protection.
Her virtues will make her precious in the eyes of God, and she will serve Him so well that the saints themselves will consider her a true model.
Saint Genevieve,
always protect
the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence
and its faithful collaborators!
Genevieve distributing food in Paris
Pierre P. de Chavannes (1824-1898)
Source: Vita sanctae Genovefae and other verified biographies
Lorena Otero
Administrative Assistant and Museum Tour Guide, Émilie-Gamelin Centre
and Contributor to the Bureau of the Cause Émilie Tavernier-Gamelin