St. Genevieve was born in Nanterre near Paris in the late 5th century. St. Germanus passing through, noticed the little shepherdess and predicted her future sanctity. At the age of seven she made a vow of perpetual chastity. After the death of her parents she moved to Paris, but often travelled on works of mercy. During the siege of Paris she procured food for the starving citizens and at her request many prisoners were spared. Another time, when Atilla the Hun was approaching the city, she and others averted the attack through prayer and penance. Through the centuries she has shown her miraculous intercession and protection of the people of Paris, and is considered one of the patrons of France.

Saint of: disasters, fever, plague .