5th–6th century
Venerable Genevieve of Paris
A consecrated virgin from Nanterre near Paris (c. 420–512) who lived an ascetic life and is honoured as the patron saint of Paris.
Biography
Genevieve was born around 419 in Nanterre, near Paris. From an early age she felt drawn to monastic life, a calling reinforced by her spiritual bond with Saint Germanus of Auxerre. After her parents died, the Bishop of Paris tonsured her a nun, and she rose to a high degree of asceticism.
According to tradition, her prayers saved Paris from Attila's invading Huns in 451, and she later helped bring about the building of the Basilica of the Holy Apostles, where her own relics eventually came to rest. She died peacefully at the age of 93 and is honoured as the patron saint of Paris.