SAINT GENESIUS, ARCHBISHOP OF LYON - 1 NOVEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN NOVEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 1st of November

SAINT GENESIUS, ARCHBISHOP OF LYON

Saint Genesius (Genetius) is called St-Genest in French. Prior of Fontenelle at first, then Archbishop of Lyon, he died according to Butler* in the year 679 at the monastery of Chelles (Monasterium Calense), where his relics are also kept. Bucelin* lists him on June 13. 

Under King Clovis II, he held the position of almoner to the blessed Queen Bathildis, “as a man who knew how to treat Christ in the poor”. He also enlarged, with the help of King Chlotar III, the monastery of Chelles. 

As archbishop he was involved in the wars of the time (namely with Ebroin), but at all times maintained the greatest loyalty to Chlotar III. 

The last sickness of St Bathildis, who had taken the veil at Chelles (in the female part), brought him back to that monastery. When he got there, the Lord called him, too, to his eternal reward. (Lech., Mg.)

(St Genesius is commemorated also on November 3.)

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 2, Augsburg, 1861)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Genesius may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.