Saint Finnian of Moville

Biography

Saint Genesius Bishop of Clermont, also known as Genesio, was born into a prominent senatorial family in Auvergne, France. Although he enjoyed the privileges of his upbringing, he felt a deep calling to renounce worldly pursuits and dedicate his life to the service of God and the Church. Inspired by his desire for a closer relationship with God, he pursued a liberal education and immersed himself in religious studies. Through his steadfast dedication and scholarly pursuits, Genesius grew in prominence within the Church community. He was eventually appointed as the Archdeacon of Clermont, under the guidance of Bishop Proculus. In this role, he demonstrated great organizational skills and a strong commitment to the welfare of the people. Due to his exemplary work as Archdeacon, Genesius was elected as the Bishop of Clermont in the year 656. In his new position, he continued to serve his flock with utmost devotion and worked tirelessly to promote the teachings of the Catholic Church. One of his notable contributions during his episcopate was the establishment of a hospital in Clermont, providing care and solace to those in need. Additionally, Saint Genesius founded the Abbey of Manlieu, a spiritual retreat where monks could deepen their spiritual lives through prayer and contemplation. He also oversaw the construction of the church of Saint Symphorian, which became a vibrant center of worship and a testament to his faith. However, despite his numerous achievements, Saint Genesius humbly recognized his own spiritual imperfections and felt compelled to seek absolution in Rome. In 661, he embarked on a secret pilgrimage, in fear for his own soul. Upon learning of his departure, his bereaved congregation sent a deputation to the Vatican in search of their beloved bishop. Ultimately, they were successful in locating him and persuaded Genesius to return to Clermont. Saint Genesius lived the remaining years of his life in a spirit of profound humility and continuous spiritual growth. Unfortunately, he passed away in 662 of natural causes. He was laid to rest in Saint Symphorian's church, which was subsequently renamed Saint Genesius's Church in his honor. Although his life ended, his impact and devotion to the people of Clermont were eternally cherished. Recognizing his holiness and the immense contributions he made to the Church and society, Saint Genesius was canonized by popular acclaim before the formal process of canonization was established. While he may not have been assigned as a patron saint for any particular cause, Saint Genesius continues to inspire and guide countless individuals through his example of selflessness, devotion, and unwavering faith in God. His feast day is celebrated on June 3rd each year, as a reminder of his remarkable life of service and devotion.