Saint Genesius of Bèze

Biography

Saint Genesius of Bèze, also known as Genez of Bèze, was a Benedictine monk who lived in the 9th century. He is remembered as a martyr who courageously defended the altar at the monastery of Bèze, located in the region of Côte-d'Or in France, against Norman invaders. Not much is known about the early life of Saint Genesius. His birth date and place remain unknown, as does his family background. What we do know is that he dedicated his life to the monastic order, becoming a monk at the Benedictine monastery of Bèze. During the 9th century, the area of France was frequently under attack by Viking invaders, including the Normans. These plundering groups targeted religious sites, often desecrating altars and looting precious artifacts. It was in this historical context that Saint Genesius found himself defending the sanctuary of the monastery at Bèze. At some point during a Norman invasion, Saint Genesius bravely stood in defense of the altar, refusing to allow the invaders to desecrate the sacred space. His determination to protect the holy site stemmed from his deep faith and commitment to his religious calling. Saint Genesius' act of defiance against the Normans ultimately cost him his life. He was martyred at Bèze, giving up his own life to protect the sanctity of the altar. The exact circumstances of his martyrdom are not documented, but it is believed that he was killed in a violent confrontation with the invaders. The date of Saint Genesius' death is recorded as May 21, 888, in Bèze, Côte-d'Or, France. His reputation for steadfastly defending the altar and sacrificing his life for his faith earned him great respect among believers. As a result, he was later canonized as a saint, although the details of his canonization process are not well-documented due to the era in which he lived. While Saint Genesius of Bèze does not have any specific patronages or attributes associated with him, his story serves as a reminder of the courageous dedication displayed by many martyrs who defended the Catholic faith in the face of persecution and adversity. Today, Saint Genesius is remembered and honored on May 21st as a testament to his sacrifice and commitment to his religious vocation. His life serves as an inspiration to all who seek to embody the virtues of steadfast faith and selfless devotion.