A young girl living near what is now Paris, France, Genevieve looked after her family’s sheep. She consecrated herself to God at the age of fifteen and became well-known for her acts of charity and humble way of life, as well as for her miraculous healings and prophetic visions. On Januar y 6 , the Church celebrates Epiphany, which commemorates how God revealed himself to the nations and the journey of the three Magi who followed the Star of Bethlehem in search of the newbornKing, baby Jesus. Many great artists have found inspiration in this biblical event; Adorationof theMagi is the title of thousands of paintings. Be sure to look up a few! In some Catholic countries the three Magi, also known as kings, bring gifts to children. Special In 451, the army of Attila the Hun was sweeping throughGaul (modern-day France), pillaging cities anddestroying farmlands. Paris lay inAttila’s path, and the terrified residents prepared to flee. Genevieve urged them to stay, assuring them that if they did penance, prayed, and fasted, God would spare their city. Genevieve’s prediction came true. The Parisians stayed put, and Attila’s forces abruptly changed course. Paris was spared. About ten years later, Paris was again under siege, this time by the Franks. Genevieveworked tirelessly to provide food and supplies to the blockaded city. The Frankish king Childeric, and later his son, King Clovis, respected Genevieve for her courage and leadership— which was not rooted in desire for power or fame, but in love of God and charity toward others. As she took such good care of the people of Paris, she is often represented with a loaf of bread. treats are eaten, including a round cake with a bean or a tiny toy baby inside; whoever finds it in his piece is king for the day, and sometimes he must host next year’s party. Many Catholic parishes in the United States give out blessed chalk, which is another tradition. The family blesses their house and uses the chalk towrite the year and the initials of the traditional names of the Magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar—above the front door as follows for 2023: 20 * C +M+ B * 23 Saint Genevieve The Epiphany of the Lord 12 JANUARY 3 JANUARY 6 13
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