Genesius, Saint

Genesius, Saint twenty-fifth bishop of Clermont, in Auvergne (A.D. 656-662), belonged to a family of distinguished rank among the nobles of Auvergne. He renounced the advantages of his birth in order to enter upon the ecclesiastical calling. His learning and his piety caused his elevation to the episcopal see of his province, left vacant by the death of the bishop Proculius. After five years he resolved to embrace the monastic life, and accordingly set out for Rome in the disguise of a simple pilgrim. His miracles betrayed his retreat. He returned to his church, and performed his duties with extraordinary wisdom and devotion. He applied all his power against the heresies of Novatian and Jovinian, founded the abbey of Moulieu, as well as the hospital of St. Esprit, at Clermont, and the Church of St. Symphorien, where he was interred, and which from that time bore his name. He is honored June 3. The Bollandists have published his deeds, and combated the authenticity of other acts collected by various authors. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.; Smith, Dict. of Christ. Biog. s.v.