Saint Denis, Bishop of Paris, and Companions, Martyrs

Saint Denis (Dionysius) was a 3rd-century bishop and the Apostle of France sent from Rome to convert the pagan Gauls. Settling on an island in the Seine near Lutetia (modern Paris), Denis established a flourishing Christian community, built a church, and consecrated priests. His apostolic success aroused the fierce hostility of the pagan priests and Roman governor. Denis was arrested alongside his companions, Priest Rusticus and Deacon Eleutherius, and after severe tortures, all three were beheaded on the highest hill of Paris (Montmartre, the "Mountain of Martyrs"). Pious tradition records that Saint Denis picked up his severed head and walked several miles while preaching a sermon on repentance and faith, coming to rest at the site of the royal Abbey of Saint-Denis.