Saint Denis of Paris

Sts. Denis, Bishop, and Companions, Martyrs of Paris, were early Christian saints who lived in the 3rd century AD. Denis was the first bishop of Paris and is believed to have been sent to Gaul by Pope Fabian to preach the gospel. Along with his companions Rusticus and Eleutherius, he was martyred for his faith around 250 AD. The three saints are venerated for their courage and steadfast commitment to Christianity. St. Denis is the patron saint of France and is often depicted holding his severed head, a reference to the manner of his martyrdom.