Denis of Paris

Saint Denis is the first Bishop of Paris and a 3rd-century martyr. He was sent to Gaul with several companions, including the priest Rusticus and the deacon Eleutherius, to evangelize the region. They settled in Lutetia (ancient name for Paris) and established a Christian community there. During the Roman persecutions against Christians, likely under Emperor Decius or Valerian (around 250-258 AD), Denis and his companions were arrested, tortured, and finally beheaded on the hill of Montmartre (Mons Martyrum - Mount of Martyrs). The most famous and iconic legend of his sainthood recounts that after being decapitated, Denis picked up his head and walked for several miles, preaching a sermon, before collapsing at the site of the current Basilica of Saint-Denis. He is considered one of the most important saints in French history and is the patron saint of Paris and France.