Move People Through God Aloneනියැදිය

St. Geneviève (422–512 AD)

St. Geneviève had an extraordinary prayer life, and one incident from her life, recorded in history, serves as a great encouragement.

Around 451 AD, Attila the Hun, a highly successful but violent leader of the Huns, invaded France. He had defeated the Visigoths, who at that time ruled over France (Gaul).

Terrified, the citizens of Paris watched as Attila crossed the Rhine River. St. Geneviève urged the Parisians not to flee but to put their trust in God. She encouraged them to confess their sins, fast, and pray. Leading the people of Paris, they fasted and prayed day and night.

As Attila approached the city walls, fear gripped the citizens of Paris. Some fled, while others denounced Geneviève as a false prophetess and wanted to stone her. Undeterred, Geneviève gathered the women who had not fled and led them outside the city gates. As the sun rose, they saw the weapons of the Huns glistening in the sunlight. The women knelt and called on God for deliverance. By evening, for some inexplicable reason, Attila turned away and did not attack the city.

To this day, there is no human explanation for why Attila chose not to invade Paris.