Biography
Genesius of Clermont
About Genesius of Clermont
Genesius, known in French as Genès, Genet or Geniez, is remembered as a seventh-century bishop of Clermont. Nominis describes him as a native of Auvergne who founded monasteries and governed with humility. It also acknowledges that little is known about the daily course of his life and ministry.
The cathedral’s account connects his episcopate with four foundations: the hospital of the Holy Spirit, the basilica of Saint-Symphorien, Manglieu Abbey and the community of nuns at Chantoin. These traditions associate him with both religious communities and care for people in need.
The Martyrology places him around 650, credits him with a hospice, and records burial in his monastery church at Manlieu.
Nominis gives 662 in its heading and lists a local commemoration on June 3. The cathedral’s account lists June 4.
His memory continued in Clermont after his death. The cathedral’s account says that Saint-Symphorien became the collegiate church of Saint-Genès, and that its dedication was later taken up by the Carmelite church of Sainte-Anne. It also records a silver reliquary made in 1709 and destroyed in 1793.
He must be distinguished from Genès the Count. The cathedral describes that other Genès separately and assigns him the patronages of Combronde and Châteaumeillant. Those associations do not belong to this bishop’s profile.
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