St. Denis’ statue, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris.
Bishop of Paris and martyr during the 3rd century. Pope Fabian (236-250) sent Denis with other missionary bishops to Gaul to revive the faith there after the persecution of Decius. They settled on the island in the Seine where now stands the cathedral of Notre Dame. Many conversions followed thanks to his labors, and those of his companions – the priest Rusticus and the deacon Eleutherius. The pagans stirred up the Roman governor, Fescenninus Sisinnius, who put the three to death by beheading.
