October 9: Saints Denis, Rusticus, and Eleutherius

History

Almost 1800 years ago, three saints were martyred together. The most famous was Denis, a bishop from Italy. Pope Saint Clement had sent Denis to France as a missionary along with five other bishops. Rusticus and Eletherius were the priest and deacon who were Denis’ helpers. But there were people in that part of France (now the city of Paris) who didn’t like what Denis had to say. He, Rusticus and Eletherius were captured and thrown in jail for a long time. Finally, all three of them were beheaded. Legend says that Denis kept right on preaching about Jesus, picking up his own head and walking six miles before he finally died.

Activity

Saint Denis is a patron of France, and every year on October 9, bakeries serve special pastries to honor him. This recipe for Saint Denis Turnovers comes from Cooking with the Saints by Ernst Schuegraf. And now that you can buy puff pastry at almost any grocery store, these are really quick to make. 

Saints Denis, Rusticus and Eleutherius, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

SQPN

Catholic Online