A legend, which is of a rather late date (Acta SS., June, I, 315), says that he was descended from a senatorial family of Auvergne.

[1] Having received a liberal education he renounced his worldly prospects for the service of the Church, became archdeacon of Clermont under Bishop Proculus.

[3] Genesius (locally known as Saint Genes) was a prelate of austere piety and wholly devoted to his flock.

[4] He laboured earnestly for the maintenance of Christian morality, and founded a hospital at Clermont and also the Abbey of Manlieu.

After serving as bishop for five years, fearing for his own soul, he left Clermont secretly and went to Rome in the garb of a pilgrim.