St Denis of Paris

It's 3rd century France. We're under the rule of Roman Emperor Decius, Christians are being persecuted, and the self-appointed, Catholic Bishop of France, his eminence, Bishop Denis, despite the best efforts of leadership, is drawing more and more people to the Church. ⁠
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St Denis or Denys, arrived from Rome in Lutetia (which later became Paris) in about 250AD, sent by Pope Fabian to convert the pagans of Gaul. He set himself up as bishop and started offering masses. Roman emperor Decius wanted to stamp out Christianity in the provinces and ordered the governor of Lutetia to force Denis to recant and sacrifice to the pagan deities. Refusing to renounce the faith, Denis was subsequently beheaded, and much to everyone’s horror he (unlike the vast majority of beheadings) picked up his head, and carrying it with him proceeded to walk 6 kilometres, no more silent then he had been prior to losing his head. After completing his short stroll St Denis dropped dead.⁠
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The beheading occurred at the highest point in Paris, which is today known as Montmartre which is derived from the Latin Mons martyrum meaning martyrs mountain. At the place where Denis eventually died a shrine was erected which later became St Denis Basilica and the burial place for The Kings of France. ⁠
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Fun Fact: St Denis is honoured as one of the fourteen holy helpers and is invoked for demonic possession and headaches (ironic since he doesn't have a head). ⁠
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Feast day: October 9th⁠