Not much is known about Saint Denis of Paris, the first bishop of Paris who was martyred on Montmartre (which is French for Mountain of Martyrs). There are however, many legends about his life and death, some of which may be true.
One legend about Saint Denis is that after he was beheaded for his Christian faith, his body picked up his head! Then carrying his own head, he walked 20 miles to another village preaching the Gospel the entire way! He supposedly died once he reached the village.
We do know that Saint Denis was from Italy and was a very holy man. He was also good at teaching the faith, so good that Pope Fabian sent him to Gaul (what is now France) as a missionary in the 3rd century. Gaul had been Christianized, but the people suffered under Roman persecution and many had returned to paganism.
Saint Denis built a church on an island in the Seine River and began having daily mass. He preached the Gospel and taught the faith to many people and they were converted. Because of this, the pagan priests reported him to the local governor. As a result, Saint Denis and his priest companions were arrested and martyred.
Saint Denis is the patron saint of France. Another patron saint of France, Saint Genevieve had Saint Denis’s remains moved to the Basilica of Saint Denis, which is still standing today. Also, part of the city of Paris is named after Saint Denis. If you are ever questioned about your Catholic faith, ask Saint Denis to help you to be brave like he was, and to preach God’s truth so that others will hear.