St. Germaine Cousin

St. Germaine Cousin (1579–1601) was a French shepherdess who is revered as a patron saint of abuse victims and the disabled. Born into a poor family in Pibrac, France, Germaine faced neglect and mistreatment from her family due to her physical deformities. Despite her hardships, she remained steadfast in her faith, finding solace in her relationship with God and the natural world. Germaine dedicated herself to prayer and the care of her flock, often sharing her meager provisions with the needy. She was known for her extraordinary kindness, forgiveness, and love for others, even in the face of adversity. After her death at the age of 22, stories of miracles and healing associated with her intercession began to circulate. Germaine’s life and virtues inspired devotion among the local community and led to her beatification in 1854 and canonization in 1867. Today, St. Germaine Cousin is venerated as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.