Photos

This picture shows a detail of the cathedral Notre Dame of Reims. I’m not an expert on Roman-Catholic saints and martyrs, but my guess is that it is Saint Denis of Paris.

Saint Denis of Paris lived in the third century and is said to have been the first bishop of Paris. Having irritated the tempers of the local druids (heathen priests), the man was taken to the highest hill in the area and beheaded. Hence ‘Montmartre’, which translates as ‘the mountain of the martyrs’.

Later the name Saint Denis became a war-cry of the French armies and his feast was added to the Roman Calendar in 1568. He is celebrated on October 9.

Denis' headless walk has led to him being depicted in art decapitated and dressed as a bishop, holding his own mitred head in his hands.

In traditional Catholic practice, Saint Denis is invoked against diabolical possession and – not surprisingly - headaches!

cropped, sharpened a bit, slightlly grainy effect added

Don’t hesitate in writing a comment or critique on this picture. Don’t worry if it should be a negative one...I won’t lose my head over it!