The Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of San Dionisio (Saint Denis), the first bishop of Paris, France and a martyr of the Christian faith every October 9.

The feast of San Dionisio was added to the Roman calendar in 1568 by Pope Pius V.

But who was he, and what has he done to deserve this day of celebration?

Here are some interesting facts about this important saint for Parañaqueños:

1. The beheaded saint

St. Denis was born in Italy. He was one of a handful of bishops that was sent by Pope Fabian to Gaul on an evangelical mission. The area had suffered greatly as a result of the Christian persecutions by the Roman Emperor Decius; these bishops were sent with the hope of restoring people’s faith and allegiance to Christianity. The preaching was quite a success for the group, however the local pagan priests were concerned by the number of conversions to Christianity. Denis and his companions were captured and tortured as a result. However, in spite of his pain Denis refused to denounce Christianity and so it was decided that he, along with his loyal companions Rusticus and Eleutherius, would be sentenced to death by beheading. According to legend, Denis was so devout that even death would not stop him. He simply picked up his stray head and gave it a rinse in a nearby stream, then proceeded to walk for 6 miles whilst still carrying his head and preaching the word of God.

2. Barangay San Dionisio

In the Philippines, a barrio in the city of Paranaque was named after the saint following the Spanish customs of naming people and places after patron saints. Barangay San Dionisio is one of the earlier barrios in the city where in the previous years had a large area consisted of rice fields, salt beds, and irrigable lands until it has been converted into several subdivisions and commercial establishments now.

3. Tata Dune Chapel

Located in the barrio of San Dionisio, an old Spanish chapel was dedicated in honor of their patron saint. The headless image of Tata Dune, as the residents of San Dionisio would fondly call him, is housed in a chapel where it serves as an attraction for pilgrims and tourists. The chapel is surrounded with a belfry tower, a concrete platform for theatrical performances, a heritage tree providing shading afternoon congestions, and a mortuary. The chapel also serves as a spiritual sanctuary for the elders. It also the venue for masses, novenas, processions, and other commemorative rites in honor of Tata Dune. Tata Dune Chapel is one of the sub-parishes under the Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew with Msgr. Allen C. Aganon as the current parish priest and rector.

4. San Dionisio Credit Cooperative

Inspired by San Dionisio, a cooperative credit union was named after the saint who was known for his perseverance and his missionary zeal. San Dionisio Credit Cooperative (SDCC) carries the value of uplifting the quality of life its members and their community. The credit union was organized on July 28, 1961 by the 28 founding members with Php380 as starting capital. Until now, SDCC is operating on its 58^th year.

(Featured photo is from San Dionisio Chapel Facebook page)