Safeguarding Saints' Day: St Germaine Cousin

St Germaine Cousin (1579-1601) is a Patron Saint of all Victims and Survivors of Child Physical Abuse and Neglect and is one of our ‘Safeguarding Saints’. Born near Toulouse, France, from childhood she worked as a shepherdess. Germaine bore her physical disabilities and stepmother’s cruel mistreatment with patience and took comfort in a close spiritual relationship with Our Lord and His Blessed Mother. More than two centuries after her death, aged only 22, she was eventually canonised in 1854. In addition to her intercession being invoked as a Patron of those suffering abuse and neglect as children, she is also Patron of those who have been abandoned, the sick, the disabled, people who feel to be physically unattractive and those who suffer owing to poverty, illness or the loss of parents. Read her story HERE. If any any child or adult is at risk of immediate harm, call 999. The Diocese of Leeds Safeguarding Team is available Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. Direct any concerns via email to: or speak to our Safeguarding Team on . Anyone who brings concerns or allegations to the notice of the Church will be responded to sensitively, respectfully and seriously. All concerns and allegations will be addressed using the Church’s national procedures and in a timely manner.