St. Germaine Cousin was born into poor circumstances in Pibrac, near Toulouse, France. Shortly after her birth, she unfortunately lost her devoted mother. Her weak constitution, her withered right hand, and her scrofulous neck with its discharging sores made her an object of revulsion to her stepmother, who constantly persecuted her. It is recorded that her father also had little affection for her and he permitted her to be ejected from the house when the other children were born.

Germaine was forced to sleep in the stable upon a heap of twigs beneath a stair, was begrudgingly fed on scraps, was denied the companionship of other children, and was required to shepherd the flocks at a young age.

The little shepherdess’s virtues and sanctity did not go unnoticed by the villagers, for many of them witnessed unusual occurrences, which they considered to be miraculous. We are told that it was necessary for her to cross a stream that was often swollen by rain to reach the village church for her daily attendance at Mass. On one occasion, when the current was particularly strong, the villagers were astonished to see the rushing water separate to provide a dry passageway for her. The sheep, which she often took with her to church, never strayed from her staff that she stuck in the ground, and it is known that not once were they threatened by the wolves that inhabited the neighboring forest.

The most celebrated incident involving Germaine, occurred one winter day when her stepmother was pursuing her with a stick, loudly accusing her of stealing bread to give to the poor. Upon being told to open her folded apron, there fell out only fragrant flowers of a variety unknown to the region. The witnesses of this even, Pierre Pailles and Jeanne Salaires, gave sworn testimony concerning this miracle, which is reminiscent of a similar marvel recorded of St. Elizabeth of Hungary.

One night, Germaine died unattended on her pallet of straw, where her father found her sickly body the next morning. We are told that during the night two monks traveling from Toulouse were sleeping in the ruins of a nearby castle when they were awakened by angelic melodies. They saw a great beam of light rising from a distant building and extending into the sky. Heavenly figures were seen descending into the building and later ascending with another figure. Upon reaching Pibrac the next morning, they inquired if anyone had died during the night and were told of the death of the little shepherdess.

43 years after her death, Germaine’s body was discovered to be perfectly conserved and incorruptible. She is among the few saints who can be declared “incorruptible.”

This little saint, so abused, neglected, and mistreated during her lifetime, has been greatly loved and venerated throughout the world, but especially in Pibrac where on her feast day, June 15, huge pilgrimages wend their way to the basilica where special ceremonies are observed in her honor.