Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.
COURTESY OF ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH---THE 16 CARMELITE MARTYRS OF COMPIEGNE--REIGN OF TERROR
On Friday, the Church honors the Carmelite martyrs of Compiègne, French Carmelites who were executed during the French Revolution.
Many know the Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne. Fewer know how their sacrifice may have helped bring the Reign of Terror to an end.
After the Civil Constitution of the Clergy and the suppression of religious orders, officials forced the sisters from their monastery. Scattered into small groups and dressed in secular clothing, they refused to abandon their vows and continued to live as Carmelites in secret.
Then Mother Teresa of St. Augustine proposed a startling act: that the sisters offer their lives for the salvation of France and for an end to the bloodshed.
At first, some hesitated. But grace strengthened them. Soon, each sister renewed this offering daily.
In June 1794, the sisters were arrested for continuing religious life under obedience to a superior. They were imprisoned first in Compiègne, then taken by cart to Paris.
On July 17, 1794, after a brief trial before the Revolutionary Tribunal, the 16 Carmelites were condemned as “enemies of the People.” They were taken to the Place du Trône Renversé, today’s Place de la Nation, singing the Miserere, the Salve Regina, the Te Deum, and the Veni Creator Spiritus.
One by one, they renewed their vows, received the blessing of their prioress, and mounted the scaffold.
The youngest, Sister Constance, went first; Mother Teresa of St. Augustine went last.
Ten days later, Robespierre fell. Soon after, the Terror ended.
The Martyrs of Compiègne were beatified by Pope Pius X in 1906 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2024 through equipollent canonization.
Their witness still speaks---hidden fidelity can shake history.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
