There were 16 in total, all members of the Carmelite community – Carmel of Compiègne, France (Born 1715-1760: Died on 17th July 1794). They consisted of 11 Nuns, 3 Lay-sisters and two Tertiaries (Third Order Members) and were executed during the anti-religious Reign of Terror phase of the French Revolution.
The Martyrs of Compiègne were arrested in June 1794 and imprisoned in Cambrai. They were then taken to Paris, put on trial and deemed to be traitors. Their sentence was death by guillotine.
Together, the sixteen Martyrs renewed their religious vows at the foot of the scaffold and sang hymns. The youngest Nun, St Constance (Marie-Geneviève Meunier), was the first to climb the steps to her martyrdom. She was followed by the Lay-sisters and Tertiaries. Finally, their Prioress, St Teresa of St. Augustine (Madeleine-Claudine Ledoine), mounted the steps and was beheaded.
The Reign of Terror ended the following month but during that short period, between June 1793 and July 1794, it is said that 16,594 death sentences were commuted and the figure excluded those who died in prisons and through fighting.
The Martyrs of Compiègne Feast Day is the 17th July
Martyrs of Compiègne :
Pray for us that we will be “imitators of God” and “walk in love” (Eph 5:1-2) as we place all our trust in the Risen Jesus.
Glory be to the…
