The Martyrs of Compiègne

On July 17, 1794, during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution known as the Reign of Terror, sixteen Carmelite nuns from the convent at Compiègne were executed by guillotine in Paris. This tragic event exemplified the era’s extreme anti-clerical sentiment.

Background

The French Revolution, which began in 1789, rapidly escalated into a period marked by radical social and political upheaval. The Reign of Terror (1793-1794), led by the revolutionary government under the Committee of Public Safety, sought to purge France of enemies of the Revolution, particularly targeting monarchists, clergy, and other perceived counter-revolutionaries.

The Carmelite nuns of Compiègne, members of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, were targeted due to their religious vows and refusal to renounce their faith. In 1790, the Civil Constitution of the Clergy required clergy and religious communities to swear an oath of loyalty to the state over the church. The nuns had refused this oath, maintaining their allegiance to the Vatican.

The Arrest and Trial

The nuns were initially arrested in 1792 during a crackdown on religious orders and eventually moved to Paris. As the Reign of Terror intensified, the climate of fear and suspicion led to their trial. They were accused of conspiring against the revolutionary government, although the charges were largely fabricated and unsupported by evidence.

Execution

The execution took place at the Place de la Révolution (now Place de la Concorde) in Paris. Witnesses reported the nuns approached the guillotine with remarkable calm and sang hymns as they were led to their deaths. The prioress, Mother Teresa of St. Augustine, was reportedly the last to be executed, encouraging her sisters to maintain their faith until the end.

Aftermath and Legacy

The execution of the Carmelite nuns was among the last major acts of the Reign of Terror, which came to an end on July 28, 1794, with the fall and execution of Maximilien Robespierre, the architect of the Terror.

In 1906, Pope Pius X beatified the sixteen nuns, recognizing them as martyrs for their faith. Their story has since been commemorated in various cultural works, including literature and opera, serving as a poignant reminder of religious persecution during the French Revolution. The Martyrs of Compiègne continue to be a symbol of unwavering faith and courage in the face of oppression.