For Love of God and Neighbor

Jul 14

“The Martyrs of Compiègne,” St. Teresa Convent, Palma, Spain (photo: Public Domain).

This week I have the privilege of being in Annecy, France with Fr. Joe Newman and Fr. Mike Newman. We are in the town of St. Francis de Sales for our annual major superiors with Oblate provincials from around the world.

It is always an honor and a blessing to be in the birthplace of Salesian Spirituality. This year I am also blessed to be in the country often called "the eldest daughter of the Church" on the feast of the Martyrs of Compiegne.

During the French Revolution, 16 Carmelite nuns from the town of Compiegne were arrested and executed in Paris on July 17, 1794. On their way to the guillotine, the sisters prayed and sang hymns. One by one, they knelt before their Mother Superior and asked, "permission to die." The Superior responded, "Go, my daughter." The Sisters saw their deaths as a spiritual sacrifice to end the Reign of Terror and to restore peace to the people and the nation.

Ten days after their execution, Maximillien Robespierre was killed. Robspierre was one of the leading figures of the extremes of the Revolution. His death effectively ended a horrifying period of massacres and unmatched political executions. Many historians credit the deaths of the Carmelite nuns with turning public opinion against this phase of the Revolution. The Church beatified the Sisters in 1906 and in 2024 they were finally canonized by Pope Francis.

In the Treatise on the Love of God, St. Francis de Sales reflected on the martyrs of the Church and their supreme sacrifice. He writes that martyrs died not just for love of God but for charity. The Martyrs of Compiegne are examples of Christians who gave their lives for love of God and love of neighbor. They lived their faith and faced death with peace and purpose. Their life and legacy show great courage and commitment. Their message of love for God and their fellow men and women, continues to inspire. Let us pray that all of those undergoing martyrdom today will bring an end to violence and restore peace among peoples and nations.