The Martyrs of Compiegne: Episode Five
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What is the historical setting and verdict for the Carmelite nuns in Paris, 1794?
Paris, 1794. The Revolutionary Tribunal sentenced the 16 Carmelite nuns to death. Tomorrow, they face the guillotine. What will happen when those who are passionately standing for the cause of Christ are executed by those who have built their own idea of God? What will it mean for the salvation of France?
The Saints. Adventures of faith and courage. The Martyrs of Compiègne. Episode 5. Intercession. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at thesaintspodcast.com.
You'll be taken to the Place de Tron in the morning, madams.
Sister Constance, child, how are you feeling? You took quite the turn in the courtroom. I'm fine, Sister Charlotte. Just a little shaken and scared. It is natural, child. But we have tonight to ponder what has just occurred and what is to be. We are to be martyrs. It is true. All this time, of course, I have been willingly offering up my life. But deep down, I didn't quite believe this is how it would end. Living a life in devotion to Jesus Christ implies a readiness for martyrdom. We knew that when we joined the Order. Yet, when taking those vows in the faithful France we once knew, we could never have imagined it would end up being our reality. Mother, with your approval, I would like to lead us in a chapter of faults.
Of course, Sister Euphrasia. You wish to proclaim a fault of one of your sisters? I wish to acknowledge a fault of my own. Proceed. Since the day you were elected prioress, I've acted with jealousy and pride. Much as I've tried to keep these feelings concealed, I confess I felt you too young to lead our community. When in fact, You have shown a selfless dedication to your daughters as well as an unwavering spiritual guidance in the face of terror. I can now see my own failings clearly, and I ask your forgiveness. Praise God! I forgive you, daughter. I, too, wish to acknowledge a fault. You, Mother, I've too willingly obeyed the laws and demands of the Republic. I felt it was my duty to represent our community as an upstanding one, even as the Catholic Church was being dismantled around us.
But I have failed you, Sister Constance. Failed me, Mother? You must meet our Lord as His bride, not a novice. You'll allow me to profess my vows? We will do so after Vespers tonight. Thank you, Mother! Thank you!
We must purge our young revolutionary society of its impure components! My detractors call me a dictator and a conspirator. These scoundrels attack my person and mock the cult of the Supreme Being because they are afraid their own anti-revolutionary conspiracies will be found out. Fellow Jacobins, the traitors in our government must be sought out and punished.
Fifty or more people are being guillotined every day at his behest.
How do the sisters process shock and accept their fate after the Tribunal sentence?
And now it is not just aristocrats who are led to their fates, but also humble, ordinary people. Outspoken peasants. Even harmless nuns. Who's next? None of us are safe. He has the blood of thousands of people on his hands. And yet to everyone here, he is a hero? Not to everyone. That speech was a threat.
You honor the Supreme Being, Monsieur.
And as if the power to execute thousands wasn't enough for him, he now acts like he's the god of the new religion that he himself invented. He worships himself and his own ideas. I'm no longer blind to it. How can he be stopped? It will take a great deal. It will take a miracle.
Holy Father, guide the steps of your servant, our sister, and guard her on her pilgrimage. When she comes to the throne of Christ the King, may she not fear Him as her judge, but hear the voice of her bridegroom lovingly inviting her to the wedding feast of heaven. As we have no veil here to place upon your heart, martyrdom will be your crown. and you will receive your veil from your Bridegroom Himself. It proclaims that you belong entirely to Christ and to His mystical body, the Church. Congratulations, my dear girl! You are His bride now! How do you feel? I feel no longer afraid. I feel awe! I feel joy! For my union is with the Bridegroom in life and in His salvific death. I've had reassurance, sisters.
Heaven consoles me.
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