The Martyrs of Compiegne: Episode Four
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What is the historical setting and central question of The Martyrs of Compiègne Episode Four?
Compiègne, France, 1794. Under the influence of Robespierre, the revolutionary government is becoming more indiscriminate with its rests and its executions. When the 16 Carmelite nuns are arrested, can the Lord's transforming love finally unite them as a community?
The Saints, Adventures of Faith and Courage. The Martyrs of Compiègne, Episode 4, Enemies of the People. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at thesaintspodcast.com.
Stand back, please. You'll find nothing in that drawer except the mother prioress's columns.
We've been instructed to take everything as evidence, I'm afraid.
Barging in on us in our sleeping attire. It's a violation.
Mother, you are back. Oh, finally. On whose authority are you searching our living quarters, Monsieur Le Maire?
Ah, prioress. The Revolutionary Tribunal has ordered your arrest.
We have obeyed all new laws. I've received no vows. We have given over everything to the state.
We have evidence you are harboring anti-revolutionary sentiments. Evidence? What evidence?
The, um... The, uh... Shame on you, Monsieur Le Maire. You have no evidence at all. You would arrest a community of contemplative nuns? You betrayed the Lord God all to save your own skin.
I pray that God will forgive me. Now please, sisters, go dress yourselves and meet me outside. The guards will take you to the conciergerie prison in Paris.
The mayor will not believe us when we say our forbidden habits are the only clothing we have to wear. That's his own doing, bursting in here with guards in the middle of the night when all our skirts are still soaking wet after washing. Here, let me help you. Oh. Oh, how I've missed this habit. It is as if our Lord has clothed me in a garment of salvation and wrapped me in a mantle of justice. It is how a bride of Christ is meant to be. I have been a fool, Sister Marie-Henriette. I feared and doubted the path to possible martyrdom placed before us, rather than being in awe that He has chosen me, chosen us, Of course I'm willing to die for God's love, to honor Jesus' own self-giving act. I want to join the daily consecration.
I want to pray together to the One who is sustaining us, even now. We will offer up a true community sacrifice. Here, let us put on our mantles. Why do you shiver? It's just... the opening at the back of our white mantles. Without our veils to cover it, it exposes the bare skin on our necks as if inviting... I know what you mean.
We're ready to journey to our fate, Monsieur Lemaire.
No! No, no, no. Those habits are outlawed.
Why are Revolutionary guards raiding the Carmelite convent and what accusations do they make?
You can't expect me to... All our civilian clothes are still being laundered.
You either take us to prison in our forbidden habits, or you take us to prison in our undergarments. I'm sure you can appreciate the irony.
Sisters, dressing like that will put yourselves in a much more difficult position.
On the contrary, dressing like this puts us at peace. Excusez-moi, Monsieur. Guard, we have been traveling for a whole day and night. How much longer?
Six hours till Paris.
What is the time, please, Monsieur?
Judging by the sun, it's nearly six in the morning.
Daughters, let us sanctify the day.
Veni, creato Spiritu, Quiet down back there!
Sister Charlotte, we've arrived at the prison.
Inside, madames.
Oh, child, I cannot. The journey has weakened me too much.
Guard, monsieur, please, untie my hands. My sister needs help to stand.
Get inside, all of you. Leave me, Sister Constance. How will you... Hurry up, madame. Monsieur, if you would be so kind as to untie my hands, or perhaps find me a sip of water and find my crutch, I will try to get myself... Get up, madame, or I'll toss you out of there myself. Monsieur, what is that guard doing to that old nun?
He's pitching her out of that cart like she's a sack of grain.
What are you doing, monsieur? You would toss an old woman on the paving stones with her hands tied?
She is an enemy of France. Is she dead?
Madame? Madame? Oh, madame. You are alive, madame. Her face is smeared with blood. You've split her head open, you brute. No, no. I thank you, monsieur. I thank you for not having killed me.
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Chapters
4 chapters
1
What is the historical setting and central question of The Martyrs of Compiègne Episode Four?
0:01–3:54
2
Why are Revolutionary guards raiding the Carmelite convent and what accusations do they make?
3:54–8:32
3
How do the nuns respond when told they will be arrested and taken to Paris?
8:32–11:08
4
What significance do the habits and mantles hold for the sisters facing arrest?
11:08–16:21