Bl. Teresa of St. Augustine and Companions

Virgins and Martyrs | July 17
The Martyrs of Campiegne

Bl. Teresa of St. Augustine and Companions

The Carmelites of Compiègne facing the guillotine. Illustration taken from Louis David, O.S.B., 1906 [Pubic Domain]

The Martyrs of Campiegne

As the French Revolution entered its worst days, sixteen Discalced Carmelites from the Monastery of the Incarnation in Compiegne offered their lives as a sacrifice to God, making reparation to him and imploring peace for the Church. On June 24, 1794, they were arrested and thrown into prison. Their happiness and resignation were so evident that those around them were also encouraged to draw strength from God's love. They were condemned to death for their fidelity to the Church and their religious life and for their devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Singing hymns, and having renewed their vows before the superior, Teresa of St. Augustine, they were put to death in Paris on July 17, 1794.