Martyrs of the French Revolution

During the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, numerous tragic events painted its pages with blood.

One such incident, historically known as the Carmelite Massacre of 1792, saw the brutal murder of nearly 200 religious figures. These were priests, nuns, and secular religious individuals who had refused to take a government-mandated schismatic oath, leading to their imprisonment in the church of the Carmelite monastery in Paris.

Among the victims were members of various religious orders: a Conventual, a Capuchin, and a member of the Third Order Regular.

1. John Francis Burte:
Born in Rambervillers, Lorraine, John Francis joined the Franciscans at 16. Following his priestly ordination, he taught theology and later became a superior in his convent. After a restructuring ordered by Pope Clement XIV, he headed a large convent in Paris, emphasizing strict rule observance. His refusal to take the government’s schismatic oath, which would have denied his faith, led to his arrest and subsequent martyrdom on September 2, 1792.

2. Apollinaris of Posat (previously John James Morel):
Born near Friboug, Switzerland, Apollinaris studied under Jesuits before joining the Capuchins. Known as an eloquent preacher, confessor, and instructor, humility was central to his teachings. He was in Paris preparing for a missionary role in the East when the Revolution broke out. Like John Francis, his refusal to take the sacrilegious oath led to his imprisonment and martyrdom on September 2, 1792.

3. Blessed Severin (previously George Girault):
Originating from Rouen, Normandy, Severin was a member of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis. Renowned for his pastoral prowess, he served as a chaplain in Paris and was revered for guiding religious perfection. His refusal to take the civil oath saw him imprisoned at the Carmelite convent. Tragically, on September 2, while he prayed in the convent garden, he became the first of many to be savagely murdered.

These three Franciscan martyrs, alongside 182 others who perished during this dark chapter of history, were later beatified by Pope Pius XI.

The Franciscan Order honors their memory annually with dedicated services.

Photo credit: Singhson67, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons