Martyrs of the French Revolution

Martyrs of the French Revolution

Blessed Martyr Sisters of Arrás

These four Daughters of Charity belonged to the community of Arrás, known as the Martyrs of Cambrai.

They died as guillotined victims of the French Revolution, on 26 June, 1794, for refusing to swear to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, like many other religious and lay people of their time.

The guillotine, at the time, stood in Cambrai and June 25, 1794, were given orders to the prison warden to send the Sisters quickly to that city. They arrived on 26, very early and soon after led to the scaffold. Before getting there, Sister Magdalene Fontaine repeated what had already been said several times: “we will be the last victims”.

This prophecy, which prompted laughter of Commissioner Lebon, was fulfilled to the letter: they were the last victims in Cambrai.

The dead surprised them in the middle of the service to the poor. They were:

María Magdalena Fontaine

Born on 22 April 1723 in Etnepagny is the Daughter of Charity since 9 July 1748.

María Francisca Lanel

Born on 24 August 1745 in Eu is the Daughter of Charity since 10 April 1764.

Teresa Magdalena Fantou

Born on 27 July 1747 in Miniac-Morvan entered the Seminary in Paris on 28 November 1771.

Juana Gerard

Born on 23 October 1752 in Cimiéres, entered the Company on September 17, 1776.

The simultaneous beatification of all these martyrs was held on June 13, 1920.

Their feast is celebrated on June 26.

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Martyr Missioners of the French Revolution

These blessed were martyred during the time of the French Revolution.

A – Luis José Francois 1751-1792

Born in Busigny, France on February 3, 1751.

Studied to become priest of Congregation of the Mission and was ordained in 1733.

Being already priest of the Mission served as Secretary General of the Congregation, also directed the Seminar of San Fermin in Paris, formerly known under the name Bons Enfants and finally served in parish ministry.

For refusing to swear to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy was thrown through a window on September 3, 1792.

B – Juan Enrique Gruyer 1734-1792

Born in Dole, France on June 13, 1734.

Enters the Congregation of the Mission and is ordained priest in St. Cloud.

His main ministry dedication was developed around the formation of clergy.

He died pierced by a sword, the same day and year that his brother of the Congregation, José Luis Francois. They were beatified on October 17, 1926.

C – Pedro Renato Rogue 1758-1796

Born in Vannes, France, on June 11, 1758. He was the youngest of the three martyrs.

Enters the Congregation of the Mission and is ordained on September 12, 1782. He worked in the formation of clergy and parish work.

After several months of imprisonment and abuse, borne with patience and courage to serve as support to other faithful, was beheaded on March 3, 1796. He is beatified on May 10, 1934.

The feast of the three martyrs is celebrated on September 2.