Martyrs of Compiègne

As soon as the French Revolution became a serious threat to religion the sixteen Discalced Carmelite nuns of Compiegne offered themselves to God as victims of his justice for the peace of the Church. They were imprisoned in June 24 1794, and they inspired their fellow prisoners by their joy and abandonment to God. They were condemned to death for their refusal to betray the Church and their religious vocation, and for their devotion to the sacred hearts of Jesus and Mary. Having renewed their profession in the hands of their prioress, Teresa of St Augustine, they went to the scaffold, singing hymns, on July 17 1794.

In the first reading from St Paul’s letter to the Romans (8:31-39) we are encouraged to remember that Christ died for us and “nothing therefore can come between us and the love of .  Christ”.  In the Gospel from John (15:18-21) we hear Jesus tell us that we “do not belong to the world, because my choice withdrew you from the world.”