Carmelite nuns guillotined during the French Revolution are now saints

Pope Francis has authorized the canonization of 16 barefoot Carmelite nuns murdered out of hatred for the faith during the French Revolution. Also the beatification of two martyrs and the recognition as venerable of three servants of God.

This was decided by the Holy Father through the promulgation this December 18 of new decrees of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

Blessed Teresa of Saint Augustine and her 15 Carmelite companions, guillotined on July 17, 1794 in Paris, have been inscribed directly in the catalog of saints.

After the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, the so-called “reign of terror” was established, with public executions and the use of the guillotine, promoted by Maximilien Robespierre. In 1792, the religious habit was declared illegal.

The Discalced Carmelites were forced to leave the Compiègne convent due to religious persecution. Finally, they were arrested and sent to Paris.

They were declared “enemies of the people” and were sentenced to death. On July 17, 1794, the brave nuns arrived at the guillotine singing, praying and renewing their vows.

Pope Francis has also approved the beatification of the Servant of God Eduardo Profittlich, a German Jesuit arrested in Estonia by the Soviets in 1941. After refusing to abandon his faithful, he was deported and tortured in Russia. He died in prison a year later.

The Salesian priest Elia Comini will also be beatified. He was executed in Italy by Nazi soldiers during World War II, after having offered shelter and assistance to war victims.

Pope Francis also recognizes the heroic virtues of the Servants of God Áron Márton, bishop of Alba Iulia (Romania), and Giuseppe Maria Leone, Italian priest of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer who died in 1902.

In addition, Pierre Goursat, French layman and founder of the Emmanuel Community, a Catholic association of faithful of pontifical right, will be considered venerable.