At the start of The French Revolution, Fr. John Francis Burte, Fr. Apollinaris of Posat, and Fr. Severin Girault were among 182 priests, nuns, Bishops, and other religious and lay people who refused to take a civil oath that effectively forced them to renounce their faith, and as a result, they became victims of the Carmelite Massacre. 

Born in France in the 18th century, John Francis joined the Franciscans when he was in his mid-teens. 

After he was ordained, he taught theology for a while and then moved on to Paris where he was made a Superior at a large Friary. 

Born in Switzerland in 1739, Apollinaris joined the Capuchins and was sent to Paris to study oriental languages so he could go east to preach. 

Fr. Severin was a Chaplain for a group of Sisters in Paris. 

They were among the nearly 1000 people murdered on September 2, 1792, ostensibly for refusing to deny their faith. But the killing would continue the next day and last until September 6, taking as many as 1600 martyrs. 

And it didn’t really stop there. 

More martyrs were taken during the French Reign of Terror, including Fr. John Baptiste Triquerie, a Chaplain for The Poor Clares, murdered on January 21, 1794. 

Blessed John Francis Burte and Companions, please pray for us.