During the French Revolution, there was a period known as “The Reign of Terror” that literally and officially made terror the order of that day. 

The intent was to prevent open disagreement with the new French government. 

Though the Catholic Church had been among the most persecuted organizations during the French Revolution, that persecution was radically intensified during the Reign of Terror. 

On June 22, 1794, eleven Discalced Carmelite nuns, three lay sisters, and two externs were arrested as traitors and accused of living in a religious order at the Carmelite Monastery in Compiegne which was in violation of the law. 

They were taken to The Visitation Monastery and imprisoned there, where they continued to openly practice their religion. 

As a result, they were sent to Paris where they were condemned to death by the guillotine. 

As they waited at the foot of the scaffold they all sang Salve Regina and, after renewing their vows, continued to sing as they walked up the stairs to their deaths. 

Sr. Constance, the Novice, was the first to die. Then the lay sisters and externs and, finally, the Prioress, Blessed Mother Teresa of St. Augustine. 

The execution of the Carmelite Nuns brought a swift end to the Reign of Terror, which meant another group of Benedictine Nuns, who were also sentenced to die, were spared. 

They credited the courage of the Carmelites for saving their lives. 

Holy Carmelite Sisters of Compiegne, please pray for us.