The French Revolution began in 1789 to champion the cause of human rights. Gradually and progressively, its leadership fell into the hands of bloodthirsty extremists. In 1790 the revolutionary Government enacted a “Constitution”/Law that denied the Pope’s authority over the French Catholics. All the Bishops, priests and religious were obliged to take an oath of allegiance to this new legislation failing which they would be declared “enemies of the Revolution,” and expelled or beheaded. In 1792 one hundred and ninety-one Bishops, priests and religious who refused to subscribe to the new Law were herded into a Carmelite Monastery in Paris as a temporary shelter before being exported. However, on September 2nd a group of violent and frenzied mob broke into the Carmelite Monastery and began to murder them one after another. Some of the anti-clericals screamed and called out: “The Archbishop of Arles.” The Archbishop John Lau came out and said: “I am he whom you seek.” Within a few minutes, the infuriated mob pounced on him and butchered him in cold blood. The heroism of these martyrs in defense of the Church saved the reputation of France as “the eldest daughter of the Church.” Pope Pius XI declared them blessed in 1926 under the title “John Lau and Companions, Martyrs.”
Reflection: The leaders of the French Revolution, while fighting in defense of rights to Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, betrayed the basic principles of the Revolution by denying these three-fold rights to the Catholics. A few unscrupulous leaders can pervert even the most principled reform movements.
Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed; for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you… (1 Ch. 19: 20)
