Martyrs of September 1792: Faithful Witnesses of the French Revolution
The Martyrs of September 1792 remain among the most tragic yet inspiring figures in Catholic history. Undoubtedly, these brave men gave their lives during one of the bloodiest episodes of the French Revolution. Consequently, their story continues to move believers throughout the world today.
The Church honours the Martyrs of September 1792 each year on 2 September. This date marks the beginning of the massacre that claimed their lives. Additionally, the Church remembers them on 3 September, since the killings spanned both days.
Who Were the Martyrs of September 1792?
Specifically, the Martyrs of September 1792 formed a group of one hundred and ninety faithful Christians. Revolutionaries killed them on 2 and 3 September 1792 during the infamous September Massacres. Indeed, among them were bishops, priests, monks, and laypeople who refused to abandon their faith.
Notably, the most prominent victims included John Mary du Lau, the Archbishop of Arles. Francis de la Rochefoucauld, the Bishop of Beauvais, also died alongside his brother. His brother Louis de la Rochefoucauld was the Bishop of Saintes. Furthermore, Benedictine Augustine Chevreux, the last superior general of the Maurists, perished with them. Likewise, Charles de la Calmette, the Count of Valfons, Julian Massey, and Louis de la Touche perished. Many Carmelite friars joined them in martyrdom.
One hundred and twenty victims died at the Carmelite Church on the rue de Rennes in Paris. Ultimately, Pope Pius the Eleventh beatified the entire group on 17 October 1926. Consequently, the Church now venerates them collectively as blessed martyrs.
Jean-Marie du Lau and the Martyrs of September 1792
Certainly, Jean-Marie du Lau stands out as the best-known among the Martyrs of September 1792. He was born on 30 October 1738 at the Château de la Côte in Biras in the Province of Perigord. His family belonged to the aristocracy and had produced many church leaders.
His father was Armand du Lau, Lord of La Coste. His mother was Françoise de Salleton. In addition, his uncle, Father Jean-Marie du Lau, served as parish priest at the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris. He held this post from 1750 onwards.
Du Lau’s Rise Before the Martyrs of September 1792
Du Lau studied at the Collège de Navarre in Paris. Afterwards, he earned a Licentiate of Theology at the Sorbonne. He then began his rise through the French Church with his uncle’s guidance.
Jean-Marie du Lau held several important positions before becoming archbishop. He served first as canon and treasurer at Pamiers. Later, he became Vicar General of the Diocese of Bordeaux. Subsequently, he accepted the role of Prior of Gabillon. In 1770, he attained the prestigious rank of Agent General of the Clergy of France. This position gave him significant influence over national church affairs.
King Louis the Sixteenth promoted du Lau to Archbishop of Arles on 1 October 1775. At that time, he was the youngest bishop the king had appointed. However, this promotion also placed him directly in the path of the coming revolution.
Pastoral Work Leading to the Martyrs of September 1792
Archbishop du Lau proved himself a dedicated pastor during his time in Arles. He began a pastoral visitation of his diocese in 1777. Additionally, he commissioned a report on the state of the diocese in 1779. He asked Father Laurent Bonnemant to prepare this document. The report aimed to introduce reforms throughout the archdiocese. Like many reforming bishops of his era, du Lau cared deeply about practical matters. Specifically, he worked to improve the training of midwives. Moreover, he ensured that children received proper catechism instruction. Similarly, he promoted spiritual renewal among his priests. In 1786, he rebuilt the imposing facade of the archbishop’s palace.
The Revolution and the Martyrs of September 1792
The French Revolution brought dramatic changes that threatened the Church. In 1789, the government convoked the Estates-General. The clergy chose du Lau as one of their representatives. He travelled to Versailles to defend the interests of the Church. Meanwhile, radical forces gathered strength across the nation.
However, the revolutionary situation grew increasingly hostile toward religion. Du Lau soon entered a bitter conflict with Pierre-Antoine Antonelle. Antonelle was the newly elected mayor of Arles. Although he came from an aristocratic family, he had joined the radical wing of the Revolution.
This conflict proved short-lived. On 12 July 1790, the National Assembly voted to abolish the Archdiocese of Arles. Therefore, Jean-Marie du Lau became the last Archbishop of Arles. The revolutionaries stripped him of his see and his authority.
Imprisonment and Death of the Martyrs of September 1792
Revolutionary forces arrested Archbishop du Lau and brought him to Paris. They held him in an improvised prison inside the closed priory of the Carmelite Friars in central Paris. Du Lau shared this prison with two priests from his archdiocese. Their names were Armand de Foucauld de Pontbriand and Pierre François Pazery de Thorame. Additionally, many other clergy and religious suffered alongside him. Among them were two more bishops. These were Francois-Joseph de la Rochefoucauld and Pierre-Louis de la Rochefoucauld. Priests, clerics, and Brothers of the Christian Schools filled the cells. In total, ninety-four men awaited their fate in this improvised prison.
On 2 September 1792, revolutionaries broke into the Carmelite priory. They massacred the prisoners in cold blood. Du Lau died a violent death alongside his fellow captives. Thus, the Martyrs of September 1792 gave the ultimate witness to their faith.
Beatification and Legacy of the Martyrs of September 1792
The Church did not forget the sacrifice of these holy men. Indeed, Pope Pius the Eleventh beatified the Martyrs of September 1792 on 17 October 1926. This recognition affirmed their martyrdom and their place among the blessed.
Du Lau’s remains rest in the cemetery of the former Carmelite priory. This site lies at 70 rue de Vaugirard in Paris.
The Martyrs of September 1792 faced hatred and violence with steadfast devotion. Furthermore, their example encourages modern believers to remain faithful amid persecution.
Catholic Online serves as the author and publisher of this account. Readers who wish to learn more can explore printable Catholic Saints PDFs. Additionally, they can shop for resources about the Martyrs of September through Catholic Online’s store. For further historical context, see the detailed entry on Jean-Marie du Lau at Wikipedia. Those interested in related saints may also read about the Fourteen Holy Helpers and their powerful intercession during times of plague.
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