On December 18, Pope Francis canonized 16 Carmelite nuns who were executed by guillotine during the French Revolution. Among them was Blessed Teresa of the Child Jesus of the Order of Discalced Carmelites of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Compiègne and 15 of her companions.

Martyrdom and Beatification of the Nuns

The French Revolutionary government banned religious life in 1790, forcing the Carmelite nuns of Compiègne to leave their convent two years later. However, in 1794, they were discovered to be continuing their communal life and were tried and publicly executed by guillotine on July 17. Ironically, the Reign of Terror ended just a few days later on July 28. Pope Pius X beatified these martyrs on May 26, 1906.

Encounter with Opera

The Carmelite nuns canonized on this day became even more widely known through Francis Poulenc's 1956 opera "Dialogues of the Carmelites," which movingly portrays the nuns' faith and courage and has left a deep impression on many people.

Other Canonizations and Recognition of Heroic Virtues

On the same day, the Pope officially recognized the martyrdom of two individuals and the heroic virtues of three others. Archbishop Eduard Profitlich, who was martyred in a Russian prison in 1942, was a Jesuit priest who died for his faith despite Soviet oppression. In addition, Pierre Goursat, a layperson, was recognized for his dedication to using media as a tool for evangelization and for founding the Emmanuel Community, thus making significant contributions to lay charismatic renewal.

Significance and Impact

This canonization not only honors the noble sacrifice of these martyrs who gave their lives for their faith but also serves as a reminder to emulate their spirit. It also provides an opportunity to shed new light on the history of the Carmelite Order, which persevered in its faith despite persecution and suffering throughout history.