A Mass of Thanksgiving for the 2024 canonization of the 16 martyrs of Compiègne was celebrated at Notre-Dame de Paris on Saturday, September 13. About 60 Carmelites, coming from all over France and especially from Compiègne, gathered for the occasion.
In addition to the Mass, they held a Way of the Cross along the “chemin des charrettes” or “path of the carts” (the route the carts carrying the Carmelites martyrs followed from prison to their place of martyrdom) through the streets of Paris.
It ended with a prayer vigil at Picpus Cemetery, where the martyrs are buried.
The story of the Martyrs of Compiegne has captured the imagination of poets, artists, and musicians, including Francis Poulenc’s celebrated opera The Dialogues of the Carmelites, based on an earlier play by Georges Bernanos.
In one of the final saint-making acts of his pontificate, Francis approved an equipollent (or “equivalent”) canonization of Mother Thérèse and her 15 companions on December 18, 2024.
The exceptional decree meant that the usual lengthy process and miracle requirement were waived -- their sanctity was simply recognized by the pope’s authority, in light of their enduring reputation for holiness.
Their first feast day as saints was July 17.
Carmelite family, on heaven and earth
The September 13 event -- the vigil of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross -- was a rare opportunity to bring the Carmelite family together outside the walls of the convents, and a way of showing that Carmel is very much alive today.
A nun from Carmel Notre-Dame de Surieu (Isère) told Aleteia after Mass, “With my 65 Carmelite sisters, the whole dimension of Carmel is here. Carmel is very much alive!”
It was surely a day of joy in heaven for the two Teresas—of Avila and Lisieux! And the many other famous Carmelites loved around the world.
Click to see a slideshow of the Way of the Cross in memory of the Carmelites of Compiègne:
