17 July: The Carmelite Martyrs of Compiegne

Today the Carmelite calendar honours the blessed martyrs of Compiegne who offered their lives for France and for liberation from the republican terror. And, indeed, they were the last victims of the terror.

A few years ago I had a bit to say here about the holy martyrs. I gave this link at that time. It was then and still is the most complete account of their lives and martyrdom on the web.

Whether by co-incidence or providential sign, today is also the anniversary of the murder of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia, his family, and some of their retainers by the 20th century's own version of the republican savages. The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia canonized them several years ago, and if I recall correctly, the Russian Orthodox Church recently concurred.