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Feast Day: October 2
Death: October 1, 2
Blessed Georgesedme René, also known as Giorgio Edmondo Renè, was born in an unspecified date and location, the son of a lawyer. As a young man, he felt called to serve the Catholic Church and pursued his vocation to become a priest. He was ordained and served in the Archdiocese of Sens, France.
After his ordination, Blessed Georgesedme René was appointed as a Canon of Vézelay, a town in the Burgundy region of France known for its famous basilica. He faithfully fulfilled his duties as a canon, dedicating his life to the service of God and the Church.
Tragically, during the anti-Catholic persecutions of the French Revolution, Blessed Georgesedme René found himself caught up in a storm of religious turmoil. For his unwavering loyalty to the Church and refusal to take the oath of loyalty to the government, he was imprisoned on a ship in the harbor of Rochefort, France.
The conditions aboard the prison ship, named Washington, were dreadful, and the prisoners faced grave challenges. It was during his imprisonment that Blessed Georgesedme René developed tuberculosis, a severe respiratory illness that plagued him until his death.
Despite the harsh circumstances, Blessed Georgesedme René's faith remained unshaken. His unwavering commitment to his religious beliefs, even in the face of persecution and death, were a testament to his deep piety and strength of character.
On the solemn day of October 2, 1794, at 5 pm, aboard the prison ship Washington in Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, France, Blessed Georgesedme René breathed his last breath. His tuberculosis had taken its toll, and he succumbed to the illness that had plagued him for some time.
Years later, on July 2, 1994, Pope John Paul II officially recognized the martyrdom of Blessed Georgesedme René, declaring him venerable. This recognition heralded his fortitude in the face of persecution and his ultimate sacrifice for his faith. One year later, on October 1, 1995, Pope John Paul II, in a beatification ceremony, declared him blessed, affirming his sanctity and officially adding him to the list of the blessed of the Catholic Church.
Blessed Georgesedme René stands as a shining example of steadfastness and devotion to one's religious beliefs in the face of adversity and persecution. His memory and intercession continue to inspire the faithful, reminding them of the importance of remaining true to the teachings and traditions of the Church, even in the most challenging circumstances.