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Feast Day: August 20
Birth: June 18, 1744
Death: August 20, 1794
Blessed Gervaisprotais Brunel, also known as Gervais-Protais Brunel, was a Trappist monk, priest, and the Prior of La Trappe Abbey in early 1790. He was born on 18 June 1744 in Magnières, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France.
As a devout Catholic, Blessed Gervaisprotais Brunel dedicated his life to the service of God and the Church. During the anti-Catholic persecutions of the French Revolution, he became a victim of religious persecution for his unwavering loyalty to his faith.
On 27 January 1794, Blessed Gervaisprotais Brunel was imprisoned on the ship Deux-Associés in the harbor of Rochefort, France. Alongside many other religious figures, he refused to take the oath of loyalty to the civil government, choosing instead to remain faithful to his religious beliefs. For this, he was left to die, becoming one of the Martyrs of the Hulks of Rochefort.
Despite the harsh conditions and the imminent threat to his life, Blessed Gervaisprotais Brunel maintained his spiritual fortitude and steadfastness. His unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution serve as a testament to his devotion and love for God.
Tragically, on 20 August 1794, aboard the prison ship Deux-Associés in Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, France, Blessed Gervaisprotais Brunel passed away. His death came as a result of the harsh circumstances he endured during his imprisonment.
Recognizing his martyrdom and the exceptional virtue he displayed in the face of adversity, Pope John Paul II venerated Blessed Gervaisprotais Brunel on 2 July 1994, decreeing his martyrdom. Later on, on 1 October 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified him, acknowledging him as a Blessed of the Catholic Church.
Blessed Gervaisprotais Brunel's life serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the enduring strength of faith and the sacrifices made by those who remain true to their religious beliefs, even in the midst of persecution. His memory continues to inspire devotion and reverence, particularly on his feast day, which is celebrated on 20 August each year.