Blessed Lazare Tiersot

Biography

Blessed Lazare Tiersot was born on 29 March 1739 in Semur-en-Auxois, in the Diocese of Sens-Auxerre, Cåte-d‚ÄôOr, France. He joined the Carthusians on 18 December 1769 and became a member of the monastery of Fontenay, France.

As a dedicated priest, Lazare served as the vicar of his Carthusian house until June 1791, when the French Revolution led to the suppression of monastic communities by the civil authorities. During this challenging period, he showed unwavering loyalty to the Catholic Church and refused to take the oath that would have switched his allegiance from the Vatican to the revolutionary government.

Due to his refusal to comply with the new order, Lazare Tiersot was arrested on 19 April 1793 and subsequently imprisoned on a ship in the harbor of Rochefort, France. It was on this ship, named Washington, that he selflessly ministered to other prisoners, despite his own dire circumstances. Lazare heard confessions and did what little he could to care for the sick.

Tragically, Lazare Tiersot died aboard the prison ship Washington on 10 August 1794, due to a fever. He was laid to rest on the island of Aix, France.

Lazare's selfless dedication to his faith and his care for others during his imprisonment earned him the title of one of the Martyrs of the Hulks of Rochefort. The recognition of his martyrdom came on 2 July 1994 when Pope John Paul II declared him venerable. Later, on 1 October 1995, Pope John Paul II beatified him, officially acknowledging his exemplary life and the sanctity of his sacrifice.

Blessed Lazare Tiersot serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the perseverance and unwavering faith of those who faced persecution during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution.