No image available
Feast Day: February 10
Birth: August 22, 1721
Death: February 10, 1794
Blessed Louise Bessay de la Voûte was a lay woman from the diocese of Angers, France. She is remembered as a martyr of the French Revolution, having been executed during the religious persecutions of that time.
Louise Bessay de la Vo√ªte was born on August 22, 1721, in the village of Saint-Mars-des-Prés, located in the Vendée region of France. She grew up in a devout Catholic family and from an early age demonstrated a strong commitment to her faith.
During the French Revolution, which began in 1789 and marked a period of radical social and political changes in France, the Catholic Church faced severe persecution. Many clergy and devout laypeople were targeted and arrested for their religious beliefs. Despite the danger, Louise Bessay de la Voûte openly practiced her faith and remained dedicated to her Catholic identity.
Eventually, in 1794, Louise was arrested in Avrillé, a town in the Maine-et-Loire department of France. Like many other faithful Catholics, she refused to renounce her beliefs or convert to the state-mandated religion. Her unwavering commitment to her Catholic faith led to her unjust execution.
On February 10, 1794, Blessed Louise Bessay de la Voûte was martyred for her refusal to renounce her religious convictions during the French Revolution. Her sacrifice and steadfastness in the face of persecution have been recognized as acts of exceptional faith and courage.
Blessed Louise Bessay de la Voûte was venerated by the Catholic Church on June 9, 1983, when Pope John Paul II issued a decree of martyrdom. This decree was a testament to her devotion and martyrdom, officially deeming her as a Blessed within the Church. Subsequently, on February 19, 1984, Pope John Paul II beatified her in Rome, Italy.
Today, Blessed Louise Bessay de la Voûte serves as an inspirational figure and a symbol of perseverance and faithfulness to the Catholic community. Her life and martyrdom remind believers of the courage it takes to stand firm in the face of adversity and the importance of remaining steadfast in one's religious convictions.