Blessed Noël Pinot

Biography

Blessed Noôl Pinot, also known as Natalis Pinot or Natale Pinot, was born on 19 December 1747 in Angers, Maine-et-Loire, France. After his ordination in 1771, he dedicated several years of his life as an assistant pastor in different parishes, sharing his love and faith with the communities he served.

In 1788, Noôl Pinot was appointed as the parish priest at Saint Aubin in Louroux-Beconnais, France. He had a special ministry with the sick, compassionately caring for their spiritual and physical needs. However, the French Revolution brought forth significant challenges to his priesthood and his unwavering commitment to the Church.

During this tumultuous time, Noôl was pressured to take an oath of loyalty to the new government, an oath that contradicted Church principles. He refused to compromise his faith and steadfastly declined the oath. As a consequence, he was ordered to abandon his parish, prohibited from coming closer than eight miles to it for a period of two years.

Despite these restrictions, Noôl Pinot could not bear to be separated from his flock. He clandestinely returned to his parish and bravely ministered to his people in secret, risking his own safety for the sake of their spiritual well-being. Moreover, he employed his persuasive abilities and convinced several of his fellow priests, who had taken the civil oath, to renounce their loyalty to the government and rekindle their allegiance to the Church.

In 1793, as a counter-revolution gained momentum in western France, Noôl could resume his public ministry without fear of immediate persecution. He openly and fearlessly celebrated the sacraments, nourishing the faith of the faithful in his care. However, the forces of the Revolution regained power, and Noôl Pinot again found himself in grave danger.

Government soldiers apprehended him while he was preparing for Mass, and he was subsequently imprisoned for twelve days. Accused of refusing to take the oath and actively encouraging others to follow suit, he was sentenced to death. Despite his perilous circumstances, Noôl remained resolute in his faith until the very end.

On 21 February 1794, in Angers, Maine-et-Loire, France, Noôl Pinot faced the guillotine with courage and unwavering devotion. Remarkably, he wore his Mass vestments to his execution, a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to his priestly vocation. While awaiting his fate, he recited the opening words of the Mass, a prayer that resonated with his deep and abiding faith.

Noôl Pinot's martyrdom exemplifies the fierce dedication and unwavering loyalty he held for the Catholic Church. Recognizing his heroic witness, Pope Pius XI decreed his martyrdom on 3 June 1926. Later that year, on 21 October 1926, Noôl Pinot was beatified by the same pope, a celebration of his exemplary life and the ultimate sacrifice he made for the sake of preserving the sanctity of his faith.