Martyrs of Avrillé

Biography

The Martyrs of Avrillé, also known as the Forty-seven Christians, were a group of individuals who were executed for their Catholic faith during the anti-Catholic persecution of the French Revolution. These brave men and women died on 1st February 1794 in Avrillé, Maine-et-Loire, France. They were beatified on 19th February 1984 by Pope John Paul II in Rome, Italy. Among the martyrs were Blessed Anne Hamard, Blessed Anne-Françoise de Villeneuve, Blessed Catherine Cottanceau, Blessed Charlotte Davy, Blessed Françoise Bellanger, Blessed Françoise Bonneau, Blessed Françoise Michau, Blessed Françoise Pagis épouse Railleau, Blessed Gabrielle Androuin, Blessed Jacquine Monnier, Blessed Jeanne Bourigault, Blessed Jeanne Fouchard épouse Chalonneau, Blessed Jeanne Gruget veuve Doly, Blessed Jeanne Sailland d’Epinatz, Blessed Louise Déan de Luigné, Blessed Louise-Olympe Rallier de la Tertinière veuve Déan de Luigné, Blessed Madeleine Blond, Blessed Madeleine Perrotin veuve Rousseau, Blessed Madeleine Sailland d’Epinatz, Blessed Marguerite Rivière épouse Huau, Blessed Marie Anne Pichery épouse Delahaye, Blessed Marie Cassin épouse Moreau, Blessed Marie Fausseuse épouse Banchereau, Blessed Marie Gallard épouse Quesson, Blessed Marie Gasnier épouse Mercier, Blessed Marie Grillard, Blessed Marie Lenée épouse Lepage de Varancé, Blessed Marie Leroy, Blessed Marie Leroy épouse Brevet, Blessed Marie Rouault épouse Bouju, Blessed Marie-Anne Vaillot, Blessed Marie-Jeanne Chauvigné épouse Rorteau, Blessed Odile Baumgarten, Blessed Perrine Androuin, Blessed Perrine Besson, Blessed Perrine Grille, Blessed Perrine Ledoyen, Blessed Perrine Sailland d’Epinatz, Blessed Perrine-Charlotte Phelippeaux épouse Sailland d’Epinatz, Blessed Renée Cailleau épouse Girault, Blessed Renée Grillard, Blessed Renée Martin épouse Martin, Blessed Renée Valin, Blessed Rose Quenion, Blessed Simone Chauvigné veuve Charbonneau, Blessed Suzanne Androuin, and Blessed Victoire Bauduceau épouse Révélière. These faithful individuals were among the many Catholics targeted during the French Revolution. The revolutionary government sought to suppress the Church's influence and eradicate religious practices. The Martyrs of Avrillé refused to renounce their Catholic faith and instead remained steadfast in their beliefs, even in the face of grave consequences. Their peaceful resistance and unwavering commitment to their faith led to their arrest and subsequent execution. These forty-seven individuals were martyred together, their lives taken for their refusal to renounce their Catholicism. Their sacrifice and martyrdom serve as a powerful testament to the strength of their convictions and their dedication to God. Recognizing their heroic witness, Pope John Paul II venerated the Martyrs of Avrillé on 9th June 1983, issuing a decree of martyrdom. Less than a year later, on 19th February 1984, the Pope beatified them during a ceremony held in Rome, Italy. Although they may not have specific patronages assigned to them, the Martyrs of Avrillé serve as an inspiration to all those facing persecution and discrimination for their faith. Their undying devotion to Catholicism and their willingness to lay down their lives for their beliefs make them exemplars of courage and dedication. The Martyrs of Avrillé's memory lives on, reminding Catholics and people of faith worldwide of the importance of religious freedom and the power of steadfast devotion in the face of adversity. Their beatification serves as a testament to their extraordinary faith and provides an opportunity for believers to seek their intercession and guidance in times of trial. May their collective sacrifice continue to inspire and strengthen the faithful for generations to come.