Episode 2276: What is the Legacy of the Vendéens?

What is the Legacy of the Vendéens
The French Revolution and the Persecution of Catholics
I will discuss the Catholics who took up arms in defense of their faith and traditional way of life during the French Revolution were known as the "Catholic and Royal Army" or more commonly as the "Vendéens". This movement primarily took place in the Vendée region of France.
These Catholic’s had to fight the freemason terror much like a century or more later the Christeros of Mexico had to fight that same masonic terror. All for Christ the King whom the Freemasons must remove from our world to create their world of humanism according to lucifer.
But let me start by discussing a tumultuous period in history: the French Revolution and the persecution of Catholics. This era is marked by immense suffering but also by the steadfast faith and courage of those who upheld the Church’s teachings in the face of great adversity.
The Historical Context of the French Revolution
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It sought to overthrow the monarchy and bring about profound changes in the structure of society. The revolution was driven by Enlightenment ideals, which emphasized reason, individualism, and a rejection of traditional authority, including that of the Catholic Church.
Before the revolution, the Catholic Church held significant influence in France. It was a major landowner and played a central role in the lives of the people, from birth to death. The clergy were divided into the upper clergy, often from noble families, and the lower clergy, who were more in touch with the common people.
The Persecution Begins
As the revolution progressed, hostility towards the Church grew. The National Assembly, seeking to reduce the Church’s power and wealth, passed the Civil Constitution of the Clergy in 1790. This law brought the Church under state control and required clergy to swear an oath of loyalty to the state over the pope. Many priests and bishops refused, resulting in a schism within the Church in France.
The refusal to take the oath was seen as counter-revolutionary, and those who resisted faced severe repercussions. Churches were closed, religious orders were suppressed, and properties were confiscated. Priests who continued to minister without taking the oath were considered traitors and were hunted down. Many were forced into hiding or fled the country.
The Reign of Terror
The persecution of Catholics reached its peak during the Reign of Terror (1793-1794). The revolutionary government, led by figures like Maximilien Robespierre, sought to eradicate all forms of counter-revolutionary activity. The Church was seen as a major obstacle to the new secular order.
During this period, thousands of priests and religious were arrested, and many were executed by guillotine. One of the most harrowing events was the massacre of priests in Paris in September 1792, where over 200 priests were killed in the space of a few days. The Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne, a group of 16 nuns who refused to renounce their faith, were guillotined in July 1794. Their story of bravery and faithfulness to their vocation has inspired countless Catholics.

The Church's Response and Resilience
Despite the intense persecution, the Catholic Church in France demonstrated remarkable resilience. Many clergy and laypeople went underground, continuing to practice their faith in secret. The “non-juror” priests, those who refused to take the oath, administered the sacraments clandestinely, often at great personal risk.
The Church's suffering during the Revolution also led to a deepening of faith among many Catholics. The courage of martyrs and confessors served as a powerful witness to the strength of the faith. Even in the face of death, many remained steadfast, offering their sufferings for the Church and the salvation of souls.
The Aftermath and Restoration
With the fall of Robespierre and the end of the Reign of Terror, the situation for the Church began to improve. However, it wasn’t until Napoleon Bonaparte’s Concordat with the Pope in 1801 that some semblance of normalcy returned. The Concordat recognized Catholicism as the religion of the majority of French citizens and allowed for the reopening of churches and the return of some properties.
Despite these concessions, the Church in France had been irreparably changed. The Revolution had shattered the old order, and the Church had to navigate a new, more secular society. Yet, the blood of the martyrs and the sacrifices of the faithful ensured that the Church remained a vital spiritual force in France.
The Catholic and Royal Army - The Rise of the Vendéens
In response to the radical anti-Catholic measures and the forced conscription of men into the revolutionary army, the people of the Vendée region rose up in what is known as the Vendée Uprising. This counter-revolutionary movement began in 1793 and was fueled by deep-seated Catholic and royalist sentiments. The peasants, led by local nobles, priests, and other charismatic figures, formed the Catholic and Royal Army.
The Vendéens aimed to defend their faith, restore the monarchy, and resist the revolutionary government. They quickly gained ground, achieving several military victories. Their battle cry, "For God and King!" encapsulated their dual commitment to their faith and their loyalty to the deposed Louis XVI.

The Brutal Suppression
The revolutionary government, alarmed by the strength and fervor of the Vendéen resistance, responded with brutal force. General Jean-Baptiste Carrier, a prominent revolutionary, was dispatched to suppress the uprising. His tactics were ruthless, leading to widespread atrocities known as the "Infernal Columns." Entire villages were burned, and civilians, including women and children, were massacred.
Despite their initial successes, the Catholic and Royal Army could not withstand the sheer force and brutality of the revolutionary forces. By the end of 1793, the uprising was largely crushed, but sporadic resistance continued for several years.
Legacy of the Vendéens
The Vendée Uprising is remembered as a tragic yet heroic episode in the history of the Catholic Church in France. The courage and faith of the Vendéens, who stood up against overwhelming odds to defend their beliefs, serve as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring strength of the Catholic faith.

The Church has recognized the martyrdom of many who perished during this period. In 1984, Pope John Paul II visited the Vendée region, honoring the memory of those who died for their faith and acknowledging the profound suffering endured by the local population.
The story of the Catholic and Royal Army during the French Revolution adds a rich layer to our understanding of this tumultuous period. The Vendéens' unwavering commitment to their faith and their king, even in the face of extreme persecution, exemplifies the profound connection between faith and identity. As we reflect on their sacrifices, let us draw inspiration from their example of courage and steadfastness in upholding the truths of our faith.
Conclusion:
The story of the French Revolution and the persecution of Catholics is a poignant reminder of the trials the Church has faced throughout history. It underscores the resilience of the faith and the courage of those who stand firm in the face of persecution. As we reflect on this dark chapter, let us be inspired by the example of those who remained faithful to Christ and His Church, no matter the cost.

Thank you for joining me on this episode and so now you are educated. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His grace.
Now lets scream it from the housetops here in our country because the freemasonic movement wants to destroy our church here as well. Viva Christo Rey!