“The Song at the Scaffold”
by Gertrude La Fort. Sophia Institute Press, Manchester, N.H., original publication, 1933, reprint, 2001, 124 pages, Grades 9 and above.
The French Revolution is one of the most controversial events in history. Many see it as the overthrow of a dominating, patriarchal society bent on enriching itself at the expense of the majority of the French nation.
The keywords of the Revolution are “Liberty, Fraternity and Equality.” Who is to argue against these basic concepts of justice? But by your fruits you shall know them (Mt 7:16). What are the fruits of liberty in France?
The first fruit by the French National Assembly is to impose the infamous Ecclesiastical Oath on the French clergy. This “liberates” priests from allegiance to Rome and states that the French National Assembly has ultimate authority on religious matters in France. The priests are assured that the Oath is free from threats. Within a year, those not taking the oath are either in exile, jail or at the guillotine.
Next, the National Assembly decides that nuns must renounce their vows and leave their convents. So much for fraternity. Finally, the National Assembly sends an army into the small province of Vendee. This province has not accepted the Revolution and is therefore an enemy of the state. The French army proceeds to attack. In the Vendean genocide, the French Army slaughters men, women and children in equal measure. Gertrude La Fort writes about the second part of this hideous time; the attack and expulsion of the nuns.
During the most evil part of the Revolution’s Reign of Terror, 16 Carmelite Nuns offer their lives to save France and free it from the diabolical evil gripping the country. The name of the book describing their heroic martyrdom is “The Song at the Scaffold.”
The Marquise La Fort is not happy. His timid, 16-year-old daughter, Blanche, tells him she wants to become a Carmelite nun.
This seems stupid and silly to the nobleman. He can make a fine marriage for his daughter. But, she insists. He gives in and Blanche enters the Carmelite Convent at Compiegne, 50 miles from Paris. Soon the nuns begin hearing of the atrocities and guillotining happening across France. Being a contemplative order, the Carmelites don’t know how to respond to these events. They increase their already deep love of Christ, the Blessed Mother and their prayer life.
The Revolutionaries increase their hatred for the Catholic Church. They begin to attack religious orders and tell the Carmelites they can no longer live in their convent. They are told to renounce their vows. Blanche weakens and flees the convent. The Reign of Terror continues with the murder of anyone refusing the liberty granted by the Revolution. Hope seems to be lost in France.
At this point, the Carmelites make their famous promise to give their lives in martyrdom for the salvation of France. The Revolutionaries make a final arrest and bring them to trial. As she watches the nuns after their arrest, Blanche regains her faith and courage. What happens?
The 16 Carmelites have been beatified by the Catholic Church, which is a step to full canonization. La Fort uses some artistic creativity rather than relying on a strict historical account of the martyrdoms. The Reign of Terror ended 10 days after the heroic martyrdoms to save France. I believe their magnificent sacrifice led to God showering His graces on France to stop the diabolical evils of the Revolution.
“The Song at the Scaffold” by Gertrude La Fort is highly recommended for high school students. Additionally, the play “The Dialogues of the Carmelites” by the famous French writer, Georges Bernanos, eloquently tells this story.
