Blessed Jacques Retouret

Jacques Retouret was born in Limoges on September 15, 1746. He was educated by the Jesuits, who sought to keep him. He entered the Carmelite Order on July 3, 1763, continued his studies, and was ordained a priest in Limoges. He was called to preach in various cities, including Limoges, Albi, and Toulouse, but remained in fragile health. During the French Revolution, he was arrested, took the "Liberty-Equality" oath, and subsequently retracted it. He was then sentenced to deportation overseas. Imprisoned on "prison ships," malnourished, poorly clothed, and ill, he died on the Île Madame, near Rochefort, during the night of August 25–26, 1794. He was beatified by John Paul II on October 1, 1995, alongside 63 other priests and religious who were martyrs of the faith.