Thursday, August 16, 2012

August 16, 2012

 "Adopting" Martyrs and Telling Their Stories


Yesterday I mentioned the concept of “adopting” a martyr. While you could choose either a famous person or people or someone in obscurity, I personally chose men who might not otherwise be known, victims who are truly in danger of being forgotten. The two Reformation-era tragedies that have always touched my spirit the most are the “Matanzas massacre” of Huguenots in 1565, and the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre of 1572 (each have been mentioned in previous posts; if interested, check the “search” box to see which posts). I chose one person from each of these events to remember and bring to light.

First is Monsieur Sainte Marie, whom I spoke of in other posts. His first name has already been lost to history. He was a captain, and died October 12, 1565, for refusing to recant his Protestant beliefs. This event took place at Matanzas Inlet near St. Augustine, Florida after a whirlwind of bad luck for the French. According to the book “Pioneers of France in the New World” by Francis Parkman, he was one of several officers who consulted with René de Laudonnière and Jean Ribault over what should be done to defend the French fort of La Caroline.

Second is François de Caumont, born about 1524. He was a man of high standing before the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre, being the Lord of Castelnau. Yet when the massacre erupted, the respect and honor due to him was forgotten, and he was slaughtered for his Huguenot faith. François was the son of Charles de Caumont and Jeanne de Pérusse. On May 15, 1554, he married Philippa de Beaupoil de la Force. They had a son named Armand, who, about seventeen years old, was also killed. Another son, Jacques, born in 1558, survived to age 82.

I find it interesting that both Monsieur Sainte Marie and François de Caumont were captains. While de Caumont was a military captain, I am unsure if Sainte Marie was a military or a ship captain. On a side note, my very good friend did her part to “adopt a martyr” as well. She chose Philippe de Gastines, who died in 1569. His story will come tomorrow.


(c) 2012 Joyously Saved

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