150 seminarians
From 19 countries
Average age 26
Spiritual Mothers
On July 17, 1794, 16 Carmelites from Carmel of Compiègne, a convent founded in 1641, 45 miles north of Paris, were executed at the Place du Trône Renversé (now called Place de la Nation). Compiègne is the same city where Joan of Arc was captured. Present population is about 40,000.
Carmel stats:
11 Discalced Carmelite nuns
3 lay sisters, 2 externs
Oldest age 78
The charges: hostility to the French Revolution, strong sympathies to the monarchy, and evidence that they continue to live as an outlawed community of consecrated Christian women.
The women sang Veni Creator Spiritus - Come, Holy Ghost, Creator - facing their portion.
Latin and English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GrQJGQWfd8&t=17s