André Grasset
André Grasset de Saint-Sauveur was a Canadian-born French Catholic priest who was martyred during the French Revolution. He was one of the Holy September Martyrs, killed for refusing to sign the Civil Constitution of the Clergy. In 1926, he became the first Canadian-born person to be beatified.
Key Facts
- ›André Grasset was born in Montreal, Canada, on April 3, 1758.
- ›He moved to France with his father at the age of six and studied at the Collège Sainte-Barbe in Paris.
- ›Grasset was ordained a priest in Sens in 1783.
- ›He was captured in 1792 and imprisoned in the Carmes Prison in Paris.
- ›On September 2, 1792, Grasset and 95 other clergy were killed by guards for refusing to sign the CIVIL Constitution of the Clergy.
- ›He was beatified as one of the Holy September Martyrs on October 17, 1926.
Holy September Martyrs (as part of the group)
Eudist Fathers
- Image In A Stained-Glass Window At Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal
About André Grasset
André Grasset de Saint-Sauveur
André Grasset de Saint-Sauveur (1758-1792) was a Catholic priest of Canadian birth who met his death as a martyr in Paris during the tumultuous French Revolution. His beatification in 1926 marked a significant moment, as he became the first individual born in Canada to receive this honor.
Life and Ministry
Born in Montreal, Grasset's life took him to France at a young age. He was the second of five children born to André Grasset de Saint-Sauveur senior, who had served as secretary to the Governor General of New France. The family returned to France in 1764, settling in Calais. André pursued his education at the Collège Sainte-Barbe in Paris before entering the priesthood. He was ordained in Sens in 1783.
Martyrdom During the French Revolution
In 1791, the National Constituent Assembly mandated that all clergy sign the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, a decree that would subordinate the Church to the state and nullify allegiance to the Pope. Grasset, like many of his fellow priests, refused to comply, viewing it as a violation of his conscience. He sought refuge with the Eudist Fathers but was apprehended in 1792 and imprisoned in the Carmes Prison. On September 2, 1792, along with 95 other clergy, Grasset was killed by guards. They were offered a final chance to sign the Civil Constitution, but their unified refusal led to their execution by bayonets, swords, and spikes. This event was part of the broader September Massacres, during which hundreds of people were killed.
Beatification and Legacy
André Grasset was declared Venerable by Pope Pius XI on October 1, 1926. Subsequently, on October 17, 1926, he was beatified as one of the Holy September Martyrs, a group recognized for their faith and sacrifice. His beatification holds particular significance for Canada, as he is the first person born in the country to be beatified. Memorials to Grasset include Collège André-Grasset, a post-secondary institution in Montreal founded by the Sulpician order in 1927, and a dedication at the altar of the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal, which also features a stained-glass window bearing his image.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was André Grasset born?
André Grasset was born in Montreal, Canada, on April 3, 1758. His father was an immigrant from Montpellier, France.
What was André Grasset's religious background?
André Grasset was a Catholic priest. He was ordained in Sens in 1783. He sought refuge with the Eudist Fathers before his capture.
Why was André Grasset martyred?
Grasset was martyred during the French Revolution for refusing to sign the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, which would have required him to renounce allegiance to the Pope and serve the state.
When and how was André Grasset beatified?
André Grasset was beatified on October 17, 1926, by Pope Pius XI as one of the Holy September Martyrs. This made him the first Canadian-born person to be beatified.
Are there any memorials to André Grasset?
Yes, Collège André-Grasset in Montreal was founded in his honor in 1927. The altar of the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal, is dedicated to his memory, and a stained-glass window depicts his image.
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