{"id":1248,"date":"2026-08-30T21:05:52","date_gmt":"2026-08-30T15:35:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flos.carmelmedia.in\/?p=1248"},"modified":"2026-08-30T21:06:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T15:36:01","slug":"august-31","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flos.carmelmedia.in\/index.php\/2026\/08\/30\/august-31\/","title":{"rendered":"AUGUST 31"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cMY PRAYER WAS ANSWERED TO THE LETTER\u201d – Saint Therese\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The trial of Henri Pranzini opened July 9, 1887. In a densely packed courtroom, as the evidence mounted, the defendant continued to assert his innocence. The Times\u2019 Paris correspondent observed with disdain that the trial had revealed to the world a cruel and depraved aspect of that city\u2019s life as a pathetic tale of courtesans and criminals was heard.<\/p>\n

Finally, on July 13, with all the witnesses examined, and the case for the defense closed, Pranzini was asked if he had anything further to say. He replied: \u201cI am innocent.\u201d<\/p>\n

On July 13, with all the witnesses examined, and the defense case made, Pranzini protested his innocence. With that the jury retired at 4:45 p.m.<\/p>\n

They returned 45 minutes later.<\/p>\n

The verdict: \u201cGuilty.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sentence: Death.<\/p>\n

By the end of August, even the youthful Th\u00e9r\u00e8se had heard of the \u201cnotorious criminal Pranzini\u201d and the death sentence that awaited him.<\/p>\n

Th\u00e9r\u00e8se feared Pranzini being lost for all eternity. To avert that \u201cirreparable calamity\u201d she decided to employ \u201call the spiritual means\u201d she could. And so she began to offer the \u201cinfinite merits of Our Savior and the treasures of the Holy Church\u201d for his salvation.<\/p>\n

At 4:30 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1887, the door to Pranzini\u2019s cell opened to reveal two prison guards and a chaplain. At this, it is said the prisoner turned pale. Pranzini\u2019s step became noticeably less firm as he made his way to the prison gates. These opened to reveal a public square, and at its center a scaffold.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy God, I am quite sure that Thou wilt pardon this unhappy Pranzini. I should still think so if he did not confess his sins or give any sign of sorrow, because I have such confidence in Thy unbounded Mercy; but this is my first sinner, and therefore I beg for just one sign of repentance to reassure me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Declining assistance, and feigning bravado, Pranzini started to walk forward to the executioner.<\/p>\n

At the foot of the scaffold, however, he began to totter. Turning to the chaplain, Pranzini asked for the crucifix, which he took and kissed. He mounted the scaffold but then broke down. After a pathetic struggle, he was strapped down upon the apparatus. At two minutes past five, the blade of the guillotine was loosed, at first descending slowly, its pace soon quickening.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe day after his execution I hastily opened the paper\u2026 and what did I see? Tears betrayed my emotion; I was obliged to run out of the room. Pranzini had mounted the scaffold without confessing or receiving absolution, and \u2026 turned round, seized the crucifix which the priest was offering to him, and kissed Our Lord\u2019s Sacred Wounds three times \u2026 I had obtained the sign I asked for, and to me it was especially sweet. Was it not when I saw the Precious Blood flowing from the Wounds of Jesus that the thirst for souls first took possession of me?<\/p>\n

\u201cMy prayer was granted to the letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE FIRST MONASTERY OF THE CARMELITES <\/strong><\/span>
\nIN AYLESFORD RETURNED TO CARMELITES<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cMY PRAYER WAS ANSWERED TO THE LETTER\u201d – Saint Therese\u00a0 The trial of Henri Pranzini opened July 9, 1887. In a densely packed courtroom, as the evidence mounted, the defendant continued to assert his innocence. The Times\u2019 Paris correspondent observed with disdain that the trial had revealed to the world a cruel and depraved aspect … <\/p>\n

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