Simeon Cardon and five companions, martyrs (†1799)

Biography

Simeon Cardon and five monks from the Casamari Abbey died defending the Eucharist during the withdrawal of French troops in 1799. After the religious offered food to the soldiers who arrived at the monastery, they began to loot and desecrate the church. The six remained at their posts to protect the Blessed Sacrament, the sacred vessels and their brothers. They were injured or killed in different places in the abbey and forgave their attackers, bearing witness to hospitality even in the midst of violence.