This anniversary is also the martyrdom of the Catholic Church in Paris. On the 24th of May 1871, Archbishop Darboy was murdered in La Roquette prison. Two days later, the capital’s clergy were massacred on Haxo Street. The parish of Notre-Dame des Otages is located on this site.

The celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Catholic martyrs of the Paris Commune took place during the last week of May. Services, scientific conferences and a visit to their graves were planned. On Saturday, there was a procession – the March of Martyrs, and the celebrations ended with Holy Mass the next day.

The procession was planned along the path taken by the martyrs to the former Roquette prison to the Church of Notre-Dame des Otages, the place where they were executed. On the way, there were meditations led by the parish communities of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Lady of the Cross and Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Belleville.

The descendants of the criminals – communards, did not respect the Martyrs’ March. This Catholic procession organised by the Diocese of Paris was attacked by far-left activists. At first, around three hundred pilgrims were insulted and threatened by communist activists, and then threats were made.

One participant in the procession, Nicolas Louis-Riel, reported that some hooded aggressors were drunk. Later, they began throwing various objects at Catholics and physically attacking them.

Boulevard de Menilmontant, pas de forces de l'ordre, pourtant très présentes un peu plus bas rue de la Roquette) pour s'interposer. Seul l'ordre de Malte assure la sécurité. pic.twitter.com/P85J2UnM7S

— Edouard Desforges (@desforgesvar) May 29, 2021

Source: pch24.pl