Blessed William Anthony Delfaud

William Anthony Delfaud (1733-1792) was one of the Jesuits who were killed when the French Revolution turned into a rabid anti-Catholic persecution. Father Delfaud was studying theology before ordination when the Society was suppressed. He completed his training and became a professor at the seminary in Sarlat and then archpriest of Daglan. In 1789 the diocesan clergy elected him to represent them at the States General at Versailles. He wrote a public letter criticizing the anti-Catholic movement and then issued a statement opposing the revolution. He also was singled out and arrested Aug. 10.

For more details see the description under Blessed James Bonnaud and 22 Paris Martyrs

Originally Collected and edited by: Tom Rochford, SJ