On July 17, 1794, during the height of the French Revolution, the revolutionary forces were determined to eradicate the Catholic Church from France. Among their targets were the Carmelite nuns of the convent of Compiègne, who had been sentenced to death for their unwavering faith. The Song at the Scaffold is their story.

These courageous women, knowing their fate, gathered before the guillotine, kneeling in prayer and renewing their religious vows. As they awaited their martyrdom, they began to chant the Veni, Creator Spiritus, a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit to strengthen them in their final moments. One by one, each sister ascended the scaffold to meet her death with remarkable dignity and peace.

The Song at the Scaffold is a historical novella that recounts this harrowing yet heroic story of the Carmelites of Compiègne. First published in 1931, the novella is a poignant and moving narrative that portrays the sisters’ profound devotion to Christ and their courageous witness to the faith in the face of certain death. This timeless classic, originally written for adults, has been updated with extensive study aids, including footnotes, literary analysis questions, a glossary, a historical timeline, and a biography of the author. It is now accessible to high school students, offering a powerful lesson in faith, courage, and sacrifice.