Paul-Jean Charles was a Cistercian monk and the prior of the Sept-Fons abbey during the French Revolution. Following his refusal to swear the oath to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy, he was expelled from his monastery. He was subsequently deported to the docks of Rochefort, where he died on August 25, 1794. He is recognized as a blessed in the Catholic Church.
Life and death
As a religious leader at Sept-Fons, Charles faced significant upheaval due to the political shifts of the Revolution. His decision to reject the required constitutional oath led to his removal from the abbey. This defiance resulted in his deportation to Rochefort, where his life ended in August 1794.
Veneration
The religious community honors his memory as a martyr of his faith. He was officially beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 1, 1995, marking his status as a blessed within the church tradition.