Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, faced execution after years of persecution by King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V.
As the flames consumed him on the Île de la Cité, he boldly cursed his persecutors, predicting they would soon follow him in death, a prophecy that reportedly came true within the year.
Though his life ended tragically, de Molay’s courage, defiance, and mysterious final words cemented his place in history, inspiring legends, myths, and fasci... moreJacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, faced execution after years of persecution by King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V.
As the flames consumed him on the Île de la Cité, he boldly cursed his persecutors, predicting they would soon follow him in death, a prophecy that reportedly came true within the year.
Though his life ended tragically, de Molay’s courage, defiance, and mysterious final words cemented his place in history, inspiring legends, myths, and fascination with the Templars for generations.
Priory or St. Michael the Archangel
Miles Domini mei Christi
On July 4, 1187, the Crusader army, led by King Guy of Jerusalem, marched across the searing plains of Galilee to relieve besieged Tiberias. But Saladin was waiting. He cut off their water, surrounded them, and set the dry grass ablaze. As smoke and heat choked the air, the Knights Templar and Hospitallers formed a desperate circle around the True Cross, the holiest relic in Christendom.
Hour after hour, they fought — outnumbered, dehydrated, burning beneath the sun. Their horses fell first, th... moreOn July 4, 1187, the Crusader army, led by King Guy of Jerusalem, marched across the searing plains of Galilee to relieve besieged Tiberias. But Saladin was waiting. He cut off their water, surrounded them, and set the dry grass ablaze. As smoke and heat choked the air, the Knights Templar and Hospitallers formed a desperate circle around the True Cross, the holiest relic in Christendom.
Hour after hour, they fought — outnumbered, dehydrated, burning beneath the sun. Their horses fell first, then the men. Still, they did not yield. When captured, nearly every Templar was executed by Saladin’s order, their bodies piled beneath the Horns of Hattin.
The road to Jerusalem lay open. The Crusader kingdom collapsed. Yet in their annihilation, the Templars became immortal — symbols of discipline, faith, and defiance.
They didn’t just die at Hattin. They were forged into legend.
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Miles Domini mei Christi
Saint Martin of Tours was born of pagan parents in Pannonia, present-day Hungary, and became a catechumen of his own initiative at the age of ten. He joined the Roman army and witnessed to his fellow soldiers by his charity until his resignation. "Hitherto I have served you as a soldier," he told the emperor Julian. "Allow me now to become a soldier to God." Martin founded a monastic community in Ligugé, France, on land given to him by Saint Hilary of Poitiers. In 372, he was elected Bishop... moreSaint Martin of Tours was born of pagan parents in Pannonia, present-day Hungary, and became a catechumen of his own initiative at the age of ten. He joined the Roman army and witnessed to his fellow soldiers by his charity until his resignation. "Hitherto I have served you as a soldier," he told the emperor Julian. "Allow me now to become a soldier to God." Martin founded a monastic community in Ligugé, France, on land given to him by Saint Hilary of Poitiers. In 372, he was elected Bishop of Tours. He preached tirelessly and with fervor. After his death in 397, Martin's Vita, the story of his life, spread throughout Europe. ~~~ The image represents St. Martin who shared his red caped with a poor in the middle of winter.
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Miles Domini mei Christi
