Witness from prison

On February 24, 1952, a young French playboy named Jacques Fesch committed a robbery and, while fleeing the scene, shot and killed a pursuing policeman. He was condemned to death.

During the 3 ½ years of his imprisonment, he became a devout Christian. His letters, which reveal his struggles and, ultimately, his spiritual maturity, can be read in a book entitled “Light Over the Scaffold" and "Cell 18” (by Jacques Fesch and Augustin-Michel Lemonnier). The following letter was written on the night before his death:

We have been writing so often to each other in the last six months that in this final letter I can only urge you to persevere in the way you are going, in which you have just made a little progress, for now you know the way. Try to open your eyes wide and to discern, behind what seems like chastisement, the manifestation of the divine will, which is love.

Do not turn in on your grief. Take it to God, and let only one thing cause you to suffer: offenses committed against Him. This, you see, is the great goal of life. We are all mortal, and must leave this valley of tears sooner or later. The essential thing is to leave it in a good state of soul. Be confident about me. God has given me the great grace of drawing me to Himself, and when you read these lines I shall be looking upon our Lord Jesus Christ.

I confess that I am a little fearful of your impulsive reactions, dictated by your profound grief. Above all, remain calm; be moderate in everything, and try to plunge your sorrow in the love of Jesus, who waits only for your appeal to come and console you. Leave all justice, all vengeance, in God’s hands; this is my formal will… Seek peace.

...I want to thank you deeply for all the love with which you have surrounded me during these last months. I am looking at the pile of your letters, which have strengthened me. Each one has been the center of every day for me, and without them I should have suffered deeply. You know what Jesus said in His gospel: “I was in prison and you visited Me...” In surrounding your child with love, it is also Christ you have comforted, and I am very sure he will reward you…

With these lines, I entrust my little girl to you. Take good care of her, with love and serenity. Think that Jesus loves her infinitely and that what you do for one of these little ones, you do for Him. Love her in God and be sure that from heaven I will protect her and watch over her with all the love Jesus will give me. Abide you, too, in the love of Christ, and you will see God.

Now, my life is finished. “Like a little spring flower which the divine Gardener plucks
for His pleasure,” so my head will fall – glorious ignominy – with heaven for its prize!

I am happy.

He was guillotined on the following day, October 1, 1957. Pray that we can grow in the Spirit as he did!