Who was Jacques DeMolay? By Dad John Ticknor

was born around the year 1244. There is very little documented Jacques DeMolay was born around the year 1244. There is very little documented about his life. In 1265, at the age of 21 years, DeMolay joined the Order of Knights Templar.

Who were the Knights Templar? The Knights Templar were a chivalric order with a military purpose established during the medieval crusades for protection of Christians against violence while travelling in the Holy Land. Most members, often titled as Knights, would take religious vows such as poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Knights Templar The Templars grew rapidly in membership and power. They were prominent in overseeing the Christian finances. Developed innovative financial techniques that were an early form of banking and building fortifications across Europe and the Holy Land. Templar knights, in their distinctive white mantles with a red cross, were among the most skilled fighting units of the crusades.

Chivalric Order Three basic aspects of medieval chivalry: Duties to countrymen and fellow Christians with virtues such as mercy, courage, valor, fairness, protection of the weak and the poor. Being faithful to God, protecting the innocent, being a champion for good over evil, and benevolence. Displaying general gentleness and graciousness to all women.

became the 23rd Grand Master Jacques DeMolay in the year 1298, became the 23rd Grand Master of the Knights Templar

Grand Master of Knights Templar When Jacques DeMolay became the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, it was a position of power and prestige but it also came with some difficulties.

Grand Master of Knight’s Templar The Crusades were not achieving their goals. The non-Christian Saracens defeated the Crusaders in battle and captured many vital cities and posts. The Knights Templar and the Knights Hospitaliers were the only groups remaining to confront the Saracens.

Grand Master of Knights Templar The Knights Templar decided to reorganize and regain their strength. They traveled to the island of Cyprus, waiting for the general public to rise up in support of another Crusade. Instead of public support, however, the Knights attracted the attention of powerful lords, who were interested in obtaining their wealth and power.

The Beginning of the End The year 1307 saw the beginning of the persecution of the Knights Templar. Jacques DeMolay, along with hundreds of others, were seized and thrown into dungeons. For seven years, DeMolay and the Knights suffered torture and inhuman conditions.

Pope Clement V While the Knights Templar did not end, Philip the Fair managed to force Pope Clement V to condemn the Templars. Their wealth and property were confiscated and given to Philip’s supporters.

During years of torture, Jacques DeMolay continued to be loyal to his friends and Knights. He refused to disclose the location of the funds of the Order and he refused to betray his comrades. On March 18, 1314, DeMolay was tried by a special court. As evidence, the court depended on a forged confession, allegedly signed by DeMolay.

Jacques DeMolay disavowed the forged confession. Under the laws of the time, the disavowal of a confession was punishable by death. Another Knight, Geoffrey de Charney, likewise denied his confession and stood with Jacques DeMolay.

While DeMolay later retracted his confession, King Philip had him burned on an island in the River Seine in front of Notre Dame Cathedral  in Paris in March 18, 1314, and thus the story of Jacques DeMolay became a testimonial to loyalty and friendship.

Questions??

Question #1 Jacques DeMolay was named Grand Master of the Knights Templars in ________? a. 1298 b. 1305 c. 1307 d. 1314

Question #2 Jacques DeMolay was tortured for seven years before being burned at the stake. True or False

Jacques DeMolay was burned at the stake on ____________________. Question # 3 Jacques DeMolay was burned at the stake on ____________________. a. March 18, 1307 b. November 8, 1314 c. March 18, 1314 d. October 13, 1307

The last Grand Master of the Knights Templar was _____________. Question # 4 The last Grand Master of the Knights Templar was _____________. a. King Phillip the Fair b. Hugo de Payens c. Jacques DeMolay d. Pope Clement

Who was Jacques DeMolay? Question # 5 Who was Jacques DeMolay? a. A man who set an example of devotion to friendship and loyalty b. Last leader of a group of crusading knights known as Knights Templar c. Burned at the stake in Paris in 1314 because he would not betray his companions or the trust they had placed in him d. all of the above

Question # 6 Phillip the Fair of France set out to obtain control of the Templars in _________. a. 1298 b. 1307 c. 1305 d. 1314

Question # 7 Phillip the Fair managed to force ____________ to condemn the Templars and confiscate their property. a. Pope Urban II b. Pope Innocent c. Pope Clement d. Pope John Paul

THE END