he religous imprint

Coming from the Orient, Catharism became widespread in the South West of France in the 12th century.
The Cathars believed in two principals, good & evil, & they devoted their lives to trying to free mankind from evil forces.

Dominique de Guzman, from Castille, came to live in Fanjeaux in 1206 to convert the region. Village priest for 9 years, he founded the convent at Prouilhe, Order of the Dominicans, & was canonised in 1234..

A number of miracles are attributed to Saint Dominique, such as the episode of " the Bible that wouldn't burn " during the famous "Montréal meeting " in 1207, one of the debates between the Catholics & the Cathares. Pope Innocent lll started " the Crusade against the Albigeois " (1208-1244) to destroy Catharism.

This doctrine was finally extinguished, in blood & flames at the stake, with the execution of the last Parfait (Perfect) Guilhem Bélibaste by the Inquisitors of the King of France, Philippe V le Long.

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