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The Cathars, also known as Cathari from the Greek Katharoi for “pure ones” were a peaceful Christian sect in Southern France which flourished in the middle ages and challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. They were also known as Albigensians for the town of Albi, which was a strong Cathar center of belief. There were many other gnostic groups named after surrounding regions, like the Waldensians, Lombards, Bogomils etc… These good people lived very simple lives and had no possessions, imposed no taxes and regarded men and women as equals. On March 16, 1244 exactly 777 years ago, (from 2021), over 200 Cathar holdouts who were declared "heretics" by the Church, were burned alive at Chateau de Montsegur. It is said that they walked onto the pyre willingly, chanting and singing, refusing to give up their beliefs and turn themselves over to the Church authorities. This date, March 16, is called “Montségur Day” in remembrance of the 13th century Gnostics in southern France. They were the victims of a long and gruesome crusade and were persecuted greatly for their loving heresies. They made their final stand inside the mountain castle at Montségur. Conservative historians estimate that at least 250,000 gnostic Christians were executed during these crusades. The gnostic Christians in southern France were regarded to be a kind and gentle people and proved themselves, in my opinion, to be the best example of Christianity the world has ever known! We the “Children of Light” will always remember our connection to them! 157 pages, Large print,Colr pictures and illustrations, 8 1/2 x 11, Paperback.