The Good Shepherd and the Last Perfect

In 14th Century Languedoc, the Cathar heresy revival leads two men, Pierre Maury and Guillaume Belibaste, to become embroiled in the forbidden faith. They must leave their homes and families and seek safety in Aragon, but the Inquisition launches a brutal campaign against them, burning Perfects alive and arresting friends and family. Can their faith and friendship survive?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

In the 14th century, Languedoc, a region in southern France, experienced a revival of the Cathar heresy after a century of persecution drove its followers underground. As this movement spread across the County of Foix, two men, Pierre Maury (Pedro, the shepherd) and Guillaume Belibaste (Guy), were compelled to leave their homes and families and embrace the forbidden faith.

According to Inquisition records archived in the Vatican for nearly 700 years, this account is a fictionalized portrayal of the remarkable and true story of these two men. They were destined to become the last of the Cathar Holy Men (Perfects).

However, their journey was not without challenges. As the Inquisition launched a brutal campaign against the Cathars, Pierre and Guillaume were forced to leave their loved ones and seek safety across the border in Aragon. They faced the agonizing decision of leaving their friends and family behind, knowing that many Perfects were being burned alive and that their friends and family were being arrested.

Despite the odds, Guy and Pedro remained determined to stay safe and preserve their faith and friendship. They faced numerous hardships and betrayals along the way, but their unwavering commitment to each other and their beliefs kept them strong.

As the Inquisition grew closer and more brutal in their pursuit of the Cathars, Guy and Pedro knew that they had to be ever vigilant. They continued to meet in secret, sharing their fears and hopes and praying for each other's safety.

In the end, their faith and friendship prevailed. Despite the Inquisition's relentless persecution, Guy and Pedro remained true to their beliefs and lived out the rest of their lives in peace and harmony. Their story serves as a testament to the power of courage, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of faith.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915122148