St. Joan of Arc Print

Description

St. Joan of Arc was born 1412 to a peasant family at Domrémy France. At 13, she began having visions of St. Michael the Archangel, St. Margaret and St. Catherine telling her to get the Dauphin crowned and to save France from the English. She was able to convince the Dauphin Charles, who let her lead an army to the siege of Orléan. She carried the banner and gave hope to the French army. Never wishing to kill anyone, she purposefully only carried the banner leading the army,that said “Jesus, Maria”. She sucessfully got Charles crowned and brought the French close to the triumphal conclusion of the 100 Years’ war several decades later. She was captured by Burgundian troops on May 23, 1430 and handed over to the English that November. She was put on trial by Bishop Pierre Cauchon on accusations of heresy, which included blaspheming by wearing mean’s clothes and acting on demonic visions. She was declared guilty and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. She was only 19 years old.

In 1456, and inquisitorial court reinvestigated Joan’s trial and overturned the verdict saying it was tainted by deceit and procedural errors. After the French Revolution Joan became a national symbol of France. Finally in 1920, Joan was canonized by Pope Benedict XV and two years later declared one of the patron saints of France.

Her Feast day is May 30.