Born to peasants on January 6, 1412, Joan lived in northeastern France, an area loyal to the French crown. Her father was a farmer and village official, and her mother was a devout Catholic who passed on her deep love of the Faith to Joan.
Called to Action
During this time, France was doing very poorly against England in what became known as “The Hundred Years’ War.” The Queen of France had signed a treaty that disinherited the Dauphin of France (the king’s eldest son), so King Henry V (followed by Henry VI) became king of both England and France. England and its Burgundian allies thus controlled almost all of northern France.
Three saints—St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret—appeared to Joan and told her to help drive the English out of the French land and install the Dauphin as the rightful ruler. Since she believed it was the Lord’s will, 16-year-old Joan asked the commander of the French military to be escorted to the French Royal Court. Denied at first, she was eventually taken to the Dauphin.
Joan on the Battlefield
The Dauphin sent Joan to the Siege of Orléans, where she helped bring about a French victory! This and other victories led to the Dauphin’s coronation as Charles VII in July 1429. His coronation greatly boosted French spirits and Joan was recognized for her courage.
Capture, Trial, Sainthood
While the French believed Joan was sent by God, the British saw her as an enemy. On May 23, 1430, Joan was ambushed and captured by the Burgundian army, who handed her over to the English. They tried her (unfairly and unjustly), and a year later, at 19 years old, she was burned at the stake. When Pope Callixtus III commissioned a court in 1456 to fairly examine Joan’s trial, the court pronounced Joan innocent and declared her a martyr.
Canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV, St. Joan of Arc is the patron saint of France, military personnel, soldiers, the Women’s Army Corps, captives, and prisoners. She is affectionately known as The Maid of Orléans, and her feast day is May 30.
“Go forward bravely.
Fear nothing. Trust in God;
all will be well.”
St. Joan of Arc
