Saint Joan of Arc (1412-1431)
Image Courtesy: Women of Grace
(Franciscan Media) Born in France Domermy, Joan was one of five children in a fairly well to do peasant family.
From the age of 13 according to Catholic News Agency Joan experienced visions (later identified as the Saint’s Michael the Archangel, Catherine of Alexandria & Margaret of Antioch) telling her to go to the King of France and help him reconquer his kingdom from the invading forces of England and Burgundy.
Overcoming opposition, together with convincing members of the Royal Court and the Church, Joan was put in charge of a small army, she charged into battle bearing a banner which bore the names of ‘Jesus’ and ‘Mary’ as well as the symbol of the Holy Spirit.
Due to Joan’s leadership and trust in God, she was able to raise the siege of Orleans in 1429 and her army went on to win a series of battles and the King was able to enter Rheims and was crowned with Joan at his side.
Joan was however captured near Compiegne the following year, was sold to England and subsequently, placed on trial for heresy and witchcraft.
Bishop Pierre Cauchon of Beauvais presided over Joan’s trial and Cardinal Henry Beaufort interrogated her at trial for which she was found guilty and condemned to death.
On this date in 1431, Joan was burned at the stake in France Rouen, she was but 19 years old.
It wasn’t until 30 yrs after Joan’s trial and execution that her case was again heard and this time, Joan was exonerated.
Joan of Arc was Beatified in 1905 by Pope Saint Pius X and Canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV
Saint Joan of Arc stands alone in history. Many Women have found sanctity in the cathedral, some have shown bravery in battle but no other ever trained herself to holiness in a Soldiers camp and surely no female Saint ever died at the stake, condemned by an ecclesiastical tribunal as a witch and a heretic.
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