2021-22 Patron Saint Nominee--Saint Joan of Arc

Saint Joan of Arc

Saint Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl who lived and died during the Hundred Years War between England and France in the 15th century.  At the age of 13, she began to hear voices, which she identified as St. Michael, St. Catherine, and others.  These voices told her that she was going to lead the French to drive the English out of France, much of which was currently occupied by the English and to bring the dauphin, the prince royal of France, to the city of Rheims to be anointed as King of France. 

As a young teenager, Joan faced skepticism about her calling.  One story tells that when she was finally admitted to the court of Charles VII, the dauphin and his court played a trick on her by disguising himself as a courtier and having another pose as King.  Joan was not fooled, but directly approached Charles and did homage to him as the rightful heir to the throne of France.  This miracle was seen as a sign of her divine calling, and Charles put her in charge of his armed forces.  

Under the leadership of Joan, France reclaimed many important towns that had been under English lordship.  She became known as the Maid of Orleans, and she led the French forces from victory to victory, finally taking Rheims, where the coronation of Charles VII took place.

Joan was eventually wounded, captured and imprisoned by the English forces.  She was accused of heresy because of her claim to visions, her wearing men’s clothes and taking the role of a soldier.   In prison, she was made to wear women’s clothes instead of her soldier’s attire.  This left her more vulnerable to sexual assault by male prisoners and jailers.   The Inquisition examined her and pronounced that Joan was indeed a heretic, and she was handed over to the English authorities who sentenced her to death.

On May 30th, 1431, at 19 years old, Joan was burned at the stake in the town of Rouen in Northern France.  She died with her eyes fixed on the crucifix and the name ‘Jesus’ on her lips.  Later, the verdict was overturned by the Church and her sanctity was recognized.

St. Joan of Arc is the patron saint of France, prisoners, people ridiculed for their faith, rape victims, and soldiers (particularly women who are soldiers).