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c. 1412–May 30, 1431
Patron Saint of France
St. Joan of Arc is one of the most remarkable figures in Christian and world history—a young woman whose deep faith and courage helped shape the destiny of France.
Joan was born around 1412 in the small village of Domrémy in northeastern France. Her childhood took place during the Hundred Years’ War, a prolonged conflict between France and England that brought suffering and uncertainty to the region. Her parents were devout Catholics, and she was known for her dedication to prayer and charity.
At about 13 years old, Joan began to experience visions and spiritual voices that she believed came from God through saints such as Michael the Archangel, Catherine of Alexandria, and Margaret of Antioch. According to her testimony, these voices instructed her to help drive the English forces out of France and to assist the French prince, Charles, in becoming king.
Although she was a young peasant with no military training, Joan’s conviction and faith persuaded local authorities to allow her to travel to meet Charles. After gaining his trust, she joined the French army and quickly inspired the troops with her courage and devotion. In 1429, under her influence, the French achieved a crucial victory at the siege of Orléans, which became a turning point in the war.
Soon afterward, Charles was crowned King Charles VII in the cathedral at Reims, fulfilling the mission Joan believed God had given her. However, the following year, she was captured by Burgundian forces allied with the English. She was handed over to an ecclesiastical court and put on trial for heresy.
After a lengthy and politically influenced process, Joan was condemned and burned at the stake in Rouen on May 30, 1431, when she was only 19 years old.
Twenty-five years later, the Church reviewed the case and declared the original trial unjust. St. Joan was canonized in 1920 and is honored as a courageous witness of faith, obedience to God, and heroic virtue.
In 1456, about 25 years after Joan’s death, Church authorities opened an investigation into her trial at the request of her family and with the support of King Charles VII. Witnesses who had known Joan, including soldiers, villagers, and clergy, were questioned about her life and the circumstances of her condemnation. The tribunal carefully examined the records of the original trial and found serious irregularities and political pressures that had influenced the proceedings. The court declared the earlier judgment invalid, recognizing that Joan had been unjustly condemned. This retrial restored her reputation and affirmed that she had lived and died as a faithful Christian.
Joan of Arc is most often depicted wearing armor and carrying a banner or sword symbolizing her role in liberating Orléans. Artists frequently portray her as a young woman with short hair, sometimes kneeling in prayer or listening to heavenly voices. These depictions emphasize both her role as a military leader and her identity as a humble servant of God responding to a divine call. She is portrayed with short, bobbed hair and historical male attire. She is also depicted tied to a stake with flames beneath or around her. She is often holding a cross and looking upward to Heaven. She is sometimes shown leading troops into battle. Paintings by Jules Bastien-Lepage depict her in her parents’ garden, experiencing visions.
Although Joan’s innocence was affirmed at the 1456 retrial, her canonization came much later because of the Church’s careful process for recognizing saints. Over the centuries, devotion to Joan continued to grow in France and throughout the Catholic world. Her heroic faith, courage, and willingness to remain faithful to God even in the face of death made a powerful impression on believers. However, the French Revolutionary War, subsequent shifting French politics, need for formal miracles, and 19th-century rise of French nationalism delayed the canonization process. After a thorough investigation into her life and the miracles attributed to her intercession, the Church formally recognized her sanctity. Pope Benedict XV canonized St. Joan of Arc in 1920, presenting her as a model of courage, fidelity, and trust in God.
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Fr. Chris explains the truth and legend associated with St. Joan of Arc and how, upon receiving a vision from the Lord, she fought to help reclaim Catholic France from the English.
In this clash of competing ideals, Robespierre offers a faithless vision of equality without rulers or kings, while Joan of Arc follows the will of God as her Lord and savior of the French people.
As the confrontation between St. Joan of Arc and Robespierre reaches a climax, the true intentions behind their actions are revealed, leaving no doubt who is saint and who is sinner.
Sara is unjustly grounded because of Paula, causing a rift between the two friends. But they decide to resolve their situation after hearing the story of St. Joan of Arc, who was unjustly condemned to die at the stake.
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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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