Maid of Orléans: Happy Feast Day Saint Joan of Arc

On this day of May 30, 1431, the peasant-turned-warrior, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen, France. In commemoration with her memorial and Feast Day, let us remember her accomplishments and courageous legacy. 

"Sainte Jeanne d'Arc" by Paul Antoine de la Boulaye circa 1909


Jeanne d'Arc ("Joan of Arc") was born circa 1412 to Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Romée in Domrémy, France. Joan came from a peasant household during the midst of the Hundred Year's War between France and England. Additionally, Joan's family was rooted in the Catholic faith which left a profound impact on her upbringing. At the age of thirteen while in her father's garden, Joan received messages from Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret. The saints told Joan that although she was a humble peasant lady, her purpose was to help Dauphin Charles of France be crowned King and win the battle against the English. In response, Joan stated: "I am not afraid. I was born to do this." Throughout these upcoming events, Joan would show herself to be a faithful woman and fulfill the promise she made to France.  

At the age of 17, Joan met with Dauphin Charles of France to discuss her plans to aide the French army against the English. The next battle would be held in the besieged town of Orléans. For Joan, her conscience was clear to hold faith in her convictions and lead the French to a victory. Prior to the battle, Joan road proudly through the street of Orléans holding the French flag and distributing food to the poor. On May 8, 1429, Joan lead a victorious French and Scottish garrison into battle against the English and relieved the town back into French territory. This event would lead to Joan being referred to as "The Maid of Orléans". 

"Joan of Arc" clad in her armor and faith, by John Everett Millais circa 1865

Following Joan's victory in Orléans, another siege known as the Battle of Patay took place which left the English outnumbered and weakened. From June 24-July 16 1429, Joan and the French Army made a pilgrimage to the Reims Cathedral where Dauphin Charles was to be crowned king. On July 17, the coronation took place in which Joan of Arc stood beside Charles VII holding her flag as she had been the mantle that guided him to victory. After fulfilling this mission of righteousness, Joan was arrested and tried for heresy against the Catholic Church in the Duchy of Normandy. Her accusers claimed she lied about the visions of the Saints who told her to fight and for wearing male armor. The clerics within the Catholic Church in English occupied France found her guilty and sentenced her to be burned at the stake. As she was tied and the smoke surrounded her, Joan begged for a cross to kiss of which a sympathetic solider allowed. Following her death, Joan's ashes were thrown in Seine River so no evidence of her existence would remain. 

Years later, Joan's case was brought to the Catholic Church and they reversed their accusations of "heresy" against her name. She was eventually deemed a martyr and her cause for canonization went into effect. On May 16, 1920 Joan of Arc was canonized by Pope Benedict XV. She is the Patron Saint of France; captives, female soldiers, martyrs military personnel, people ridiculed for their piety, prisoners, soldiers, WAVES and the Women's Army Corps. Her story of courage and strength has inspired countless women around the world, including Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. She is a role-model of grace and strength. 


"Joan of Arc at the coronation of Charles VII" by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres circa 1854


In 2014 when I was baptized Catholic, I chose St. Joan of Arc as my Patron Saint. Through learning her life, Saint Joan showed herself as a brave, inspiring and strong role-model to have for any young woman. I can proudly say that Saint Joan of Arc has guided and protected in many instances since then. May her fortitude, memory and legacy forever be honored. 


Novena Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc:

"Glorious St. Joan of Arc, filled with compassion for those who invoke you, with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection...(mention here). 

Vouchsafe to recommend it to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints praise Him through all eternity. 

O most powerful Saint Joan, do not let me lose my soul, but obtain fir me the grace of winning my ways to heaven, forever and ever. Amen."


"Help yourself and God will help you." - Saint Joan of Arc 
(artist: N.M. Dyudin)


References: 

Joan of Arc - Jeanne d'Arc

Saint Joan of Arc, Catholic Encyclopedia

 

All pictures/portraits do not belong to me. 








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