Saint Joan of Arc, known in French as Jeanne d’Arc, is celebrated as a national heroine of France and a canonized saint of the Catholic Church. Born around 1412 in the village of Domrémy, this peasant girl claimed divine guidance and rose to become a key figure in the Hundred Years’ War. Joan’s leadership was pivotal in lifting the siege of Orléans and clearing the way for Charles VII’s coronation.
Joan’s story is remarkable not just for her military achievements but for her devout faith and tenacity. She asserted that saints like St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret had spoken to her, providing her with a mission to save France from English dominance. Her conviction and courage led her to command troops and achieve significant wins before her capture and execution in 1431 at the age of 19.
Her legacy only grew after her death. Joan was posthumously exonerated and canonized in 1920, and her feast day is celebrated on May 30. Today, she remains an enduring symbol of faith and resistance, inspiring countless books, films, and studies about her life and impact on history.
Early Life and Visions
Joan of Arc, born in a humble village, became renowned for her mystical visions that would shape her destiny and the future of France.
Birth and Family Background
Joan of Arc, originally named Jeanne d’Arc, was born around 1412 in Domrémy, northeastern France. Her family was modest, with her father, Jacques d’Arc, working as a tenant farmer. They lived a simple, rural life, typical of peasants in medieval France. Joan’s upbringing in a devoutly Catholic environment deeply influenced her faith and early life perspectives.
Joan was the youngest of five children. Each family member contributed to their farming lifestyle. Her mother, Isabelle Romée, played a significant role in instilling religious values. This early and intense exposure to faith would later be pivotal as Joan reported experiencing divine visions.
Mystic Visions and Saintly Devotion
At the age of 13, Joan began experiencing what she described as divine visions. These episodes featured figures such as Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret. Joan claimed they guided her to support Charles VII and help liberate France from English domination.
These visions were not merely abstract but filled Joan with a sense of mission. She believed fervently that she was chosen by God to lead and protect France. Her devoutness and unwavering faith convinced those around her of her divine purpose, propelling her from a peasant girl to a national heroine and eventual sainthood. Joan’s visions and religious fervor were central to her identity and fuelled her legendary status.
Military Campaigns and Trial
Joan of Arc emerged as a key military leader during the Hundred Years’ War, steering French troops to several significant victories. Her capture and subsequent trial led to her being martyred, cementing her legacy in history.
Rise to Prominence in the Hundred Years’ War
Joan of Arc played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. Claiming divine guidance, she convinced Charles VII to let her lead the French forces.
One of her most notable achievements was the lifting of the Siege of Orléans in 1429. This victory not only bolstered French morale but also marked a turning point in the war. She participated in thirteen known engagements, winning nine of them, which demonstrated her determination and tactical skill. Her reputation grew rapidly, and numerous cities, towns, and villages surrendered to her forces without resistance.
Captivity and Martyrdom
In 1430, during the siege of Compiègne, Joan was captured by Burgundian forces allied with the English. She was sold to the English and put on trial by a pro-English church court in Rouen.
The trial, heavily influenced by political motives, found her guilty of heresy and she was condemned to death. On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake at the age of 19. Her death solidified her reputation as a martyr for France.
Years later, in 1909, she was beatified and subsequently canonized in 1920, recognizing her as a saint. Her trial and execution had a lasting impact on French national identity and she remains a symbol of courage and faith.