Joan of Arc: From peasant girl to saint and savior
Joan of Arc, a peasant girl from Domrémy, altered the course of the Hundred Years' War by leading France to victory over England. Her martyrdom and subsequent canonisation made her one of the patrons of France. Today marks another anniversary of this event.
Joan of Arc, born in Domrémy in Lorraine, heard the voices of Archangel Michael and Saints Catherine and Margaret, who commanded her to liberate France. At the age of 16, with determination, she went to Vaucouleurs to seek an audience with Charles VII. Initially mocked, she eventually convinced Count Robert de Baudricourt to provide her with an escort to Chinon.
What mission did Joan of Arc have?
In 1429, Joan reached Charles VII, who, intrigued by her determination, allowed her to lead the army. Her presence on the battlefield at Orléans brought victory to the French, which was a turning point in the Hundred Years' War. Joan, dressed in white armour, became a symbol of hope and divine support for France.
Joan claimed that Saints Catherine, Michael, and Margaret appeared to her, commanding her to expel the English from France. In 1428, she convinced Robert de Baudricourt, captain of the Vaucouleurs garrison, to support her journey to the Dauphin Charles.
Her military successes, including the capture of the Saint Augustin fortress, aroused admiration and jealousy among the nobility. Nevertheless, her impact on the army's morale was invaluable. In 1429, Charles VII was crowned in Reims, which was one of Joan's mission objectives.
The trial and martyrdom
In 1430, Joan was captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English. Her trial for heresy took place in Rouen, ending with a sentence of death. Joan was burned at the stake on 30th May 1431.
In 1456, Joan's trial was annulled, and she was recognised as a martyr. In 1920, the Catholic Church canonised her as a saint, and today she is one of the patrons of France.
Joan of Arc remains a symbol of courage and faith, inspiring generations. Her story is a testament to the power of an individual in the face of adversity.
