One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying - Joan Of Arc
Who was she?
Joan Of Arc is one of histories greatest saints. Joan was born in 1412 to a peasant family in Medieval France.
Joan was brought up a Christian and had a deep love of God from a young age. When she was thirteen she began to hear voices, and assumed these were messages from God sending her on a mission of great importance. She believed God wanted her to lead France to victory against England. Joan of Arc was illiterate and had no military training, but her faith was so strong that she knew this is what she had to do.
Joans Mission
Joan was determined to fulfil her mission from God, at first she didn’t receive support from her local magistrate, so Joan dressed as a man, cropping her hair and dressing in men’s clothes and made the eleven day trek across the Enemy’s territory to Chinon, where Prince Charles’ palace was located.
It was here that Joan convinced Charles that she could lead France to victory. She promised Charles that she would see that he was crowned king and in return he supplied her an army to lead.
In March 1429, Joan led her army to victory in Orleans, dressed in white armour and riding a white horse. Joan’s victory forced the Anglo-Burgundians to retreat across the Loire River, allowing her to take back the first of France’s land.
As you can imagine Joan’s reputation spread far and wide. She continued her reign, taking back enemy towns with force. Joan was able to fulfil her promise to Charles and saw that he was crowned King.
The fall of Joan Of Arc
In 1430 Joan fell from her horse during battle and was taken captive by the English.
Joan was trialled for over 70 charges, including dressing like a man, heresy and witchcraft.
After a year of being held captive by the French, Joan finally signed a confession agreeing that she had never had guidance from God. However, seven days later she was accused of wearing men’s clothes and defying orders.
Joan’s death sentence was pronounced and she was burned at the stake aged 19.
However Joan of Arc wasn’t forgotten after her death, in fact her fame intensified.
In 1920 Pope Benidict canonized her (idolized) and she has remained a saintly figure, and a symbol of hope and unity.
One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying - Joan Of Arc