Saint Joan of Arc

Patron of: Martyrs, Soldiers

Celebrated: 30. May

Birth:

Death:

Full biography:

St. Joan was born in the village of Domremy to Jacques and Isabelle d'Arc. As a child she was taught domestic skills as well as religion by her mother. From her earliest of years Joan was known for her obedience to her parents, religious fervor, goodness, unselfish generosity and kindness toward her neighbors. Some of her playmates teased her for being too pious. Joan was about 13, when she received revelation from a voice which told her to be good and attend church often. They visited her daily telling her to 'Go into France' to raise the siege of Orleans, conduct the Dauphin Charles to Reims for his crowning and to drive the English from the land. Joan went to the neighboring town of Vaucouleurs. There she spoke to the loyal French governor. After many rejections he finally agreed to send her to the Dauphin. After being approved by a Church council, Joan was allowed to lead the Dauphin's army. She entered Orleans on the evening of April 29th and by May 8th the city had been freed. By June 19th the English were driven out of the Loire valley. On July 17th Charles was crowned King of France in the cathedral of Reims. From this time on, for reasons know only to King Charles, the king no longer valued Joan's advice and guidance. Abandoned by her king and friends, she fell into the hands of the English. They wanted to discredit King Charles as a false king by having Joan condemned by the Church as a witch and a heretic. To obtain this goal the English used those Church authorities whom they knew to be favorable to them. Joan's trial of condemnation lasted until May 23rd. She was burnt at the stake in Rouen's market square on May 30th, 1431. Twenty-five years later the findings of Joan's first trial were overturned by another Church court. It was not until 1920 that the Church of Rome officially declared Joan to be a saint.

Prayer:

Glorious St. Joan of Arc, Filled with compassion, For those who invoke you, Filled 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. [State your intention(s) here...] Grant 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, tThe 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 for me the grace of winning my way to heaven, forever and ever. Amen