Saint Joan of Arc was born in 1412 in Domrémy, a small village in northeastern France. She was the daughter of a farmer and grew up in a devoutly religious family. Joan was known to be a pious and virtuous young woman, spending much of her time praying and attending church.
Called to Battle
At the age of 13, Joan began to experience visions and hear voices, which she believed were messages from God. These voices instructed her to help the Dauphin of France, Charles VII, who sought to claim the French throne during the Hundred Years’ War between England and Franc. Joan believed that it was her divine mission to assist him in his efforts.
In 1428, Joan traveled to Vaucouleurs, a nearby town, to meet with Robert de Baudricourt, the local military commander, and ask for his help in getting an audience with the Dauphin (the oldest son of the King of Franc). Baudricourt initially dismissed Joan as delusional, but after she persisted in her requests, he eventually relented and allowed her to travel to the Dauphin’s court.
Joan arrived at the Dauphin’s court in Chinon in 1429 where she convinced him of her divine mission and was granted permission to lead the French army against the English. She dressed in men’s clothing and led the French army to several significant victories against overwhelming odds, including the lifting of the siege of Orléans.
Joan’s success on the battlefield made her a national hero and inspired the French troops to fight with renewed vigor. However, in 1430, Joan was captured by the Burgundians, who sold her to the English.
Imprisonment
The English held Joan in the castles of Beaurevoir, Crotoy, and Rouen.
She famously attempted to escape from captivity on several occasions, including one famous attempt in which she jumped from a high tower which would kill most people, but which she “somehow” survived.
During her captivity she had visitors including clergy, nobility, and military commanders. A most nnotable visitor was Brother Martin Ladvenu, a Dominican friar who served as Joan’s confessor during her imprisonment in Rouen. accounts of his conversations with Joan of Arc are full of praise and admiration:
- “I have never seen anyone who looked as holy as she did.”
- “I have heard her in confession, and I assure you that she is very good and very virtuous.”
- “She is a good Christian and loves God with all her heart.”
- “She is a most devoted daughter of Holy Church, and is always eager to receive the sacraments.”
- “She is full of grace, and has a great love for Our Lord.”
- “She is a courageous girl, who is willing to suffer anything for the sake of her holy cause.”
The Trial
The trial of Joan of Arc began on February 21, 1431, in the city of Rouen, and was conducted by an ecclesiastical court composed of bishops and theologians who were biased against her, as they were loyal to the English crown. Charges included heresy, witchcraft, and dressing like a man.
The trial lasted for several months during which Joan was questioned about her religious beliefs, her visions, and her military campaigns.
Joan’s responses were recorded in a series of documents known as the “Minutes,” which demonstrate miraculous grace, maturity, intelligence, and basically, near perfection. Here are some of the most compelling moments of her trial:
- when Joan was asked about her dress. She said, “I dress as it pleases God and my lords.” The court accused her of dressing like a man, which was considered a grave sin at the time. Joan defended herself by saying that her dress was necessary for her military duties, and that she had received permission from her parents to dress in this way. This exchange highlights the court’s attempt to undermine Joan’s legitimacy by attacking her appearance, and Joan’s steadfastness in defending herself.
- when Joan was asked about her visions. She said, “I saw [the saints] with these eyes as well as I see you.” This statement reveals Joan’s deep conviction that her visions were real, and her unwavering faith in her divine mission. It also shows how the court attempted to discredit her by accusing her of being delusional or possessed by demons.
- when Joan was asked if she was in a state of grace. She responded, “If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me.” This statement reveals Joan’s deep faith and trust in God’s mercy, even in the face of the court’s attempt to question her spiritual authority. It also shows how Joan’s unwavering faith was a central aspect of her identity and her mission.
Her answers were brilliant if not absolutely perfect, in questioning by some of the wisest and most educated men on earth.
Verdict and Execution
The verdict came down on May 24, 1431, in a public ceremony in Rouen, France. The judges’ verdict declared Joan to be a heretic and sentenced her to be burned at the stake. Upon hearing the verdict she cried out, “I appeal to God, the great judge!”
As she was burning at the stake she asked one of the priests present to “Hold the cross high so that I may see it through the flames,” and continued to gaze at the crucifix until the flames consumed her.
The great Saint Joan of Arc’s feast day is celebrated on May 30th.
