St. Joan of Arc

St. Joan of Arc was born around 1412 in Domrémy, a village in northeast France, to a propertied peasant family. During the Hundred Years' War, she became a pivotal figure in French history. In 1428, at the age of about 16, Joan requested to be taken to Charles VII, claiming divine guidance from visions of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. Convinced of her devotion, Charles sent her to the siege of Orléans in April 1429, where her presence lifted the siege and marked a significant turning point in the war. Following this victory, Joan played a crucial role in the Loire Campaign and was present at Charles's coronation in Reims on July 18, 1429. However, her fortunes changed when she was captured by the Burgundians on May 23, 1430, and later sold to the English. Tried for heresy, she was convicted and burned at the stake in Rouen on May 30, 1431. In 1456, a papal commission declared her innocent, and she was canonized as a saint on May 16, 1920. Today, St. Joan of Arc is revered as a patron saint of France and a symbol of courage and faith. Her legacy extends beyond her military achievements, as she remains an enduring figure in French history and Catholic tradition.