Today, May 30, is the memorial of Saint Joan of Arc.
Joan was born in 1412 in Domremy, France. She was a shepherdess and mystic who, from age 13, was the recipient of visions from St. Margaret of Antioch, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and St. Michael the Archangel.
In the early 15th century, England, in alliance with Burgundy, controlled most of what is modern France. In May 1428, Joan’s visions instructed her to seek the real king of France and help him reclaim his throne. For over three years, Joan did not follow those directions. She kept on hesitating until she decided to approach Charles VII and reveal what her visions told her.
The maiden went into battle and led the troops, all this time waving a banner that said “Jesus, Mary.” Although badly wounded, Joan was able to succeed in her quest—she helped bring Charles VII to the throne.
Joan was held captive by the Burgundians during the defense of Compiegne. She was tried by an ecclesiastical court led by the Bishop of Beauvais, a supporter of England.
She was burned at the stake in 1431. She was 19 years old. Twenty-five later, Joan’s case was reopened. In the end, she was acquitted.
Pope St. Pius X beatified Joan in 1905. Pope Benedict XV canonized her in 1920.
She is the co-secondary patron of France with St. Therese of the Child Jesus.