*We highlight these Saints to inspire our students and contribute to their growth in Catholic education by fostering understanding and appreciation for Catholic values and teachings. We encourage parents to share the stories of these Saints with their children to deepen their spirituality and motivate them to live their faith with conviction, following the examples of these admired role models.*
St. Joan of Arc, also known as Jeanne d’Arc, is one of the most iconic and revered figures in French history and Catholicism. Her life story is both remarkable and inspiring, filled with courage, faith, and a deep sense of mission for God.
Joan of Arc was born in a tiny village called Domrémy in France, around January 6, 1412. She came from a simple family, with her parents named Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romée. Joan grew up during a time when France and England were fighting a long war called the Hundred Years’ War. During this war, the English and their allies, the Burgundians, had taken over parts of France and were trying to control the whole country, even claiming the French throne for themselves.
When Joan was just thirteen, something extraordinary happened to her. She started having visions and seeing things that others couldn’t. One day, while she was in her father’s garden, she heard voices of saints like St. Michael, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and St. Margaret of Antioch. These saints told her that she had a special job to do: to help the Dauphin of France, who would later become King Charles VII. They said she needed to help him drive the English out of France and make sure he became the rightful king.
“Hope in God. If you have good hope and faith in Him, you shall be delivered from your enemies.”
St. Joan of Arc
In 1429, Joan of Arc went to a place called Chinon, where the king’s court was. She wanted to convince them that she was sent by God to help the king. They didn’t believe her at first, but then she said that they would win a battle at a place called Orléans. And guess what? They did win! This made the king and his helpers trust her more.
Joan was given armor and a horse and led soldiers into battle. She fought in important battles, like the one to save the city of Orléans. Because of her bravery, the French army started winning more battles. They even helped Charles VII become the King of France in 1429. Joan’s bravery and smart decisions in battles helped the French win the war.
In 1430, Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians. She was later handed over to the English, who sought to discredit her and her mission. She endured a lengthy trial in which she faced accusations of heresy and witchcraft. Despite the intense pressure, Joan remained steadfast in her faith and refused to recant her divine guidance.
“Fear not: what I do, I do by commandment. My brothers in Paradise tell me what I must do.”
St. Joan of Arc
In 1431, when she was only 19 years old, Joan of Arc was wrongly found guilty of blasphemy and heresy, and she was given a very harsh punishment. She was burned to death on May 30, 1431. As she was dying, she asked for a special cross to be shown to her, and a kind soldier made a small cross for her to hold close. Her last words were asking Jesus for help and forgiving the people who accused her.
In 1920, Pope Benedict XV declared Joan innocent of her crimes, and as well as a hero and a saint.
People all over the world still look up to Joan of Arc today. They admire her strong belief in God, her bravery even when things were tough, and how she didn’t let her background stop her from doing what she believed was right. Joan of Arc is also seen as a symbol of pride for France. She showed everyone that when you trust in God and stand up for what’s right, you can do amazing things. St. Joan of Arc teaches us that having faith, staying true to what we believe, and never giving up can make a big difference in the world.
FAMILY ACTIVITY: St. Joan of Arc led soldiers into battle as a teenager. She is an example to children that they can do good things even though they are young. Help your children with a “big” project they might want to lead, such as organizing a bake sale, collecting donations for the poor, or organizing a pilgrimage.