Saint Joan of Arc, the courageous warrior and French National Heroine, is the saint of the day for May 30th. She was born in Domremy, France, 1412 and died in Rouen, France, 1431.
At the age of 13, Joan began to hear the voices of Saints Michael the Archangel, Margaret of Antioch, and Catherine of Alexandria, telling her that she had been chosen to free her country from the English. Joan’s visions told her to find the true king of France and help him reclaim his throne. She resisted for more than three years, but finally went to Charles VII and told him of her visions.
After overcoming opposition from churchmen and courtiers, she was given a small army with which she raised the siege of Orleans on May 8, 1429. Carrying a banner that read “Jesus, Mary”, she led the troops into battle.
Saint Joan of Arc followed the famous campaign of the Loire during which the English were decisively beaten. Charles was then crowned at Rheims, on July 17, 1429.
When she was captured by the Burgundians during the defense of Compiegne, she was sold to the English for 10 thousand francs. She was then put on trial by an ecclesiastical court conducted by Pierre Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais, a tool of the English. Although she astounded the judges by her answers, she was condemned to death as a heretic, and burned at the stake on May 30. In 1456, her case was re-tried, and Joan was acquitted (23 years too late). She was canonized by Pope Benedict XV in 1920.
Saint Joan of Arc manifested many virtues: she was trustful of God, courageous in battle, benevolent in victory, and merciful toward those who betrayed her. Saint Joan of Arc is the patroness of: France, martyrs, prisoners, people ridiculed for their piety, rape victims, soldiers, and the Women’s Army Corps.
Saint Quote
“About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they’re just one thing, and we shouldn’t complicate the matter.” — Saint Joan of Arc, as recorded at her trial
Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc for Healing
Composed by Andrea Oefinger
Holy Saint Joan, compassionate to the sick and wounded, who, while on earth, nursed so many back to health, hear me.
You who wished to see no one injured or in discomfort, pray for me and guide me through this difficult time.
Daughter of God, wounded many times in battle, I petition you for healing (here mention your request here) so that I may be better able to serve God in whatever capacity He wishes. Intercede for me.
It may not be in God’s will for my body to be healed, for my sufferings may help another or my own soul. If my request is not granted, help me to remain strong, and instead be healed emotionally and spiritually. Amen.
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