In the early 1400s, Saint Joan of Arc was just a young teenager when she had visions of Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and Saint Margaret of Antioch while in her father’s garden. The saints informed her of her divine mission to drive the English out of French territory and reclaim the cities of Troyes and Orléans. With her coat of armor and banner depicting Christ in hand, Joan successfully led the French troops to victory during the Hundred Years’ War and enabled the crowning of a new French king, Charles VII. She was captured a year later and sold into English captivity. After being tried for witchcraft and heresy, she was eventually condemned for crossdressing — a precautionary measure she took during battle and in prison. Joan was burned at the stake in 1431 and canonized a saint in 1920. She is the patron saint of France.
“Everything I have said or done is in the hands of God. I commit myself to Him! I certify to you that I would do or say nothing against the Christian faith.” — St. Joan of Arc
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you answer God’s call in your life?
- What are you willing to sacrifice in order to follow God’s will?
- How might God be calling you to fight against injustice?
