This young girl was quite a heroine in
the 15th century, especially in a world dominated by men. Born in southern Paris
in 1412 from an educated couple, she had visions at the age of 12, which were
later revealed to be from St. Michael, St. Catherine of Alexandria and St.
Margaret of Antioch. They all told her to go to King Charles of France and
pressure him to release France from the clutches of Great Britain. So the King,
realising the pure intentions of Joan, sent her to take part in the war of
Orleans. She arrived there in 1429 with her iconic banner to give a boost to
the morale of the soldiers, who had just about given up a victory over the
British. 9 days after her arrival, the British soldiers retreated. The French
soldiers kept advancing, encouraged by Joan on their side until they arrived at
Rheims. There the King was crowned with Joan of Arc next to him. The French
victories raised their morale, which stayed with them during the One Hundred
Years War. However Joan was arrested in
Compiegne a year later and was accused of witchcraft and heresy. Her trial was
the most cruel, and a classic 1928 black and white film called ‘The Passion of
Joan of Arc’ shows with extreme close-ups the atrocity she suffered. It was a
silent film but was set to music a few years ago, with a spectacular and haunting
score. During her trial she was also condemned because she wore pants, trousers,
something which every woman does today. Joan was burned at the stake in
1431 in Rouen, and her ashes were spread in the River Seine. The Catholic Church
did another trial 25 years after her death, and her penalty was removed and was
found innocent, but yet she lost her life. Her example was admired by the poor
and wealthy alike, and her love of the sacraments as well as her contemplative
life led her to be beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920.
Tuesday 30 May 2023
St Joan of Arc
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