St. Joan of Arc Bookmark - Artist John Nava

Saint Joan of Arc
Born at Greux-Domremy, France in 1412
Died at Rouen, France 1431

Joan of Arc was an intelligent but illiterate French peasant girl. She lived in the early 15th century when France was almost entirely controlled by England and Burgundy. From the age of 13 she was prompted by visions and voices that told her to help restore the true king of France to his throne and to help drive out these aggressors. Carrying a banner and wearing white armor, she led the French forces to victory. Later, Charles VII was crowned King of France in Rheims with Joan standing by his side. During a final campaign she was captured near Paris by the Burgundians and sold to the English for thousand francs. Tried and found guilty of heresy, she was burnt at the stake in the market place of Rouen in1431 at the age of 19. Canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV, she is the patron of France, captives and soldiers. Her feast day is May 30.