Saint Joan of Arc

This heroic young woman has always had a grip on my soul. So much can be said about her. Born in Domremy, France in 1412, she first heard voices from heaven at age 12. St. Catherine and St. Margaret began to prepare her for her mission, and later St. Michael and visions of her heavenly guides followed. Her mission was to take back northern France from the increasing encroachment of England which, at the time, held many cities along the Seine and Loire. At 16 she quickly learned to ride and fight like a knight, but most inexplicable was her ability to strategize and position her armies and cannons for siege. As shocking as it was for a 15th century woman to dress like a man and unimaginable for her to lead men into battle, her passion, her fiery temperament, her intelligence and goodness won men to the cause. Many believed that she was the fulfillment of a prophecy that a maid would come out of the Lorraine area to save France. She fought 13 battles, had 9 victories, 30 cities surrendered to her, and she was wounded 3 times. In her last effort, she was taken by the English at Compiegne, and after 7 unjust trials by English secular and church officials, she was burned as a witch in the marketplace of Rouen, 1431, so much did a particular compromised bishop want her dead. She was only 19.

Joan designed her white standard with images of Jesus, angels, and the names of Jesus and Mary. She carried a sword. Joan never wanted to kill, and there is no record that she did. However, it was told that she used her sword to whack the back of a prostitute that was following her army. She fiercely led every charge so her men would see the standard. She was holy, chaste, a virgin martyr. St. Joan, pray for us.

Below are the stages of the painting.