Joan of Arc: A Diety of Bravery

"Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well."

_ Joan of Arc

So, St. Joan of Arc.

Let's talk.

She isn't just Joan; She is the Joan of Arc, the Savior of Orleans, and Warrior for God. Fear, to her, was too belittling to be considered an obstacle to her success.

It's no wonder that, despite her short lifetime, she's still well-known in the Catholic world as one of the highly respected saints. She followed God's divine guidance to the victory of the Hundred-Year War between France and England.

Her simplicity and humility enabled her to hear and understand God's plans for her life until her martyrdom at the age of 19.

Joan of Arc. Painting by N.M Dyudin. Image source: akg.images

Joan was exposed to the harsh events of the Hundred-Year War between England and France at a tender age, having been born in 1412 with the turmoil of war was at its peak. Growing up on the farm as the fifth child, she had already developed a strong connection with God, with whom she communicated her troubled heart to, on England's plans to conquer France with force.

Despite being raised in a poor family as an uneducated child, she had a strong certainty that she was part of a big plan in restoring peace and claiming victory in France.

Yes, she was ridiculed for such thoughts which were regarded as "flimsy hopes," but she still stood her ground with her beliefs by praying to God. It is very commendable on Joan's thick skin at that age, where she refused to be shaken by anyone.

She began to receive instructions on France's victory through visions at the age of 13. Her vision revealed prominent saints in the likes of St. Michael the Archangel, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and St. Margaret the Virgin. They informed her of her major role as the victor of France as well as the deliverance of the rightful kingship to the heir of the throne, Charles VII.

Joan of Arc Hearing Voices/Visions illustrated by Léon-François Bénouville. Image source: Wuyouyuan,Wikimedia Commons/ eclectic light company

Two years after her visions, she set foot to Valcouleurs, where she had an encounter with Robert Baudricourt, the heir's representative. As expected, she was not taken seriously when she disclosed her intentions with the heir.

A sixteen-year-old peasant girl? claiming to be sent on a mission to help an heir win the war?

Amazing.

But the mockery and rejection from Robert did not stop her from making another attempt to gain access to the French Royal Court. Her second meeting with Robert was a success after she predicted a battle loss outside Orleans. The confirmation from reliable sources helped gain his trust for Joan before leading her to Chinon, where the French Royal Court was located. She was escorted by six soldiers due to the heightened violence during the war and the dangers that were targetted to her as a woman. She was also dressed in full male attire to cover her modesty and purity.

It is mind-blowing to know that Joan, a farmer girl with no military experiences whatsoever, led countless victories for France with strategies and predicaments that came to pass. All these were made possible by the help of her spiritual guides from God in her visions. From her victories at places like Royes and Reims, Charles VII became the crowned king of France.

French troops under Joan of arc storm the city illustrated by Frederic Theodore Lix. Image source: akg-images

Her wisdom on war information became suspicious, for they began to have speculations of her engaging in some form of witchery and sorcery. But sadly, that was just the beginning of her end.

The saints in her vision informed her of her capture during a truce between English and France armies. She was imprisoned in Compiegne. She was given to English, who accused her of heresy; a behavior or opinion that goes against religious norms. If anything, it was an unnecessary move they pulled due to fright towards Joan, for it was not a fair trial whatsoever. From such accusations of Witchery and Heresy, she was given the death penalty.

Joan of Arc being taken prisoner at Compiegne, May 23, 1430. Engraving, late 17th century. Image source: akg-images/DeAgostini Picture Library.

Before her execution, she requested a crucifix, so that she will gather the last strength she had left with the assurance that she is departing the world for God. The crucifix was prepared for her to stare upon while she was set ablaze on a stake, where she died in 1431 at the age of 19. Her end marked the beginning of her martyrdom; someone who suffers terribly for their faith.

Burning of Joan of Arc, Ridpath's History of the World, Volume III, by John Clark Ridpath, LL. D., Merrill & Baker Publishers, New York, 1897. Image source: akg-images/Glasshouse

Even in her last moments, she still stood her ground with no fear in her heart, knowing that she fulfilled the duties of God. Not everyone would face their demise head-on as she did. What piqued my interest in her story was her bravery. She always had it, and that is what she carried to her final breath.

Interested in discovering more powerful women like Joan? Take a look

Who's your most admirable saint? Let me know in the comments!