Jehanne D'Arc (Joan of Arc)

Joan with light (http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stj05021.jpg)

Jehanne d’Arc was born on January 16th, 1412. Her parents were Jacques and Isabelle d'Arc. She was a good child. She always respected her parents and had strong religious beliefs. During her time in the village of Domremy near the border of France, she was loved by all because of her friendly nature. From the age of 12, she could remember heavenly messengers (Saint Michael the Archangel, as well as other saints).

Joan of Arc was one of the most renowned women of the 16th century because of her selfless acts. Joan, or “La Pucelle” as she was called, was a messenger of the angels. She was contacted by them on many occasions. Her parents and friends questioned whether she was sane. The angels always told her to be good and go to church, but as time passed, she began to receive a new message: “You must reclaim Orleans for the king.” She had ignored the voices for a time, but soon complied with their wishes.

Joan of Arc at Council (http://people.bu.edu/wwildman/ WeirdWildWeb/media/galleries/ theology/theologians/ Joan_of_Arc_03.jpg)

She went to the royal court to gain control of a small number of men who would fight to reclaim Orleans. At this time, she told Charles that her services would last no longer than a year. She soon reclaimed the land that rightfully belonged to France and became well-known for her acts of courage. Once Prince Charles was crowned king, he began to waste the year that Joan had given him. She soon left the council of the king and began to move of her own accord. She was captured by Burgundians who treated her fairly. Then one day the Burgundians gave her to the English who eventually condemned her to death for cross-dressing.

Joan of Arc is one of my favourite heroines because of her ability inspire great faith in people's lives. While she strove to save France, she also inspired faith in people who where beginning to lose their belief in the holy messengers. She was believed to have had magical abilities that made her task easier. She was brave, smart, strong and worthy of the task she was given. She had a large family and was the youngest of them all. She was also renowned because of her young age; she was 13 when she fought the English.

Jehanne d'Arc was a special girl to have joined the French army at 13 and even greater to have been sent by angels. She was a kind, friendly girl while she lived in her hometown. She was known to do anything to help people. She had a passion for her cause and the destiny she was meant to fulfill. Even in the face of death, she still forgave her persecutors for their actions. She was found to have truly been a messenger of God's will, and had no fear in the face of her inevitable death.

Jehanne D’Arc, the young girl who proved that even the smallest and youngest can accomplish great things, died in 1432 when she was captured and given to the English. The English wished to persecute her for a crime, but she had done no wrong, only good in the name of God (so did Jesus -- look what happened to him). They continued to search for a way to find Joan guilty of a crime, for something that could be held against her. In the end, her fate was to die at the stake. Her crime was completely preposterous.