Saint of the Day for 30 May: St. Joan of Arc
St. Joan of Arc: Life, Miracles and Heroism of the Holy Warrioress
Name
St. Joan of Arc
Title
Virgin
Baptismal name
Jeanne d’Arc
Birth
1412, Domrémy, France
Death
May 30, 1431, Rouen, France
Recurrence
30 May
Martyrology
2004 edition
Beatification
April 18, 1909, Rome, Pope Pius X
Canonization
May 16, 1920, Rome, Pope Benedict XV
Prayer
Salvation to you in victory. Render France to our forefathers! O Joan, to you our song of glory, O Joan, to you our joyful song! Protect France still, O thou our hope, Make her faith, make Jesus her King! Jesus, Mary! Adorning thy oriflamme, these divine names, how beautiful to behold! Through, to French hearts it will light. The flame of faith, love and invincible hope! Jesus and Mary so loved France. That they willed once, with a maiden hand, To procure her salvation and deliverance; And this hand still defends us. Jesus! Mary! Alas the storm roars, but from heaven shines a golden star, For us Joan prayed, everywhere grace abounds To cheer the beloved people who sleep. Amen.
Protector
Of radio, telegraphy
Roman Martyrology
In Rouen Saint Joan of Arc Virgin, known as the Maid of Orleans, who, having fought strenuously for her country, in the end, delivered into the hands of her enemies, was with iniquitous judgment condemned and burned at the stake, and by the Supreme Pontiff Benedict the tenth-fifth was ascribed to the number of Saints.
The Saint and Mission
St. Joan of Arc, one of the most extraordinary figures in history, is remembered for her divine mission and unwavering courage. Born in 15th-century France, Joan was a young peasant girl who, inspired by heavenly visions of saints and angels, embarked on a mission to save France during the Hundred Years’ War. Responding to what she perceived as a divine call, she presented herself to the dauphin Charles and convinced the court to allow her to lead the French army. Her mission was clear: liberate the city of Orléans from the English siege and crown Charles VII at Reims, thus legitimizing his reign. Despite her young age and military inexperience, Joan demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination, inspiring the soldiers with her unwavering faith and charismatic leadership. Her presence on the battlefield and her conviction in the rightness of her cause instilled new spirit in the French, leading to a series of decisive victories. Joan’s mission was not only military; it was deeply spiritual. She firmly believed that she was acting according to God’s will, and this gave her a moral strength that transcended weapons and tactics. Even when she was captured and tried for heresy, her faith remained unwavering, facing her fate with dignity and courage. Joan of Arc was eventually condemned and burned at the stake, but her mission and sacrifice left an indelible mark on history. Canonized in 1920, St. Joan of Arc is venerated as a warrior saint and a symbol of patriotism, faith and perseverance. Her life and mission continue to inspire millions of people around the world, reminding them that with faith and determination, even the most insurmountable challenges can be met.
The Saint and Mercy
St. Joan of Arc, although a military figure, embodied deep mercy through her compassion for the French people and her desire for peace. Her mission, motivated by divine visions, was not driven by hatred or revenge, but by a sincere love for her country and a strong belief in divine justice. Joan showed mercy toward prisoners and opponents, treating them with humanity and respect, an uncommon behavior in times of war. Even during her trial, Joan maintained a forgiving attitude toward her accusers, responding with dignity and serenity to the charges. Her ability to maintain faith and compassion even in the face of torture and death is a testimony to her merciful spirit. Her life reminds us that true strength lies in the ability to love and forgive, even in the most difficult circumstances. St. Joan of Arc represents the idea that mercy can guide actions, even in times of conflict, and that true heroism includes the ability to see the humanity in the other.
Hagiography
S. Joan was born in the year 1412 in the remote village of Domrémy, gently nestled on the banks of the Meuse. She grew up as pure as a lily, simple and inclined to an austere and penitent life: her companions, who saw her leading the flock to pasture, would certainly not have imagined what an extraordinary future awaited her. One day, while reciting the Angelus, the young girl heard from the side of the church a voice distinctly pronouncing her name: “Giannetta, Giannetta!“…