Joan of Arc
Feast day: May 30
Born in France, Joan was the youngest daughter of Jacques d’Arc. At age 15, she had her first vision, in which she heard the voices of Sts. Michael, Catherine, Margaret and others who commanded her to save France from England and Burgundy during the Hundred Years’ War. After meeting the French dauphin and being examined by theologians, she led the army to victories at Orleans and Patay. Captured later by the Burgundians, she was abandoned by the dauphin and sold to the English, who burned her at the stake for witchcraft and heresy. Her trial was later reopened, and she was declared innocent of all charges. Joan was canonized in 1920. She is the patron of France.
Prayer
Almighty and merciful God,
who brought your Martyr St. Joan of Arc
to overcome the torments of her passion,
grant that we, who celebrate the day of her triumph,
may remain invincible under your protection
against the snares of the enemy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
