The Story of Joan of Arc 

Joan of Arc, or Jeanne d’Arc in French, was born around 1412 in the small village of Domrémy, in northeastern France. She was a peasant girl, living a simple life of work and prayer. At thirteen, she began to hear voices that she believed were sent by God—Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret. These voices gave her a mission: to help Charles VII, the Dauphin of France, and to free her country from English occupation during the Hundred Years’ War.

At seventeen, Joan left her village. She traveled to the royal castle of Chinon and met Charles VII. Against all expectations, this young girl convinced him to trust her. She was given armor and soldiers, and in May 1429 she led them to victory at Orléans. This triumph changed the course of the war and earned her the name The Maid of Orléans. Soon after, she stood beside Charles VII in Reims Cathedral as he was crowned king, fulfilling one of her visions.

But her mission was short. In May 1430, near Compiègne, Joan was captured by enemies allied with the English. She was taken to Rouen, where she faced a long and unfair trial. Her judges questioned her about her voices, her mission, her faith, and even her clothing. They tried to trap her with difficult questions, but Joan answered with courage and clarity. She explained that her voices came from God and that her soldier’s clothing was necessary for her safety.

The court condemned her as a heretic. On May 30, 1431, Joan was burned at the stake in Rouen, at only nineteen years old. Witnesses said her last words were a prayer to Jesus.

Twenty-five years later, the Church declared her innocent. In 1920, she was canonized as a saint. Today, Joan of Arc is remembered not only as a heroine of France but also as a universal symbol of courage, faith, and hope.

 Pilgrimage in France – Walking in Her Footsteps

• Domrémy-la-Pucelle (Lorraine, Vosges): her birthplace, with her family home and a basilica dedicated to her memory.

• Vaucouleurs (Lorraine): the town where she first asked for support to begin her mission.

• Chinon (Loire Valley): the castle where she met Charles VII and convinced him to believe in her.

• Orléans (Centre-Val de Loire): the city of her greatest victory, where she lifted the siege in 1429. Each year, Orléans celebrates her with a festival.

• Reims (Champagne): the cathedral where Charles VII was crowned king, with Joan at his side.

• Compiègne (Oise): the place where she was captured in 1430.

• Rouen (Normandy): the city of her trial and execution, where memorials and a modern church now honor her sacrifice.

 What Remains of Joan of Arc Today

    In 2025, Joan of Arc is still present everywhere:

• In faith, as a saint honored by the Catholic Church.

• In culture, through books, films, plays, and artworks.

• In France, where statues, streets, and schools bear her name.

• And across the world, where she is seen as proof that even a young girl from a small village can change history.