Jeanne d'Arc

vers 1412-1431 15th century Feast day: May 30

The boldness of obeying God rather than the powerful, and naked trust before one's judges.

Who was Jeanne d'Arc?

A peasant girl from Domrémy, from the age of thirteen she heard voices calling her to save the kingdom. At seventeen she led armies and had the king crowned at Reims, before being captured, sold, tried by a church court in the occupier's service, and burned at Rouen at nineteen. The trial records preserved her answers, whose freedom and clarity disconcerted her judges.

In their own words

If I am not in God's grace, may God put me there; and if I am, may God keep me there.

Trial of condemnation, session of 24 February 1431

The men-at-arms will do battle, and God will give the victory.

Answer to the Poitiers examiners, reported at the rehabilitation trial

I rely on God, my creator, for everything; I love him with all my heart.

Trial of condemnation