Saturday, May 30, 2015

Who is the patron saint of France?

I wonder if they celebrate her feast day in Rouen? 
Remember when we were there and saw where she was burned at the stake by the marketplace and the smelly public bathrooms?

St. Joan of Arc 

St. Joan of Arc (1412-1431) was born in France to peasant parents during the Hundred Years War between France and England. She was as a pious child, and from age 13 she received numerous visions of saints including St. Michael, St. Margaret, and St. Catherine. Through these visions, voices, and other interior promptings Joan understood that she was to help the King of France in battle.

After overcoming her own reluctance and that of those in authority over the army and the Church, she led French military in battle. With her leadership they recaptured Orléans and Troyes, which allowed Charles VII to be restored to the throne of France. All the while she wore the dress of a soldier to protect her virtue and modesty.

The following year she was captured by the English, imprisoned, and placed on trial accused of heresy and witchcraft. She was treated unjustly and illegally during her captivity, and her trial became a circus. Under political pressure she was condemned and burned alive at the stake, even though she proved herself to be blameless and fearless in character and faith. As she burned she kept her eyes on a crucifix and repeatedly called on the name of Jesus. A second Church trial twenty five years later nullified the earlier verdict and found her innocent of all charges, paving the way for her veneration as a saint.

St. Joan of Arc is the patron saint of captives, rape victims, soldiers, and France.


Her feast day is May 30th.

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