Joan of Arc

Saints are often different from everyday people, and thus, no one understands them during their lives. Only many years after their death, people begin to comprehend their significance. Joan of Arc was a saint like this. She was too far ahead of her time and was killed by her fellow men because they didn't know what else to do. After 489 years of her death, she was canonized in 1920. In my opinion, she was not only a saint but also meant to be an angel. She showed a good example to all of us on how to behave ourselves in the name of honor, honesty, and glory. Joan was a very simple, faithful country girl until God called upon her to fight in his name against the invading English. At that moment, Joan was chosen as a messenger of God. Her first encounter with her voices occurred when she was around thirteen years old. At her trial, she described this as a vision of St. Michael: "I saw him before my eyes; he was not alone but quite surrounded by the angels of heaven." It was her destiny and the fulfillment of prophecy that a maiden girl from Lorraine would perform a miracle to save France. From that day, something changed in her personality. She revealed her true face and what she could turn into in danger. Her character divided into two parts: a soldier, a physical being, only flesh and blood, and a saint, a spiritual being who represents a higher power. When she protested that she had no experience in such forms of leadership and that she knew nothing about riding and warfare, her voices reassured her that she would be led to operate quickly and effectively among those who held authority. She succeeded in convincing them to allow her access to the long-disabled royal court and French army. Upon her arrival at Chinon, she identified the Dauphin, Charles VII, even though he was in disguise. She convinced him to allow her to lead the army and to be present at his coronation. Joan's military campaigns were a series of stunning victories. She liberated the city of Orleans, which was under siege by the English for months. This victory was a turning point for the French citizens everywhere. It was the first time during the war when the French actually believed they could win against the unbelievably strong English. For that reason, Joan of Arc became the heroine of the Hundred Years’ War and the inspiration of many people to come. In remembering her death, it is essential for us to understand how hard she fought to continue living, reach her dreams, and accomplish God's will. Without having been given the opportunity to become a woman, she remains forever in our minds as the girl whose faith changed history. Her place in history and in people's hearts is assured.
Bibliography:
- Robert Hogan. Dictionary Of Irish Literature, M-Z. Aldwych Press London, 1996.
- Martin Stephen. English Literature: A Student Guide. Third edition, 2000.
- www.stjoan-center.com
- www.saintjoanofarc.org
- http://archive.joan-of-arc.org