She failed to persuade the French commander, Robert de Vaucouleurs, that her visions were genuine. She therefore prophesied that the French would be defeated near Orleans and in February 1429 this happened. Now Joan was granted an audience with the Dauphin. He appeared in disguise and was astonished when the maid recognized him. A group of theologians decided that Joan was divinely inspired, and she was granted permission to lead the French army against the British. Wearing white armour and carrying a banner inscribed 'Jesus, Maria' and with the symbol of the Holy Trinity, Joan led the French to Orleans and routed the English. She won a second victory at Patay and the third at Troyes. She brought the Dauphin to a sense of responsibility, and on 17 July 1429 he was crowned King Charles VII. Then on 24 May 1430, the armies of Burgundy captured Joan near Compiègne and sold her to the English. Accused of witchcraft and heresy, she was burned to death in the market place at Rouen in 1431.
- From A Calendar of Saints,
the Lives of the Principal Saints of the Christian Year
To women:
You and I,
being women,
we have this tremendous thing in us,
understanding love.
I see that so beautifully in our people,
in our poor women,
who day after day, meet suffering,
accept suffering for the sake of their children.
I have seen mothers going without so many things,
even resorting to begging,
so that the children may have what they need.
- Mother Teresa
back to top
| Print this page
|
