Saint Joan of Arc
Saint Joan of Arc was an uneducated French peasant girl who lived from 1412–1431 A. D., and was known for leading the French armies in victory against the English in Hundred Years’ War. These victories came in extraordinary ways due to the Divine guidance that she received through holy visions and heavenly voices.
Saint Joan of Arc developed deep relationships with Saint Michael, Saint Margaret of Antioch, and Saint Catherine of Alexandria. They would appear to her and give her wise counsel to accomplish her mission of saving France. She drove out the English and secured the French throne for the Dauphin, Charles, who is the eldest son of the king of France.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria was one of her principal spiritual guides appearing to her from age 13 to counsel, encourage, and protect her. She instructed her to be virtuous, faithful, and courageous. Saint Catherine of Alexandria embodied these gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit that she was imparting to St. Joan Arc.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, herself, was known for her prudence, beauty, and deeply devoted Christian faith. Unlike Saint Joan, Saint Catherine, who lived from 287 to 305 A.D., was born to a Noble family in Egypt and was highly educated. Also, in contrast to Joan, Catherine converted to Christianity at the age of 14 after receiving a vision of the Virgin Mother and Christ Child.
However, Joan and Catherine had many similarities in the ways their paths converged. Saint Catherine at the age of 18 challenged Emperor Maxentius regarding his persecution of Christians and successfully argued against and converted 50 philosophers the emperor brought to disprove her. With the outcome not moving in his favor, he ordered her execution on a spiked wheel that shattered when she touched it. With the initial attempt of her death failing, she was later beheaded.
At a tender age, Joan stood bold and courageous against the English armies. So too, Catherine, at a young age, stood steadfast against the Egyptian government’s persecution of Christians. Both of them boldly proclaimed Christ in the halls of governmental authorities. Neither counting the cost as they both met a martyr ‘s death.
In 1430, Joan was captured by Burgundian forces, sold to the English, and subjected to a politically motivated, fraudulent heresy trial. On May 30, 1431 in Rouen, France, she was burned at the stake and received her crown of martyrdom.
In the Lord’s Divine Wisdom, He knew that Saint Catherine with her intelligence and impeccable dealings with the Egyptian government would be a perfect spiritual mentor for Saint Joan in her courageous battle against the English and strategic planning towards victory for the French.
