Joan’s story is one of divine inspiration, extraordinary military leadership, and tragic martyrdom. At the age of 13, Joan claimed to have experienced visions and heard voices of saints, particularly St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. These spiritual revelations led her to believe that she was divinely chosen to lead France to victory during the Hundred Years’ War, a conflict between England and France that had been raging since the early 14th century.
The Beginning of Her Mission
The political climate of France during Joan’s lifetime was one of division and devastation. The Hundred Years’ War had reached a critical point, with the English occupying large portions of French territory, including Paris. In 1429, Charles VII, the Dauphin (heir to the French throne), faced an uncertain claim to the throne, as English forces had been advancing in the wake of a series of defeats. The French nobility was divided, and many doubted Charles’s legitimacy.
Joan's first significant step was to approach the court of Charles VII. She convinced him that she had been chosen by God to help him reclaim his throne and expel the English from France. After a rigorous examination of her claims by theologians, she was granted permission to lead an army to lift the siege of Orléans, a key city that had been under English control since 1428.
The Siege of Orléans and Military Leadership
In 1429, Joan made her way to the besieged city of Orléans, where the French forces were demoralized and on the brink of collapse. With her fiery determination and inspirational leadership, Joan rallied the troops and lifted their spirits. She was not only a spiritual leader but also a tactical one. Though she was not formally trained in military strategy, Joan’s instincts and resolve proved to be effective. She played a crucial role in organizing and leading several successful attacks against the English forces. The siege was lifted on May 8, 1429, marking a turning point in the war and cementing Joan’s status as a national hero.
Joan’s victory at Orléans was symbolic of the resurgence of French strength, and it gave Charles VII the confidence to pursue his coronation. Her presence at the royal court and her influence over the army were undeniable. She was not just a figurehead; she was an active participant in military campaigns, often at the front of the action. Her bravery, dressed in armor, holding a banner, and leading soldiers into battle, made her a lasting symbol of French unity and determination. shutdown123