Gisella's School

Today we will be looking at the life of Joan of Arc.

In the time that Joan was born, the hundred years war had been raging on for quite a while. She was born in 1412 to a family of farmers. Even as she grew up, her parents saw her working hard. At only twelve years old she claimed to have visions of three Saints: St. Michal, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. At first the messages she received were only about her personal life, but eventually the Saints told her to help France take back the throne. She thought about this endeavor for four years before she put her plan into action. At age sixteen she attempted to get an audience with the king, but at first he refused. She did not lose heart though and after the third try she offered herself as a leader. The king agreed, but only if she got tested in her faith. Joan agreed and passed her test. Joan now was the head of the king’s army. She also made some new rules like going to church and not swearing. All their opponents thought the French army was led by a Saint. Joan led a siege against an English held church and won. This small victory led to many many more. The king honored Joan and there was feasting and parties. Joan was credited with saying “the will of God has been done”. Later she was sadly kid-napped and burned at the stake. She was revered in all of France and made a Saint.

Joan is a great model of perseverance and nobility.