On January 6, 1412, Joan of Arc was born in France, to a peasant family. At a very early age, she was said to have heard the voices of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. One message delivered in these visions told Joan that she was to lead the French in regaining land that had been lost to the English.

St. Joan of Arc is best known for her heroic actions during the Hundred Years War. She bravely led French troops against the English and recaptured the cities of Orléans and Troyes, which enabled Charles VII to be crowned as king. The following year, she was captured near Compiegne, sold to the English, and placed on trial.

After a politically motivated trial, Joan was sentenced to be burned at the stake.

On May 16, 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized her.

Her feast day is celebrated on May 30, and she is the patron saint of martyrs, captives, militants, and France.