St. Joan of Arc
“I would rather die than do something which I know to be a sin, or to be against God’s will.”
Quick Facts
Born:
January 6, 1412
Died:
May 30, 1431
Feast Day:
May 30th
Country:
France
Patron:
The country of France
“I would rather die than do something which I know to be a sin, or to be against God’s will.”
In this episode, Tom Shrewsbury explores the life and legacy of Saint Joan of Arc. Starting with his reflection on the significance of churches named after saints, Tom dives deep into the detailed story of Joan’s life, from her humble beginnings in a small French village to her extraordinary military achievements during the Hundred Years’ War. He highlights her divine visions, her determination to restore the French king to the throne, and her role in lifting the siege of Orleans.
Tom also discusses the challenges Joan faced, including her trial and execution by the English, and her subsequent martyrdom. He paints a vivid picture of her as not just a military leader but a deeply pious figure who was driven by heavenly visions. The episode concludes with Joan’s eventual vindication in a posthumous retrial and her canonization as a saint, emphasizing her lasting impact as a model of bravery, faith, and obedience to divine guidance. Throughout the episode, Tom encourages listeners to consider the entirety of Joan’s life as a rich tapestry of events that reflect her sainthood, rather than focusing solely on the most dramatic moments.
Chapter 1: Introduction and Reflections on Saints – Tom Shrewsbury discusses the inspiration drawn from the churches named after saints, prompting a deeper dive into their lives beyond significant events, focusing on Saint Joan of Arc. [00:00:01]
Chapter 2: Unfolding the Life of Saint Joan of Arc – An overview of the intricate and multi-dimensional life of Joan of Arc beyond the common images of her martyrdom and military presence. [00:01:33]
Chapter 3: Historical Context of Joan’s Era – Exploring the chaotic backdrop of the 100 Years War and the political strife that defined Joan’s early environment in France. [00:03:00]
Chapter 4: Joan’s Childhood and Divine Calling – Describing Joan’s early life in Domrémy, her family, her religious devotion, and the beginnings of her divine visions. [00:04:55]
Chapter 5: Divine Missions and Initial Rebuffs – A recount of Joan’s pursuit to fulfill her heavenly mission, facing initial skepticism and refusal by the royal court. [00:07:26]
Chapter 6: Joan’s Persistent Efforts and King’s Testing – Detailing Joan’s perseverance to meet King Charles VII and her miraculous recognition of him, leading to royal tests and her acceptance into military leadership. [00:11:09]
Chapter 7: Strategic Military Moves and Orleans – Joan’s involvement in lifting the siege of Orleans, displaying her strategic influence and gaining military support. [00:14:39]
Chapter 8: Triumph at Reims and Aftermath – Joan achieves her mission with King Charles VII’s coronation in Reims, but faces subsequent political and royal challenges. [00:17:21]
Chapter 9: Betrayal and Imprisonment – The capture and trial of Joan of Arc by the English, highlighting the political intrigue and her steadfastness in faith amidst adversity. [00:19:46]
Chapter 10: Martyrdom and Eternal Legacy – The execution of Joan of Arc, her posthumous vindication, beatification, and canonization, emphasizing her lasting impact on history and sainthood. [00:23:52]
Chapter 11: Reflections of Tom Shrewsbury – Closing thoughts on the profound lessons from Joan of Arc’s life and the virtues of listening to divine guidance. [00:26:42]
St. Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orleans, was born in Domremy, France in 1412. At the age of 13, she began hearing voices from saints telling her to help the dauphin Charles VII reclaim his throne from the English during the Hundred Years’ War. With the blessing of the French court, she led troops into battle and achieved several important victories. However, she was eventually captured by the English and tried for heresy and witchcraft. Despite her unwavering faith, she was ultimately burned at the stake in 1431 at the age of 19. She was declared a martyr and canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1920. Joan of Arc remains an enduring symbol of bravery, faith, and patriotism in French history.
Tom Shrewsbury (1930-2012) was born in Springfield, MO. He spent several years in the professional theatre where he worked with such celebrities as Vincent Price, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett.
An initiative of Covenant Network