Saints are revered in Roman Catholicism. The lives of religiously dedicated Christians include saints as a major part. Some people don’t realize the process that it takes to become sainthood. Some historical figures may be able to attain sainthood in a matter of days, while others may need many years. Joan of Arc was a young heroine who lived a thrilling but tragic life. Joan of Arc lived a short but heroic life, and was full of significance. But the most important event occurred after her death. She spent hundreds of years working to make her sainthood possible.
Joan of Arc lived at Domremy-la-Pucelle in France with her father, mother and two siblings. A sister also died at sixteen. Joan was labeled by her neighbors as being extremely religious. This shows that she had a deep devotion to God from an early age. Joan started to experience visions at twelve years of age. Although she later claimed she believed that her visions were of an angel, she was pressured to claim that they had been from St. Catherine, St. Margaret, or St. Michael during her trial. The visions appeared odd to Joan. However, her visions revealed that she was to become the savior for France. Steve Bonta stated that Joan of Arc was an illiterate girl from France who began having visions when she was just a young child. These visions were attributed to God and told her she was to be a part of liberating France. Joan was sent to expel the English and crown Charles of the Dauphin. Joan of Arc’s unyielding devotion to this mission was what ultimately led to her death. Guillame Bouille was his counsel and he was assigned to investigate the trial. After hearing all the witnesses and their testimony, Bouille concluded that the first trial was a fraud. He even declared it null. Charles was also concerned about his king’s welfare, so he briefed him on the next steps. According to the text, “In His Summary, he stated that the King shouldn’t be associated a person who was sentenced as witch and that it was necessary to revise as soon as possible.” Slowly but surely justice was being done for Joan. The next step was the rehabilitation trial. This trial was to provide new evidence to support Joan’s guilt. Four examinations took place in Paris, Orleans Domremy, Domremy and Rouen. These examinations provided key evidence for the final verdict. Because the original trial had been ruled invalid, it was because of bias among the judges. Another problem was that the procedure wasn’t strictly followed throughout the trial. Joan was released from those charges. But, others felt that Joan shouldn’t even have been charged. Thiel states in her book that Joan received pardons for “sins she didn’t commit but for which was convicted.” Joan was charged and tried and sentenced to death because she believed that her prejudices were more important than the love and faith of others.
It is crucial to be able to define what a Saint is before you can reveal the process of sainthood. A saint is someone who is recognized as holy, and often is considered to be in heaven after death. It is clear that Joan was a saint right from the time her soul left this world. Mary Gordon explained, “Joan of Arc died as a virgin for her beliefs, but she doesn’t fit the description of a virgin martyr.” . . Like all great saints she is a genius personality’. In order to become a saint, there are several steps you need to take. Beatification is one important step. Beatification happens when a Pope declares an indigent person is in a blissful state. For beatification to occur, typically four miracles must be performed. But Pope Pius IX granted one miracle to Joan after she had saved France. Three miracles could be linked to Joan. They all came from three French nuns. Sister Therese was treated for leg ulcers, Sister Julie received treatment for a tumorous breast lump, and Sister Marie was healed of stomach cancer. These were all accepted by Pope Francis who declared them to be authentic. Joan of Arc received her blessing on April 11, 1909. Canonization is the next step towards sainthood.
Canonization is the final step and official admission of a person to sainthood. To be canonized, you must authenticate two additional miracles after the three required ones have been completed. The text says that Joan of Arc attributed two miracles to her which sealed her sainthood. These were a cure for tuberculosis as well as the healing of a sock hole in a woman’s sole. Joan of Arc’s canonization took place at Saint Peter’s Basilica on May 16, 20, 1920. While Joan of Arc and her supporters were elated to be granted canonization, it is difficult to remember that it took them four centuries to reach that point.
Joan of Arc remains a major figure in modern society. She is a shining example of courage and represents the best in humankind. Joan started her heroic journey at the age of fourteen. It was a difficult feat for Joan to overcome grown men and not let them discourage her from her mission. She persevered, despite the doubts of her family, friends and country. Joan was a shining example of the importance faith. The young hero made every decision from the heart, and she always based it on her God-pleaser. When she was a young woman, she had visions. However, they were not unusual. She accepted that she would follow her Lord’s instructions. Joan is a model of total devotion. Even her last breath was spent praying to God. Joan of Arc’s entire life would be obvious if one looked closely. She was not afraid to let the world know how much her faith influenced her life. She refused to let her faith dictate her life, even though she was mocked for it.
Joan of Arc is known for her defiance of gender norms, but she also managed enough influence to steer her country on the right course during World War II. She is remembered for her achievements, but it is her journey from sainthood that will stick in people’s minds. Over 400 years, many bishops have worked to make Joan’s name right and bring justice to those who wronged her. As an example of what being courageous is all about, Joan continues to be significant. Others who look up St. Joan may be influenced by her incredible faith and determination to follow the path to righteousness. Joan, a young heroine who became a saint, left a lasting impression on the world and was connected with so many people.
