ROMAN INC - SAINT JOAN OF ARC - PATRONESS OF SOLDIERS AND FRANCE
Figurine comes nicely displayed in a box with a front window, with a prayer on the front and the story of the Saint on the back, and a prayer card inside.
"Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc:
Dear St. Joan, in the face of your enemies, in the face of harrassment, ridicule and doubt, you held firm in your faith. Even in your abandonment, alone and without friends, you held firm in your faith. Even as you faced your own mortality, you held firm in your faith.
I pray that I may be as bold in my beliefs as you, St. Joan. I ask that you ride alongside me in my own battles. Help me be mindful that what is worthwhile can be won when I persist. Help me hold firm in my faith. Help me to believe in my ability to act well and wisely. Amen."
Joan of Arc was born in 1412, in the small French village of Domremy. Joan was a pious young girl who prayed often and loved the poor. When she was about 13 years old, she began to hear voices and see visions of St. Michael, St. Margaret and St. Catherine. Afterwards, she would weep because "they were so beautiful." At age 17, Joan believed that God wanted her to assist the Dauphin (heir to the throne) and France in the war against England. She obeyed, saying, "It is God who commands it." This poor, illiterate, peasant girl was able to overcome all resistance to leading the French army by predicting the happenings during the war and identifying the Dauphin when he was in disguise.
Joan became a leader during the Hundred Years War and led the army to victories carrying the banner that stated, "Jesus, Maria." During the battle for Compiègne, Joan was captured by the Burgundians, held for ransom and finally sold to the English who were intent on her destruction. Because Joan could not be put to death for beating the English in battle, she was put on trial for heresy and witchcraft. Despite having no legal representation, lack of education, harsh treatment in prison, threats of torture and the attempts of 47 judges to confuse her, Joan's answers were courageous, pious and sensible. However, in the end, she was convicted of heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. She was just 19 years old. Further study of the trial 24 years later annulled the trial and declared her innocent. Joan of Arc was canonized in 1920.
Feast Day: May 30
Material: Resin, Stone Mix
Dimensions: Approx. H 11.5cm x W 5cm
