St. Joan of Arc
Patron Saint of Soldiers and France
During the Hundred Years' War, fought between England and France, Joan was born on January 6, 1412 to parents of the French peasant class in the village of Domremy. From an early age, she claimed to hear the voices of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. At the age of thirteen, these three Saints told her to drive the English out of France. When she was just sixteen years old, Joan joined the French army to rid France of the English army. With divine assistance, Joan led the French army to many victories. However, she was captured by England and held for ransom. She was eventually tried as a heretic without a legal adviser. Despite the lack of evidence, Joan was condemned to death in 1431. St. Joan of Arc is the patron saint of France.