On May 7, 1429, Joan of Arc led the French Army to break the siege of Orléans, a major turning point in the Hundred Years’ War between France and England.

Joan, an illiterate shepherd girl from Domrémy, in Lorraine, was born in 1412. At thirteen, she began hearing what she described as heavenly voices — often preceded by a bright light. Shortly after she turned seventeen, the voices told her to leave her hometown and rescue Orléans.

Joan lived according to her faith. She forbade swearing from the soldiers who served with her and banished the prostitutes who followed the army. At Orléans, she ministered to those devastated by the fighting, taking them food and necessities. She spoke with such assurance that seasoned fighters willingly followed her orders, even when they appeared to make no sense.

Joan rode into battle in full armor, fighting alongside the French troops she led, but weeping aloud at the death and destruction of war. Even when injured she continued to fight, rallying the French to turn the tide against their adversaries.

Joan wished to live out her life in peace in the quiet countryside, but felt called to do something greater, regardless of the cost. She knew her faith and her labor would not be in vain.