St. Joan of Arc (1412 – 1431) has had her story told throughout history through many books, movies and plays. She was born in the village of Domrémy, near the province of Lorraine, to a French peasant family. At a young age, she began to experience visions and voices, which were later identified to be of St. Michael, St. Catherine of Alexandria, and St. Margaret of Antioch. At the age of 13, all three saints told her that she was to drive the English from French territory, and that she must bring the Dauphin to Reims for his coronation. Trusting in God, she did as she was told.
During the Hundred Years War, St. Joan of Arc led French troops against the English and recaptured the cities of Orléans and Troyes. Captured near Compiegne the following year, she was sold to the English and placed on trial for heresy and witchcraft, eventually being found guilty and burned at the stake in Rouen.
St. Joan of Arc was canonized by Pope Benedict XV on May 16, 1920, and is the patron saint of military members.