Joan of Arc is an unusual saint. Canonized in 1920 as a virgin, she died in 1431 as a condemned heretic. Uneducated, militant, and youthful, she obeyed 'Voices' that counselled her to pursue an unprecedented vocation. The various trial records provide a wealth of evidence about how Joan and others understood her spiritual life. This collection explores multiple facets of Joan's prayerful life. Two-thirds of the essays focus on Joan in her own time; the later chapters study Joan's formative influence upon modern women. Taken together, these essays offer new perspectives on the heroism of Joan's original way of sanctity.

"A master of the story form" (The New York Times) offers a fresh, revealing portrait of the legendary saint Celebrated novelist Mary Gordon brings Joan of Arc alive as a complex figure full of contradictions and desires, as well as spiritual devotion. A humble peasant girl, Joan transformed herself into the legendary Maid of Orléans, knight, martyr, and saint. Following the voice of God, she led an army to victory and crowned the king of France, only to be captured and burned at the stake as a heretic—all by the age of nineteen. Gordon does more than tell this gripping story—she explores Joan's mystery and the many facets of her inspiring life.

This sourcebook collects together for the first time in English the major documents relating to the life and contemporary reputation of Joan of Arc. Also known as La Pucelle, she led a French Army against the English in 1429, arguably turning the course of the war in favour of the French king Charles VII. The fact that she achieved all of this when just a seventeen-year-old peasant girl highlights the magnitude of her achievements and also opens up other ways of looking at her story. For many, Joan represents the voice of ordinary people in the fifteenth century; the victims of high politics and warfare that devastated France. Her story ended tragically in 1431 when she was put on trial for heresy and sorcery by an ecclesiastical court and was burned at the stake. This book shows how the trial, which was organised by her enemies, provides an important window into late medieval attitudes towards religion and gender, as Joan was effectively persecuted by the established Church for her supposedly non-conformist views on spirituality and the role of women. Presented within a contextual and critical framework, this book encourages scholars and students to rethink this remarkable story. It will be invaluable reading for those working in the fields of medieval society and heresy, as well as the Hundred Years’ War.

Born to Do This is a personal, thirty-day retreat for those seeking the courage and faith that St. Joan of Arc exemplified throughout her life. Six hundred years after her birth and a century after her canonization, she remains one of the most intriguing and popular saints in history. In this easy-to-use devotional, the life and words of St. Joan of Arc will help you to grow in courageous faith—the kind of faith that empowered St. Joan to answer God’s call, defeat her enemies, endure martyrdom, and ultimately restore her reputation. With diverse patronages ranging from the United States Armed Forces to prisoners, from those ridiculed for their faith to the entire population of France, this icon of courage and women’s empowerment captures the imagination of today’s Catholic like few saints can. This little book is perfect for busy people who admire St. Joan of Arc and desire an inspirational read to help navigate the difficulties and challenges of life. The book contains a timeline of important events in Joan’s life and a map of containing important landmarks associated with Joan’s life, a brief introduction to her life and times, and daily opportunities to read, reflect, and pray over her words and story, contained in short yet substantial morning and evening reflections drawn from court transcripts and other contemporary documents. As the six hundredth anniversary of her martyrdom approaches, the inclusion of the Maid of Orleans in Ave’s Great Spiritual Teachers series brings the inspiration of St. Joan’s own words and life story to those who admire her courage and hope to emulate her in virtue. A special novena is included at the end of the book for those who wish to invoke her intercession. Each book in the Great Spiritual Teachers series provides a month of daily readings from one of Christianity’s most beloved spiritual guides. These easy-to-use books are the perfect prayer companion for busy people who want to root their spiritual practice in the solid ground of these great spiritual teachers.

A host of modern authors have portrayed Joan of Arc as a heroine. Identifying with the medieval saint and martyr as a figure of the artist, they tell her story as a way of commenting on their own situation in a world where the power of art has decreased. Blending the theoretical insights of Walter Benjamin, Roland Barthes and Rene Girard, Ann W. Astell persuasively argues that many modern authors have seen their own artistic vocation in the visions and voices that inspired Joan.

Until she was thirteen, Joan of Arc led a normal life. Then she began hearing voices. She believed these voices spoke for God. At first, they told her to be a good girl. A few years later, they told her that her destiny was to save France from its English invaders. Joan's inspirational leadership helped the French to defeat the English at the city of Orleans. Soon afterward, she persuaded the crown prince Charles to become King of France.

Kathryn Harrison gives us a Joan of Arc for our time—a shining exemplar of unshakable faith, extraordinary courage, and self-confidence on the battlefield, in the royal court, during a brutally rigged inquisition and imprisonment, and in the face of her death. In this new take on Joan’s story, Harrison deftly weaves historical fact, myth, folklore, scripture, artistic representations, and centuries of scholarly and critical interpretation into a fascinating narrative, revitalizing our sense of Joan as one of the greatest heroines in all of human history.

"People write biographies today without the faintest idea that great spiritual powers are at work in human history." --Rudolf Steiner Almost six centuries have passed since the death of Joan of Arc, but an enduring fascination with her life continues to generate new studies, adding to the huge number of books and articles on her life. Those by reputable historians and biographers have recounted the many known facts, based mostly on the surviving fifteenth-century documents. Whereas historians have firmly established Joan's central role in expelling the English from French soil, the real mystery of her achievements remains unexplained. Moreover, Joan Edmunds contends that this key mystery cannot be resolved by relying solely on orthodox historical methods. Basing her work on Rudolf Steiner's spiritual-scientific findings--which first revealed the true significance of Joan's mission--Edmunds explores the mystery of the Maid of Orleans' unique personality. She shows how, while under the guidance and direction of the Archangel Michael, and through her ultimate martyrdom, Joan of Arc was instrumental in bringing to birth the forces needed for the next vital step in human spiritual development--the emergence of the consciousness soul.

Embark on a Mystical Journey with the Spiritual Alchemy of Saint Joan Imagine immersing yourself in the life and legacy of one of history's most enigmatic figures. Arc's Arcana: The Spiritual Alchemy of Saint Joan offers an unprecedented exploration into the heart and soul of Joan of Arc. Through the pages of this mesmerizing book, readers are invited to traverse the mystical path blazed by the Warrior Maiden herself. From the humble beginnings in the child of Lorraine to the echoes of her voice that have rippled through time, this narrative unwraps the spiritual layers of Joan's journey. Discover the visions and voices that propelled a simple peasant girl into the armors of faith and battle, leading her to accomplish what seemed impossible. Experience the siege of Orléans through the eyes of a Divine Strategist, and feel the sacred anointment at Reims as if the holy oils touched your own skin. Yet, every light casts a shadow. Joan's story is not without its darkness--betrayal, capture, and the pyre of the martyr. This account does not shy away from the trials that tested her spirit, instead, it delves deeply into the flames of transformation and ascension through ashes. Witness the spiritual alchemy that transmuted suffering into strength, and femininity into warfare, transforming Joan into a legend. But what does Joan's path mean for us today? Arc's Arcana not only revisits the physical and metaphysical battles of the past but also aligns them with modern quests for spirituality and leadership. It unveils the mystical symbols--the sword and the banner--that continue to influence centuries beyond Joan's martyrdom. In these chapters, Joan becomes a luminary for spiritual warriors seeking to embody courage, leadership, and sacred femininity. Indulge in a narrative that gracefully weaves historical events, mystical experiences, and spiritual reflections into a tapestry as vibrant and compelling as the life of Saint Joan herself. Whether you're drawn to the mystic and the maiden, eager to explore the metaphysics of martyrdom, or looking to harness your own divine energy, Arc's Arcana will light your way. Arc's Arcana: The Spiritual Alchemy of Saint Joan is more than a book; it's an invitation to journey alongside Joan, to confront our battles with her indomitable spirit, and to discover the alchemical power of faith, courage, and resilience. Step into the eternal flame of Joan's legacy and let your own spiritual alchemy begin.