On this day - 16 May

Joan of Arc was born in 1412 and was known as a defender of the French. She had visions throughout her life of saints who guided her actions. A prophecy of an armed virgin who would lead France to salvation was circling in the countryside. She helped to lift the siege of Orléans before continuing to help the French Army in other military successes. She pushed for the coronation of King Charles VII. She was tried for heresy, found guilty and executed in 1431.

On May 16th 1920 Pope Benedict XV formally canonised Joan of Arc as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. Tens of thousands of people attended the ceremony. Her feast day is celebrated on May 30th.