This week in Christian history: Joan of Arc, Martin Luther, Confederate chaplains

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, April 28, 2019

Joan of Arc relieves Orleans – April 29, 1429

A circa mid to late 15th century painting of Saint Joan of Arc, the teenage French peasant who led an army against the English during the Hundred Years' War. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when Saint Joan of Arc brought troops and supplies to the besieged French garrison at the city of Orleans.

As a teenager, Joan of Arc claimed to have had visions from saints telling her to lead an army to expel the English from France during the Hundred Years’ War.

“She led her troops to Orleans, and on April 29, as a French sortie distracted the English troops on the west side of the city, Joan entered unopposed by its eastern gate,” noted History.com.

“Bringing needed supplies and troops into the besieged city, she also inspired the French to a passionate resistance and through the next week led the charge during a number of skirmishes and battles. On one occasion, she was even hit by an arrow, but after dressing her wounds she returned to the battle.”

By the following month, the English withdrew from the city. Joan of Arc would earn the nickname “The Maid of Orleans” for her effort.