This week in Christian history: Pope Nicholas elected, Joan of Arc victorious, ‘Paradise Lost’ sold

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, April 23, 2023

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, the famed French teenage woman who fought the English during the Hundred Years’ War, led a relief force to the besieged city of Orleans.

A peasant by background, Joan of Arc claimed that at age 16, she had heard the voices of saints calling her to lead the French people to expel English forces from the country.

Her arrival at Orleans on April 29 not only brought needed supplies and reinforcements to the French city, it also inspired the defenders to launch several attacks against the English army.

“On one occasion, she was even hit by an arrow, but after dressing her wounds she returned to the battle. On May 8, the siege of Orleans was broken, and the English retreated,” explained History.com.

“During the next five weeks, Joan led French forces into a number of stunning victories over the English, and Reims, the traditional city of coronation, was captured in July. Later that month, Charles VII was crowned king of France, with Joan of Arc kneeling at his feet.”