In Honor of “Women of Achievement” Month…
Joan of Arc – Homeschooled Patriot & Saint
Joan of Arc – Homeschooled Patriot & Saint
Joan of Arc (1412-1431) was a French teenager and devout Catholic who became one of the greatest military leaders of all time. Only 17 years old when she was put in command of the French army, Joan of Arc is the youngest person to ever command a national military force – a feat that is all the more remarkable considering she was a girl. When Joan entered into her mission, she went by the name Jeanne la Pucelle, or “Joan the Maid.” In French, her real name was Jeane d’Arc although she signed her name as “Jehanne.” Joan was born on January 6, 1412, in the village of Domremy to Jacques and Isabelle d’Arc. Joan had three brothers and one sister. According to contemporary accounts Joan was a dutiful, sweet-natured child. Jean Morreau, her godfather said “she was such a good girl that almost everyone in Domremy loved her.”
Joan’s father owned a large farm at the edge of the village. As the daughter of a farmer, Joan grew up herding cattle and sheep in addition to making hay and helping in the fields at harvest time. Joan was taught domestic skills such as cooking and sewing by her mother and would later say, “As for spinning and sewing, I fear no woman in Rouen.” She also said, “It was my mother alone who taught me the ‘Our Father’ and ‘Hail Mary’ and the ‘Creed;’ and from none other was I taught my faith.” Joan knew her catechism and her prayers and the histories of the saints. She did not go to school and never mastered reading or writing, yet she demonstrated great knowledge and articulation when speaking.
Read the rest of this biography at FamousHomeschoolers.net