MAY 30TH, EMBER SATURDAY IN THE PENTECOST OCTAVE

(Pre-55: Commemoration of St. Felix I, Pope and Martyr)

Month in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Day of fast and partial abstinence.

FYI: Today is the last day for the Regina Cœli.

SAINT JOAN OF ARC —

Born on the feast of the Epiphany, January 6th, AD 1412, at Greux-Domremy, Lorraine, France, Joan was one of five children born to Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Romée. Shepherdess. Mystic. From age 13 she received visions from Saint Margaret of Antioch, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and Michael the Archangel. In the early 15th century, England, in alliance with Burgundy, controlled most of what is modern France. In May 1428 Joan's visions told her to find the true king of France and help him reclaim his throne. She resisted for more than three years, but finally went to Charles VII in Chinon and told him of her visions. Carrying a banner that read "Jesus, Mary", she led troops from one battle to another. She was severely wounded, but her victories from 23 February 1429 to 23 May 1430 brought Charles VII to the throne. Captured by the Burgundians during the defence of Compiegne, she was sold to the English for 10 thousand francs. She was put on trial by an ecclesiastical Court conducted by Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais, a supporter of England, and was excuted as a heretic by burning on May 30th, AD 1431, at Rouen, France. In 1456 her case was re-tried, and Joan was acquitted (23 years too late). On May 16th, AD 1920, she was canonized by Pope Benedict XV.