was that she wore mens attire. Joan, either to defend her modesty from outrage, or because her womens garments were taken from her, or, perhaps, simply because she was weary of the struggle and was convinced that her enemies were determined to have her blood upon some pretext, once more put on the mans dress which had been purposely left in her way, by the guards. By her wearing these mens clothing she was considered to have relapsed in her heresy. The next day the judges informed her that she was to die at the stake. She was first able to go to confession and was allowed to receive communion. It is said that her demeanor at the stake was such that it would move even the bitterest of her enemies to tears. She asked for a cross, which she clutched and held before her, while she called continually upon the name of Jesus. It is said by some that her heart and entrails would not burn. The executioner, convinced that he had killed a saint threw her ashes, heart, and entrails into the waters of Seine. Joan died still a child at the mere age of nineteen. During this entire trail and imprisonment, Charles VII never once tried to buy her freedom or make any agreement with the English for her life. The common usage of the name Joan of Arc was not used until after her death around 1576. In 1920, after a new trial in 1456, Joan was recognized and declared a saint. Today she is recognized as the second patron saint of France (McKay 390).It is interesting to me that a girl of just sixteen could have such an enormous impact. Her patriotism to her country and her unbelievable deep faith is something to be admired. I feel Joan of Arc was a true Saint sent by God to save France from England. God used a child to do his will because of her pure heart. Her victories stand out more to me because of her age and she was a woman. These two elements combined would have made it impossible for France to listen to her, but by Gods will she was abl...
