When I was a youngster, one of my superhero was Saint Joan of Arc. I loved Medieval French history, and Joan of Arc represented a girl who despite all odds was able to lead an army into battle. She lead a country to victory from it’s enemies without killing a soul. The hand of God was upon her!
Joan of Arc was a pious girl from a peasant family. At 13 years old, she had a vision or visitation (Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret) with a message to drive the English from France. Her story was just that, and an incredible journey of God’s divine intervention.
During the cruel days of the medieval Inquisition. She was captured by the English and eventually burned at the stake for heresy.
After a through investigation it was declared that she was accused wrongly, and unjustly so. Joan of Arc after much support from the Catholic Church and community had her beatification in 1909, and on May 16, 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized her.
As I’m going back to work next week after a year off – I was thinking of St. Joan of Arc for her courage, strength, faith, and commitment to God amidst the chaos and political climate of France and the Church at the time. I am also thankful to God for the time to heal spiritually, mentally and physically.
I found the following prayer written for her:
“Prayer of Thanks and Gratitude to St. Joan of Arc,” written by Andrea Rau:
Dear Patron Saint,
Thank you for accompanying me throughout the day, and in the work that I did. Thank you also for your guidance and your counsel. Please help me to listen to God and to you, dear Saint, that I may do what I am called to do. Please intercede on my behalf and beg God to take all my faults and turn them into virtues. I thank you for all you have done for me, and all the things you have interceded for on my behalf. Please continue to pray for me and for all the souls who need it.
St. Joan of Arc, Pray for us.
Chaplet Prayer for Saint Joan of Arc
The chaplet may be used as a novena (a prayer repeated once every day for nine days) or prayed at any time for any necessity throughout the year. A total number of nineteen beads on this chaplet commemorates each year of Joan’s life.
How to pray:
On the medal, make the sign of the Cross, recite:
“Incline unto my aid, Oh God! Oh Lord, make haste to help me! Amen.”
Follow this with a: Glory Be.
On the first single bead on the strand, pray an:
“Our Father”.
On the second single bead on the strand, pray an:
“Our Father”, and then continue by saying, “Saint Joan of Arc, immolated as a victim of the burning stake, pray that I may also become a victim by the faithful practice of all my duties as they pertain to me during my whole life.”
On the first group of five beads, say a:
“Hail Mary” for each bead.
On the next divisional bead, Pray an:
“Our Father”, and then recite,
“Saint Joan of Arc, with you, I only wish to find my delight in practicing humility, charity, and penance, and all the virtues necessary to gain entrance into Heaven. Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us!”
On the second group of five beads, say a:
“Hail Mary” for each bead.
On the next divisional bead, pray an:
“Our Father”, and then recite,
“Saint Joan of Arc, be with me in all my struggles. Like the strong men of Israel, experienced in warfare, who constantly carry the sword at their side, to guard against unforeseen attacks during the night, may I ever be prepared for the combat. Together with the protection of the angels and saints grant me also your own; inspire my endeavours; be my help and my light to guide me to Jesus, our Chief, and when my earthly mission is accomplished, may I expire like you, repeating with love, Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!’ – Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us!”
On the third group of five beads, pray a:
“Hail Mary” for each bead.
Conclude the chaplet on the medal, by reciting the following prayer:
“Pray for us, Saint Joan of Arc, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”
God Bless all those starting anew like I am next week, and, to students starting their new semester this September 🙏💕
Be Inspired! 