I have achieved so much within my 19 years. I have led the French army but not only that, I have communicated with God and saints. But the English have convicted me of witchcraft and heresy. Soon I will be executed. So I am going to share my story with you.

My name is Joan of Arc, or Jeanne d’Arcy. I was born on January 6th, 1412. I grew up in a peasant family, just barely getting by every day. Things changed when I turned 13 and began hearing voices in my head telling me messages from God. The first time I heard the voices was in my father’s garden. The voices were accompanied by a blinding white light which I knew was a sign from God.

The first few times the voices spoke to me I had no idea who they were. After many times, I knew they spoke to me. The saints spoke to me in French.

Although these voices frightened me at first I came to terms with them and it was Saint Michael but he was not the only saint to speak to me. Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret also eventually was able to beckon them at will. 

Often I could hear them right after church bells rang. After the saints had been speaking for a while, they began to appear as visions as well. Saint Michael would appear as a full man but Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret only came as faces

In one special vision, I reached out and could touch Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret. They held me in an embrace. I can recall them smelling very pleasant.

When I told my mother and father of these voices, they tried to persuade me that the visions of these saints were dreams. The village priest and even the governor of the town all did not believe in the voices and tried to stop me from listening. My priest even accused me of being possessed by the devil.

I was finally able to convince him that the only voices I heard were saints. Soon after, the saints began telling me that I had to travel to France. They told me that the French were losing in battle but if I lead them they would win. I knew it was my duty to do so. Word spread of this and soon everyone was talking about it. 

I received some support and before I knew it I was off to France. I followed the orders from my voices. I was able to speak to King Charles of France by asking a village commander to speak to him about what the voices had said. 

At first the commander didn’t believe me and actually laughed in my face but eventually I convinced him to allow me in. I explained things to the king and he finally allowed me to lead the army into Orleans, which was under attack from the English. When I arrived at the city of Orleans, I rode around the city fearlessly. English soldiers tried to stop me, but all of them were unsuccessful.