Saints of the Week

Saint: Joan of Arc

Virtue: Determination

Feast Day: 30th May

Joan was born in France in 1412. She helped her brothers on the farm and often went to a

nearby chapel to pray to Jesus.

When she was seventeen, Joan heard the voice of God calling to her to drive the enemies of France from the land. Going to the king, whose army had been defeated, she asked for a small army. The king, believing that God had sent her to save France, gave her a band of brave soldiers.

Joan went before the soldiers carrying her banner with the words: “Jesus, Mary.” The soldiers became filled with courage and drove the British army away.

Joan fell into the hands of the British and remained in prison for nine months. She was asked why she had gone to confession almost every day. She said: “My soul can never be made too clean. I firmly believe that I shall surely be saved.”

She was taken to the marketplace of Rouen and burned to death. With her eyes on the crucifix, she cried out, “Jesus, Jesus,” through the flames.

Saint Anthony of Padua

Feast Day: 13th June

Virtue: Wisdom

Anthony’s parents were very rich and wanted him to be a great nobleman. But he wanted

 to be poor for the sake of Jesus, so he became a Franciscan.

Anthony was a great preacher. He was sent out as a missionary to many cities in Italy and France. He brought many sinners back to God through his preaching, prayer and good example.

One day, when Anthony was praying, the Infant Jesus appeared to him, put his little arms around his neck and kissed him. This wonderful favour was given to him because he kept his soul from sin and because he loved Jesus very much.

Over and over again, God called him to something new in his plan. Each time Anthony answered with zeal to serve his Lord Jesus with all his heart.

Anthony died in a monastery near Padua in 1231 at the age of thirty-six. Many miracles took place after his death. Even today, he is called “wonder-worker”.