Saint Joan of Arc

I was born in 1412, in Orléans, in the northeastern part of France. My mother nourished in me a deep love for the faith, the Church, and its teachings. At the time, France was torn apart by a conflict with England, in which England was winning for the moment. England occupied much of northern France and many people in my village were forced to abandon their houses. At the age of thirteen, with the help of Saint Michael and the saints, I became determined that God wanted me to save my country against the English enemy. I strongly felt I should help the crown prince Charles to become  king. As part of my divine mission, I took a vow of chastity. In 1428, I made my way to a bastion of those loyal to Charles. But I was turned away. Only after much persisting, I succeeded in visiting Charles and asking him to give me an army to lead to Orléans. Contrary to the advice of his counselors, he granted my request. I had a miraculous victory, my reputation spread far and wide among French forces, and the renewed morale brought us victory over the English. In 1430, during a battle I was captured by the English. A year later, on May 30, I was taken to the market place of Rouen and burned at the stake.