An illiterate peasant girl, Saint Joan of Arc began to see visions of Saint Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret when she was 13 years old. When she was 16, she came to understand that God had a special plan for her. Despite her class and gender, she followed her visions and led French forces to a number of victories over the English in the Hundred Years War. Eventually, the English took her prisoner and tried her for heresy. She was convicted and burned as a heretic at the age of 19.
Traditionally, Saint Joan of Arc medals depict her in armor due to her fame as a soldier. Because of her status as a heroine of the French people, Saint Joan is the patron saint of France. She is also the patron of martyrs, prisoners and soldiers.
