Saint Joan of Arc (Jeanne la Pucelle): Difference between revisions

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<blockquote>From my mother I learned my Pater, my Ave Maria, and my Credo. I believe I learned all this from my mother.</blockquote>

The ecclesiastical court at Rouen had sent a notary to Domrémy to inquire into her reputation with the locals. His testimony here is from the Trial of Rehabilitation, the inquiry was done before Joan was killed, so the information he gathered was perfectly contemporaneous, making it historical gold:<ref>Murray, p. 229. See also, [https://archive.org/details/procsderhabilit00fabrgoog/page/n108/mode/1up?q=Nicolas+Bailly&view=theater Procès de réhabilitation de Jeanne d'Arc: Joseph Fabre (Archive.org) p 108] At the Trial of Rehabilitation, one of those who was interviewed by the notary, Michel Lebuin, recalled, "I knew Jeannette from my earliest youth. Of Jeanne’s departure for Vaucouleurs I knew nothing. But, one day—the Eve of Saint John the Baptist —she said to me: “Between Coussy and Vaucouleurs there is a young girl, who, before the year is gone, will have the King of France consecrated.” And, in truth, the following year the King was crowned at Rheims. When Jeanne was a prisoner I saw Nicolas Bailly, Notary of Andelot, coming to Domremy, one day, with several other persons. At the request of Jean de Torcenay, Bailly of Chaumont for the pretended King of France and England, he proceeded to make enquiries into the conduct and life of Jeanne. But he could not induce the inhabitants of Vaucouleurs to depose. I believe that they questioned Jean Begot, at whose house they were staying. Their enquiry revealed nothing against Jeanne (p. 225</ref> <blockquote>I was appointed... to proceed to an enquiry on the subject of Jeanne, at that time detained in prison at Rouen. Many times, in her youth, I saw Jeanne before she left her father’s house: she was a good girl, of pure life and good manners, a good Catholic who loved the Church and went often on pilgrimage to the Church of Bermont, and confessed nearly every month—as I learned from a number of the inhabitants of Domremy, whom I had to question on the subject at the time of the enquiry that I made with the Provost of Andelot. When I and the late Gerard made this enquiry, we examined twelve or fifteen witnesses.<ref>Translated from historian Regine Pernoud: “Joan came from Domremy and from the parish of that place and her father was Jacques d’Arc, a good and honest farmer (laboureur) as I saw and knew him; I know it also by hearsay and upon the report of many, for I was tabellion appointed by messire Jean de Torcenay, then bailiff of Chaumont, who held his authority from him who was then called King of France and England, at the same time as Gerard Petit, defunct, at that time provost of Andelot, to hold an enquiry in the matter of Joan the Maid who was, as it was said, detained in prison in the city of Rouen. It was I, tabellion, who made [compiled] in her time the information to which I was commissioned by messire Jean de Torcenay . . . when myself and Gerard made [compiled] ... this information on Joan; by our diligence we so wrought that we procured twelve or fifteen witnesses to certify this information. We did this before Simon de Thermes, esquire, acting as lieutenant to the captain of Chaumont, on the subject of Joan the Maid; we were suspect because we had not done this information badly [evilly]; these witnesses, before the lieutenant, attested the evidence which they had given and as it was written in their interrogatory; then the lieutenant wrote again to messire Jean, bailiff of Chaumont, that that which was written in this interrogatory made by us, tabellion and provost, was true. And when this bailiff saw the lieutenant’s report, he said we the commissioners were false Armagnacs.” (from Pernoud, Joan of Arc: By Herself and Her Witnesses p. 243)</ref></blockquote>

The ecclesiastical court at Rouen had sent a notary to Domrémy to inquire into her reputation with the locals. His testimony here is from the Trial of Rehabilitation, the inquiry was done before Joan was killed, so the information he gathered was perfectly contemporaneous, making it historical gold:<ref>Murray, p. 229. See also, [https://archive.org/details/procsderhabilit00fabrgoog/page/n108/mode/1up?q=Nicolas+Bailly&view=theater Procès de réhabilitation de Jeanne d'Arc: Joseph Fabre (Archive.org) p 108] At the Trial of Rehabilitation, one of those who was interviewed by the notary, Michel Lebuin, recalled, "I knew Jeannette from my earliest youth. Of Jeanne’s departure for Vaucouleurs I knew nothing. But, one day—the Eve of Saint John the Baptist —she said to me: “Between Coussy and Vaucouleurs there is a young girl, who, before the year is gone, will have the King of France consecrated.” And, in truth, the following year the King was crowned at Rheims. When Jeanne was a prisoner I saw Nicolas Bailly, Notary of Andelot, coming to Domremy, one day, with several other persons. At the request of Jean de Torcenay, Bailly of Chaumont for the pretended King of France and England, he proceeded to make enquiries into the conduct and life of Jeanne. But he could not induce the inhabitants of Vaucouleurs to depose. I believe that they questioned Jean Begot, at whose house they were staying. Their enquiry revealed nothing against Jeanne (p. 225</ref>

<blockquote>I was appointed... to proceed to an enquiry on the subject of Jeanne, at that time detained in prison at Rouen. Many times, in her youth, I saw Jeanne before she left her father’s house: she was a good girl, of pure life and good manners, a good Catholic who loved the Church and went often on pilgrimage to the Church of Bermont, and confessed nearly every month—as I learned from a number of the inhabitants of Domremy, whom I had to question on the subject at the time of the enquiry that I made with the Provost of Andelot. When I and the late Gerard made this enquiry, we examined twelve or fifteen witnesses.<ref>Translated from historian Regine Pernoud: “Joan came from Domremy and from the parish of that place and her father was Jacques d’Arc, a good and honest farmer (laboureur) as I saw and knew him; I know it also by hearsay and upon the report of many, for I was tabellion appointed by messire Jean de Torcenay, then bailiff of Chaumont, who held his authority from him who was then called King of France and England, at the same time as Gerard Petit, defunct, at that time provost of Andelot, to hold an enquiry in the matter of Joan the Maid who was, as it was said, detained in prison in the city of Rouen. It was I, tabellion, who made [compiled] in her time the information to which I was commissioned by messire Jean de Torcenay . . . when myself and Gerard made [compiled] ... this information on Joan; by our diligence we so wrought that we procured twelve or fifteen witnesses to certify this information. We did this before Simon de Thermes, esquire, acting as lieutenant to the captain of Chaumont, on the subject of Joan the Maid; we were suspect because we had not done this information badly [evilly]; these witnesses, before the lieutenant, attested the evidence which they had given and as it was written in their interrogatory; then the lieutenant wrote again to messire Jean, bailiff of Chaumont, that that which was written in this interrogatory made by us, tabellion and provost, was true. And when this bailiff saw the lieutenant’s report, he said we the commissioners were false Armagnacs.” (from Pernoud, Joan of Arc: By Herself and Her Witnesses p. 243)</ref></blockquote>

The Bishop in charge of the trial was outraged at the exculpatory evidence and refused to pay the man for his services, which further affirms the original evidence the notary had collected on her.<ref>Jean Moreau, merchant: “I know that at the time when Joan was in Rouen and they were preparing a trial against her, someone important from the country of Lorraine came to Rouen. As I was of the same country I made his acquaintance. He told me that he had come from Lorraine to Rouen because he had been especially commissioned to gather information in Joan’s country of origin to learn what reputation she had there. Which he had done. And he had reported his information to the lord Bishop of Beauvais, thinking to have compensation for his work and his expenses; but the bishop told him that he was a traitor and a bad man and that he had not done what he should have done and was ordered to do. This man complained of it to me for, from what he said, he could not get his salary paid him because his informations were not useful to the bishop. He added that in the course of [collecting] his informations he had found nothing concerning Joan which he would not have liked to find about his own sister, although he had been for information to five or six parishes near Domremy and in that town itself.” Pernoud, Regine. Joan of Arc: By Herself and Her Witnesses (p. 243-4). Scarborough House.</ref> That Joan was an exemplary Catholic was affirmed by all who knew her at Domrémy, and no one, not even a Burgundian acquaintance of Joan's, contradicted.<ref>This man was Gerardin of Epinal, At the Trial of Rehabilitation, Gerardin related a conversation with Joan in which she said, “Gossip, if you were not a Burgundian, I would tell you something.” (Murray p. 220). At the Trial of Condemnation, Joan was asked which party were the people of Domremy aligned. Fantastically, she replied, " “I knew only one Burgundian at Domremy: I should have been quite willing for them to cut off his head—always had it pleased God." (p. 19). The reference was to Gerardin, but in no way indicated animosity towards him, just towards Burgundians, who were her enemy and who had turned her over to the English.</ref>

Her extraordinary piety that was noted by her contemporaries in the village was from after her visions started. Before then, she was like any other child: <blockquote>Ever since I knew that it was necessary for me to come into France, I have given myself up as little as possible to these games and distractions. Since I was grown up, I do not remember to have danced there. I may have danced there formerly, with the other children. I have sung there more than danced. </blockquote>Joan's Voices would frequently accompany the ringing of the bells, and if the bells were late, Joan would chide the boy responsible for ringing them for being inattentive.<ref>The bell-ringer, Perrin le Drapier, testified, "When I forgot to ring for Service, Jeanne scolded me, saying I had done wrong; and she promised to give me some of the wool of her flock if I would ring more diligently" (Murray, p. 218)</ref> A contemporary recalled,<ref>Testimony at the Trial of Rehabilitation by J W , labourer, of Greux (Murray, p 220)</ref>

Her extraordinary piety that was noted by her contemporaries in the village was from after her visions started. Before then, she was like any other child:

<blockquote>Ever since I knew that it was necessary for me to come into France, I have given myself up as little as possible to these games and distractions. Since I was grown up, I do not remember to have danced there. I may have danced there formerly, with the other children. I have sung there more than danced. </blockquote>

Joan's Voices would frequently accompany the ringing of the bells, and if the bells were late, Joan would chide the boy responsible for ringing them for being inattentive.<ref>The bell-ringer, Perrin le Drapier, testified, "When I forgot to ring for Service, Jeanne scolded me, saying I had done wrong; and she promised to give me some of the wool of her flock if I would ring more diligently" (Murray, p. 218)</ref> A contemporary recalled,<ref>Testimony at the Trial of Rehabilitation by J W , labourer, of Greux (Murray, p 220)</ref>

<blockquote>I saw Jeannette very often. In our childhood, we often followed together her father’s plough, and we went together with the other children of the village to the meadows or pastures. Often, when we were all at play, Jeannette would retire alone to “talk with God.” I and the others laughed at her for this. She was simple and good, frequenting the Church and Holy places. Often, when she was in the fields and heard the bells ring, she would drop on her knees. </blockquote>Another aspect of her personality her contemporaries noted was her kindliness and generosity.<ref>Pierre le Drapier, of Domremy testified, "She was very charitable." (Murray, p. 219). Mengette, also from Domemy, observed, "She was a good Christian, of good manners and well brought up. She loved the Church, and went there often, and gave alms from the goods of her father" (Murray, p. 222). Simonin Musnier recalled, "I was brought up with Jeannette, close to her house. I know that she was good, simple and pious, and that she feared God and the Saints. She loved Church and Holy places; she was very charitable, and liked to take care of the sick. I know this of a surety, for in my childhood, I fell ill, and it was she who nursed me. When the Church bells rang, I have seen her kneel down and make the sign of the Cross" (Murray, p. 221)</ref> Her father's house stood on an ancient road, and received passersby frequently, for whom Joan gave up her bed, or according to one witness from Domremy, for the poor.<ref>From Isaballette, wife of Gerardin, a labourer, of Epinal: "She was very hospitable to the poor, and would even sleep on the hearth in order that the poor might lie in her bed" (Jeanne D‘arc, by T. Douglas Murray_The Trials_The Project Gutenberg eBook.pdf, p. 222_</ref> Later, during preparations for the march on Orléans, as related by her confessor throughout her military campaigns, an Augustinian friar named Jean Pasquerel,<ref>Testimony at Trial of Rehabilitation of Brother Jean Pasqueral (Jeanne D‘arc, by T. Douglas Murray_The Trials_The Project Gutenberg eBook.pdf, p 284). The friar's testimony is incredibly valuable for understanding Saint Joan, for as her confessor he was as close to her as anyone. He testified, " When Jeanne left Tours to go to Orleans, she prayed me not to forsake her, and to remain always with her as her Confessor; this I promised to do." (p. 284)</ref> <blockquote>She was, indeed, very pious towards God and the Blessed Mary, confessing nearly every day and communicating frequently. When she was in a neighbourhood where there was a Convent of Mendicant Friars, she told me to remind her of the day when the children of the poor received the Eucharist, so that she might receive it with them; and this she did often: when she confessed herself she wept. </blockquote>

<blockquote>I saw Jeannette very often. In our childhood, we often followed together her father’s plough, and we went together with the other children of the village to the meadows or pastures. Often, when we were all at play, Jeannette would retire alone to “talk with God.” I and the others laughed at her for this. She was simple and good, frequenting the Church and Holy places. Often, when she was in the fields and heard the bells ring, she would drop on her knees. </blockquote>

Another aspect of her personality her contemporaries noted was her kindliness and generosity.<ref>Pierre le Drapier, of Domremy testified, "She was very charitable." (Murray, p. 219). Mengette, also from Domemy, observed, "She was a good Christian, of good manners and well brought up. She loved the Church, and went there often, and gave alms from the goods of her father" (Murray, p. 222). Simonin Musnier recalled, "I was brought up with Jeannette, close to her house. I know that she was good, simple and pious, and that she feared God and the Saints. She loved Church and Holy places; she was very charitable, and liked to take care of the sick. I know this of a surety, for in my childhood, I fell ill, and it was she who nursed me. When the Church bells rang, I have seen her kneel down and make the sign of the Cross" (Murray, p. 221)</ref> Her father's house stood on an ancient road, and received passersby frequently, for whom Joan gave up her bed, or according to one witness from Domremy, for the poor.<ref>From Isaballette, wife of Gerardin, a labourer, of Epinal: "She was very hospitable to the poor, and would even sleep on the hearth in order that the poor might lie in her bed" (Jeanne D‘arc, by T. Douglas Murray_The Trials_The Project Gutenberg eBook.pdf, p. 222_</ref> Later, during preparations for the march on Orléans, as related by her confessor throughout her military campaigns, an Augustinian friar named Jean Pasquerel,<ref>Testimony at Trial of Rehabilitation of Brother Jean Pasqueral (Jeanne D‘arc, by T. Douglas Murray_The Trials_The Project Gutenberg eBook.pdf, p 284). The friar's testimony is incredibly valuable for understanding Saint Joan, for as her confessor he was as close to her as anyone. He testified, " When Jeanne left Tours to go to Orleans, she prayed me not to forsake her, and to remain always with her as her Confessor; this I promised to do." (p. 284)</ref>

<blockquote>She was, indeed, very pious towards God and the Blessed Mary, confessing nearly every day and communicating frequently. When she was in a neighbourhood where there was a Convent of Mendicant Friars, she told me to remind her of the day when the children of the poor received the Eucharist, so that she might receive it with them; and this she did often: when she confessed herself she wept. </blockquote>

And this on the way to battle.

At the Rouen trial, Joan made a revealing off-hand comment about her concern for others. The interrogation was attempting to establish that Joan had deviously fooled the people into worshipping her, an accusation included in the charges against her: <blockquote>"In what spirit did the people of your party kiss your hands and your garments ? " </blockquote>''Au contraire'', as they say, she was just being kindly. <blockquote>*' Many came to see me willingly, but they kissed my hands as little as I could help. The poor folk came to me readily, because I never did them any unkindness : on the contrary, I loved to help them."</blockquote>To summarize, the young Saint Joan was illiterate, unschooled in all but the lessons of farming, wool spinning, Church, and local lore. She seems to have had a happy childhood growing up with other children who played together, joined village festivals, went to Church every week and on occasional pilgrimages. Additionally, she was compassionate and kindly.

At the Rouen trial, Joan made a revealing off-hand comment about her concern for others. The interrogation was attempting to establish that Joan had deviously fooled the people into worshipping her, an accusation included in the charges against her:

<blockquote>In what spirit did the people of your party kiss your hands and your garments"</blockquote>

''Au contraire'', as they say, she was just being kindly.

<blockquote>Many came to see me willingly, but they kissed my hands as little as I could help. The poor folk came to me readily, because I never did them any unkindness : on the contrary, I loved to help them.</blockquote>

To summarize, the young Saint Joan was illiterate, unschooled in all but the lessons of farming, wool spinning, Church, and local lore. She seems to have had a happy childhood growing up with other children who played together, joined village festivals, went to Church every week and on occasional pilgrimages. Additionally, she was compassionate and kindly.

This description of her childhood from Butler's 1894 "Lives of Saints" is apt:<ref>[https://sacred-texts.com/chr/lots/lots006.htm ''Lives of the Saints'' by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. (1894)]. This is one of the first versions of Lives of Saints, which were widely distributed in 15th and 16th Century England, to include an entry on Joan. Let's say the English did not celebrate her back then.</ref>

<blockquote>While the English were overrunning the north of France, their future conqueror, untutored in worldly wisdom, was peacefully tending her flock, and learning the wisdom of God at a wayside shrine.

</blockquote>It all changed when she was thirteen and was visited by the Archangel Saint Michael who told her from the beginning that she must go to "France" -- and to Church. The children noticed that she withdrew from their games and prayed constantly, and urged them all to go to Church. Joan testified,

<blockquote>"Since I learned that I must come into France , I took as little part as possible in games or dancing. </blockquote>

From then on, it was a matter of instruction and timing.

This description of her childhood from Butler's 1894 "Lives of Saints" is apt: <blockquote>While the English were overrunning the north of France, their future conqueror, untutored in worldly wisdom, was peacefully tending her flock, and learning the wisdom of God at a wayside shrine.<ref>[https://sacred-texts.com/chr/lots/lots006.htm ''Lives of the Saints''<nowiki>, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]</nowiki>], This is one of the first versions of Lives of Saints, which were widely distributed in 15th and 16th Century England, to include an entry on Joan. Let's say the English did not celebrate her back then...</ref></blockquote>It all changed when she was thirteen and was visited by the Archangel Saint Michael who told her from the beginning that she must go to "France" -- and to Church. The children noticed that she withdrew from their games and prayed constantly, and urged them all to go to Church. Joan testified, <blockquote>"Since I learned that I must come into France , I took as little part as possible in games or dancing. </blockquote>From then on, it was a matter of instruction and timing.

== Domrémy ==

[[File:Domremy map wikipedia.jpg|thumb|649x649px|<small>Maps adapted from [[wikipedia:Domrémy-la-Pucelle|Domremy-la-Pucelle]] (Wikipedia)</small>]]

@@ Line 1,109: / Line 1,109: @@
 <blockquote>From my mother I learned my Pater, my Ave Maria, and my Credo. I believe I learned all this from my mother.</blockquote>
-The ecclesiastical court at Rouen had sent a notary to Domrémy to inquire into her reputation with the locals. His testimony here is from the Trial of Rehabilitation, the inquiry was done before Joan was killed, so the information he gathered was perfectly contemporaneous, making it historical gold:<ref>Murray, p. 229. See also, [https://archive.org/details/procsderhabilit00fabrgoog/page/n108/mode/1up?q=Nicolas+Bailly&view=theater Procès de réhabilitation de Jeanne d'Arc: Joseph Fabre (Archive.org) p 108] At the Trial of Rehabilitation, one of those who was interviewed by the notary, Michel Lebuin, recalled, "I knew Jeannette from my earliest youth. Of Jeanne’s departure for Vaucouleurs I knew nothing. But, one day—the Eve of Saint John the Baptist —she said to me: “Between Coussy and Vaucouleurs there is a young girl, who, before the year is gone, will have the King of France consecrated.” And, in truth, the following year the King was crowned at Rheims. When Jeanne was a prisoner I saw Nicolas Bailly, Notary of Andelot, coming to Domremy, one day, with several other persons. At the request of Jean de Torcenay, Bailly of Chaumont for the pretended King of France and England, he proceeded to make enquiries into the conduct and life of Jeanne. But he could not induce the inhabitants of Vaucouleurs to depose. I believe that they questioned Jean Begot, at whose house they were staying. Their enquiry revealed nothing against Jeanne (p. 225</ref> <blockquote>I was appointed... to proceed to an enquiry on the subject of Jeanne, at that time detained in prison at Rouen. Many times, in her youth, I saw Jeanne before she left her father’s house: she was a good girl, of pure life and good manners, a good Catholic who loved the Church and went often on pilgrimage to the Church of Bermont, and confessed nearly every month—as I learned from a number of the inhabitants of Domremy, whom I had to question on the subject at the time of the enquiry that I made with the Provost of Andelot. When I and the late Gerard made this enquiry, we examined twelve or fifteen witnesses.<ref>Translated from historian Regine Pernoud: “Joan came from Domremy and from the parish of that place and her father was Jacques d’Arc, a good and honest farmer (laboureur) as I saw and knew him; I know it also by hearsay and upon the report of many, for I was tabellion appointed by messire Jean de Torcenay, then bailiff of Chaumont, who held his authority from him who was then called King of France and England, at the same time as Gerard Petit, defunct, at that time provost of Andelot, to hold an enquiry in the matter of Joan the Maid who was, as it was said, detained in prison in the city of Rouen. It was I, tabellion, who made [compiled] in her time the information to which I was commissioned by messire Jean de Torcenay . . . when myself and Gerard made [compiled] ... this information on Joan; by our diligence we so wrought that we procured twelve or fifteen witnesses to certify this information. We did this before Simon de Thermes, esquire, acting as lieutenant to the captain of Chaumont, on the subject of Joan the Maid; we were suspect because we had not done this information badly [evilly]; these witnesses, before the lieutenant, attested the evidence which they had given and as it was written in their interrogatory; then the lieutenant wrote again to messire Jean, bailiff of Chaumont, that that which was written in this interrogatory made by us, tabellion and provost, was true. And when this bailiff saw the lieutenant’s report, he said we the commissioners were false Armagnacs.” (from Pernoud, Joan of Arc: By Herself and Her Witnesses p. 243)</ref></blockquote>
+The ecclesiastical court at Rouen had sent a notary to Domrémy to inquire into her reputation with the locals. His testimony here is from the Trial of Rehabilitation, the inquiry was done before Joan was killed, so the information he gathered was perfectly contemporaneous, making it historical gold:<ref>Murray, p. 229. See also, [https://archive.org/details/procsderhabilit00fabrgoog/page/n108/mode/1up?q=Nicolas+Bailly&view=theater Procès de réhabilitation de Jeanne d'Arc: Joseph Fabre (Archive.org) p 108] At the Trial of Rehabilitation, one of those who was interviewed by the notary, Michel Lebuin, recalled, "I knew Jeannette from my earliest youth. Of Jeanne’s departure for Vaucouleurs I knew nothing. But, one day—the Eve of Saint John the Baptist —she said to me: “Between Coussy and Vaucouleurs there is a young girl, who, before the year is gone, will have the King of France consecrated.” And, in truth, the following year the King was crowned at Rheims. When Jeanne was a prisoner I saw Nicolas Bailly, Notary of Andelot, coming to Domremy, one day, with several other persons. At the request of Jean de Torcenay, Bailly of Chaumont for the pretended King of France and England, he proceeded to make enquiries into the conduct and life of Jeanne. But he could not induce the inhabitants of Vaucouleurs to depose. I believe that they questioned Jean Begot, at whose house they were staying. Their enquiry revealed nothing against Jeanne (p. 225</ref>
+<blockquote>I was appointed... to proceed to an enquiry on the subject of Jeanne, at that time detained in prison at Rouen. Many times, in her youth, I saw Jeanne before she left her father’s house: she was a good girl, of pure life and good manners, a good Catholic who loved the Church and went often on pilgrimage to the Church of Bermont, and confessed nearly every month—as I learned from a number of the inhabitants of Domremy, whom I had to question on the subject at the time of the enquiry that I made with the Provost of Andelot. When I and the late Gerard made this enquiry, we examined twelve or fifteen witnesses.<ref>Translated from historian Regine Pernoud: “Joan came from Domremy and from the parish of that place and her father was Jacques d’Arc, a good and honest farmer (laboureur) as I saw and knew him; I know it also by hearsay and upon the report of many, for I was tabellion appointed by messire Jean de Torcenay, then bailiff of Chaumont, who held his authority from him who was then called King of France and England, at the same time as Gerard Petit, defunct, at that time provost of Andelot, to hold an enquiry in the matter of Joan the Maid who was, as it was said, detained in prison in the city of Rouen. It was I, tabellion, who made [compiled] in her time the information to which I was commissioned by messire Jean de Torcenay . . . when myself and Gerard made [compiled] ... this information on Joan; by our diligence we so wrought that we procured twelve or fifteen witnesses to certify this information. We did this before Simon de Thermes, esquire, acting as lieutenant to the captain of Chaumont, on the subject of Joan the Maid; we were suspect because we had not done this information badly [evilly]; these witnesses, before the lieutenant, attested the evidence which they had given and as it was written in their interrogatory; then the lieutenant wrote again to messire Jean, bailiff of Chaumont, that that which was written in this interrogatory made by us, tabellion and provost, was true. And when this bailiff saw the lieutenant’s report, he said we the commissioners were false Armagnacs.” (from Pernoud, Joan of Arc: By Herself and Her Witnesses p. 243)</ref></blockquote>
 The Bishop in charge of the trial was outraged at the exculpatory evidence and refused to pay the man for his services, which further affirms the original evidence the notary had collected on her.<ref>Jean Moreau, merchant: “I know that at the time when Joan was in Rouen and they were preparing a trial against her, someone important from the country of Lorraine came to Rouen. As I was of the same country I made his acquaintance. He told me that he had come from Lorraine to Rouen because he had been especially commissioned to gather information in Joan’s country of origin to learn what reputation she had there. Which he had done. And he had reported his information to the lord Bishop of Beauvais, thinking to have compensation for his work and his expenses; but the bishop told him that he was a traitor and a bad man and that he had not done what he should have done and was ordered to do. This man complained of it to me for, from what he said, he could not get his salary paid him because his informations were not useful to the bishop. He added that in the course of [collecting] his informations he had found nothing concerning Joan which he would not have liked to find about his own sister, although he had been for information to five or six parishes near Domremy and in that town itself.”  Pernoud, Regine. Joan of Arc: By Herself and Her Witnesses (p. 243-4). Scarborough House.</ref> That Joan was an exemplary Catholic was affirmed by all who knew her at Domrémy, and no one, not even a Burgundian acquaintance of Joan's, contradicted.<ref>This man was Gerardin of Epinal, At the Trial of Rehabilitation, Gerardin related a conversation with Joan in which she said, “Gossip, if you were not a Burgundian, I would tell you something.” (Murray p. 220). At the Trial of Condemnation, Joan was asked which party were the people of Domremy aligned. Fantastically, she replied, " “I knew only one Burgundian at Domremy: I should have been quite willing for them to cut off his head—always had it pleased God." (p. 19). The reference was to Gerardin, but in no way indicated animosity towards him, just towards Burgundians, who were her enemy and who had turned her over to the English.</ref>
-Her extraordinary piety that was noted by her contemporaries in the village was from after her visions started. Before then, she was like any other child: <blockquote>Ever since I knew that it was necessary for me to come into France, I have given myself up as little as possible to these games and distractions. Since I was grown up, I do not remember to have danced there. I may have danced there formerly, with the other children. I have sung there more than danced. </blockquote>Joan's Voices would frequently accompany the ringing of the bells, and if the bells were late, Joan would chide the boy responsible for ringing them for being inattentive.<ref>The bell-ringer, Perrin le Drapier, testified, "When I forgot to ring for Service, Jeanne scolded me, saying I had done wrong; and she promised to give me some of the wool of her flock if I would ring more diligently" (Murray, p. 218)</ref> A contemporary recalled,<ref>Testimony at the Trial of Rehabilitation by J W , labourer, of Greux (Murray, p 220)</ref>
+Her extraordinary piety that was noted by her contemporaries in the village was from after her visions started. Before then, she was like any other child:
+<blockquote>Ever since I knew that it was necessary for me to come into France, I have given myself up as little as possible to these games and distractions. Since I was grown up, I do not remember to have danced there. I may have danced there formerly, with the other children. I have sung there more than danced. </blockquote>
+Joan's Voices would frequently accompany the ringing of the bells, and if the bells were late, Joan would chide the boy responsible for ringing them for being inattentive.<ref>The bell-ringer, Perrin le Drapier, testified, "When I forgot to ring for Service, Jeanne scolded me, saying I had done wrong; and she promised to give me some of the wool of her flock if I would ring more diligently" (Murray, p. 218)</ref> A contemporary recalled,<ref>Testimony at the Trial of Rehabilitation by J W , labourer, of Greux (Murray, p 220)</ref>
-<blockquote>I saw Jeannette very often. In our childhood, we often followed together her father’s plough, and we went together with the other children of the village to the meadows or pastures. Often, when we were all at play, Jeannette would retire alone to “talk with God.” I and the others laughed at her for this. She was simple and good, frequenting the Church and Holy places. Often, when she was in the fields and heard the bells ring, she would drop on her knees. </blockquote>Another aspect of her personality her contemporaries noted was her kindliness and generosity.<ref>Pierre le Drapier, of Domremy testified, "She was very charitable." (Murray, p. 219). Mengette, also from Domemy, observed, "She was a good Christian, of good manners and well brought up. She loved the Church, and went there often, and gave alms from the goods of her father" (Murray, p. 222). Simonin Musnier recalled, "I was brought up with Jeannette, close to her house. I know that she was good, simple and pious, and that she feared God and the Saints. She loved Church and Holy places; she was very charitable, and liked to take care of the sick. I know this of a surety, for in my childhood, I fell ill, and it was she who nursed me. When the Church bells rang, I have seen her kneel down and make the sign of the Cross" (Murray, p. 221)</ref> Her father's house stood on an ancient road, and received passersby frequently, for whom Joan gave up her bed, or according to one witness from Domremy, for the poor.<ref>From Isaballette, wife of Gerardin, a labourer, of Epinal: "She was very hospitable to the poor, and would even sleep on the hearth in order that the poor might lie in her bed" (Jeanne D‘arc, by T. Douglas Murray_The Trials_The Project Gutenberg eBook.pdf, p. 222_</ref> Later, during preparations for the march on Orléans, as related by her confessor throughout her military campaigns, an Augustinian friar named Jean Pasquerel,<ref>Testimony at Trial of Rehabilitation of Brother Jean Pasqueral (Jeanne D‘arc, by T. Douglas Murray_The Trials_The Project Gutenberg eBook.pdf, p 284). The friar's testimony is incredibly valuable for understanding Saint Joan, for as her confessor he was as close to her as anyone. He testified, " When Jeanne left Tours to go to Orleans, she prayed me not to forsake her, and to remain always with her as her Confessor; this I promised to do." (p. 284)</ref> <blockquote>She was, indeed, very pious towards God and the Blessed Mary, confessing nearly every day and communicating frequently. When she was in a neighbourhood where there was a Convent of Mendicant Friars, she told me to remind her of the day when the children of the poor received the Eucharist, so that she might receive it with them; and this she did often: when she confessed herself she wept. </blockquote>
+<blockquote>I saw Jeannette very often. In our childhood, we often followed together her father’s plough, and we went together with the other children of the village to the meadows or pastures. Often, when we were all at play, Jeannette would retire alone to “talk with God.” I and the others laughed at her for this. She was simple and good, frequenting the Church and Holy places. Often, when she was in the fields and heard the bells ring, she would drop on her knees. </blockquote>
+Another aspect of her personality her contemporaries noted was her kindliness and generosity.<ref>Pierre le Drapier, of Domremy testified, "She was very charitable." (Murray, p. 219). Mengette, also from Domemy, observed, "She was a good Christian, of good manners and well brought up. She loved the Church, and went there often, and gave alms from the goods of her father" (Murray, p. 222). Simonin Musnier recalled, "I was brought up with Jeannette, close to her house. I know that she was good, simple and pious, and that she feared God and the Saints. She loved Church and Holy places; she was very charitable, and liked to take care of the sick. I know this of a surety, for in my childhood, I fell ill, and it was she who nursed me. When the Church bells rang, I have seen her kneel down and make the sign of the Cross" (Murray, p. 221)</ref> Her father's house stood on an ancient road, and received passersby frequently, for whom Joan gave up her bed, or according to one witness from Domremy, for the poor.<ref>From Isaballette, wife of Gerardin, a labourer, of Epinal: "She was very hospitable to the poor, and would even sleep on the hearth in order that the poor might lie in her bed" (Jeanne D‘arc, by T. Douglas Murray_The Trials_The Project Gutenberg eBook.pdf, p. 222_</ref> Later, during preparations for the march on Orléans, as related by her confessor throughout her military campaigns, an Augustinian friar named Jean Pasquerel,<ref>Testimony at Trial of Rehabilitation of Brother Jean Pasqueral (Jeanne D‘arc, by T. Douglas Murray_The Trials_The Project Gutenberg eBook.pdf, p 284). The friar's testimony is incredibly valuable for understanding Saint Joan, for as her confessor he was as close to her as anyone. He testified, " When Jeanne left Tours to go to Orleans, she prayed me not to forsake her, and to remain always with her as her Confessor; this I promised to do." (p. 284)</ref>
+<blockquote>She was, indeed, very pious towards God and the Blessed Mary, confessing nearly every day and communicating frequently. When she was in a neighbourhood where there was a Convent of Mendicant Friars, she told me to remind her of the day when the children of the poor received the Eucharist, so that she might receive it with them; and this she did often: when she confessed herself she wept. </blockquote>
 And this on the way to battle.
-At the Rouen trial, Joan made a revealing off-hand comment about her concern for others. The interrogation was attempting to establish that Joan had deviously fooled the people into worshipping her, an accusation included in the charges against her:   <blockquote>"In what spirit did the people of your party kiss your hands and your garments ? "  </blockquote>''Au contraire'', as they say, she was just being kindly. <blockquote>*' Many came to see me willingly, but they kissed my hands as little as I could help. The poor folk came to me readily, because I never did them any unkindness : on the contrary, I loved to help them."</blockquote>To summarize, the young Saint Joan was illiterate, unschooled in all but the lessons of farming, wool spinning, Church, and local lore. She seems to have had a happy childhood growing up with other children who played together, joined village festivals, went to Church every week and on occasional pilgrimages. Additionally, she was compassionate and kindly.
+At the Rouen trial, Joan made a revealing off-hand comment about her concern for others. The interrogation was attempting to establish that Joan had deviously fooled the people into worshipping her, an accusation included in the charges against her:
+<blockquote>In what spirit did the people of your party kiss your hands and your garments"</blockquote>
+''Au contraire'', as they say, she was just being kindly.
+<blockquote>Many came to see me willingly, but they kissed my hands as little as I could help. The poor folk came to me readily, because I never did them any unkindness : on the contrary, I loved to help them.</blockquote>
+To summarize, the young Saint Joan was illiterate, unschooled in all but the lessons of farming, wool spinning, Church, and local lore. She seems to have had a happy childhood growing up with other children who played together, joined village festivals, went to Church every week and on occasional pilgrimages. Additionally, she was compassionate and kindly.
+This description of her childhood from Butler's 1894 "Lives of Saints" is apt:<ref>[https://sacred-texts.com/chr/lots/lots006.htm ''Lives of the Saints'' by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. (1894)]. This is one of the first versions of Lives of Saints, which were widely distributed in 15th and 16th Century England, to include an entry on Joan. Let's say the English did not celebrate her back then.</ref>
+<blockquote>While the English were overrunning the north of France, their future conqueror, untutored in worldly wisdom, was peacefully tending her flock, and learning the wisdom of God at a wayside shrine.
+</blockquote>It all changed when she was thirteen and was visited by the Archangel Saint Michael who told her from the beginning that she must go to "France" -- and to Church. The children noticed that she withdrew from their games and prayed constantly, and urged them all to go to Church. Joan testified,
+<blockquote>"Since I learned that I must come into France , I took as little part as possible in games or dancing. </blockquote>
+From then on, it was a matter of instruction and timing.
-This description of her childhood from Butler's 1894 "Lives of Saints" is apt:  <blockquote>While the English were overrunning the north of France, their future conqueror, untutored in worldly wisdom, was peacefully tending her flock, and learning the wisdom of God at a wayside shrine.<ref>[https://sacred-texts.com/chr/lots/lots006.htm ''Lives of the Saints''<nowiki>, by Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. ed. [1894]</nowiki>],  This is one of the first versions of Lives of Saints, which were widely distributed in 15th and 16th Century England, to include an entry on Joan. Let's say the English did not celebrate her back then...</ref></blockquote>It all changed when she was thirteen and was visited by the Archangel Saint Michael who told her from the beginning that she must go to "France" -- and to Church. The children noticed that she withdrew from their games and prayed constantly, and urged them all to go to Church. Joan testified,  <blockquote>"Since I learned that I must come into France , I took as little part as possible in games or dancing. </blockquote>From then on, it was a matter of instruction and timing.
 == Domrémy ==
 [[File:Domremy map wikipedia.jpg|thumb|649x649px|<small>Maps adapted from [[wikipedia:Domrémy-la-Pucelle|Domremy-la-Pucelle]] (Wikipedia)</small>]]