Joan of Arc: The Epitome of Persevering Leadership

Faith, service, compassion, humility, and leadership, the qualities imperative for a role model and uncoincidentally some of the College values we aspire to have at Gilroy. Joan of Arc unequivocally embodies each and every one of these qualities, proving herself to be the epitome of persevering leadership and an admirable role model suited for the College chapel.

A peasant girl living in medieval France, 13 year old Joan believed that God chose her to lead France to success in its prolonged war with England and install Charles as its rightful king. At 16, when she was forced into an arranged marriage, she successfully convinced the court that she should not be forced to accept the match. Armed with no military training, Joan convinced Prince Charles of Valois to let her lead the French army to Orléans, where it achieved victory. At 19, she was captured, tried for witchcraft and heresy, and subsequently burned at the stake in 1431. When Joan was canonised in 1920, she had long been considered one of history’s greatest saints, as well as an enduring and persevering symbol of French unity. But, how does she influence us in any way? How are we even supposed to follow in her footsteps? Joan of Arc followed God's call even when it could cost her everything. Being a woman in this time, there was no need to join the fight, but she still did because she believed God was telling her to. An iconic leader, Joan’s fearless leadership inspired a nation to eventually realise her vision of service and faith, proving that she can heavily influence our school community in the same way. Joan of Arc has a powerful influence in the world today as shown through the values she portrayed and challenges she faced with perseverance and humility.

Leaders, constantly facing adversities, can easily get dismayed if their attention isn’t fixed on their faith, but can power through them by trusting in God. Likewise, Joan of Arc followed God's call even when it could cost her everything. Isaiah 41:10 - “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” St. Joan’s mission was clear - she was chosen by God, in her simplicity and humble strength, to lead her country to victory over their enemy. Through her unwavering witness of virtue, she showed her countrymen the power to abandon oneself to boldly follow God’s Will. In the same way, our school community will heavily benefit from Joan’s influence and assist us in learning how to lead from your heart and with strength. Joan made it well known to the soldiers, though, that it wasn’t her whom they were following- it was Jesus and the Saints of Heaven who were leading their army. 1 Peter 5: 6-7 - “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Joan was aware that her mission was to lead her country to victory, but ultimately, to assist Christ in building up a civilisation of love on earth, which in conjunction with all her achievements, reflects God’s message in love and building the kingdom. She knew this task could only be accomplished if she placed her trust in God’s Providence and protection, and wanted to spread this to those on Earth.

Ultimately, Joan’s life was full of faith, service, respect, justice, and compassion, which reflects our school values and can charismatically inspire each one of us to live through these values. Although St. Joan achieved such accomplishments hundreds of years ago, her legacy lives on, particularly how she demonstrated the Bible's teachings of 'with God all things are possible,'' especially that she was a woman who was not allowed to go to war, yet defied all odds and carried out God’s mission. In the modern church’s teachings, we are taught that we should aim to reach further than we think is possible through God, and this is exactly what Joan embodies. By naming the chapel after the great leader St. Joan, all members of our community can strive to follow the modern church’s teachings. Joan of Arc’s achievements showed the people of France that you can defy the odds, and in the same way, can inspire us to achieve our aspirations with strength. Significant and influential to both the continuing mission of the Church while demonstrating the dedication, faith and commitment which Christians should aspire to, Joan of Arc is undeniably the ideal role model for our community, and therefore, deserves to have her name on the college chapel.