Namesake

Our school is named after Saint Joan of Arc, the young heroine of France.

Joan was born in eastern France in the war-torn fifteenth century. She was deeply spiritual and answered a call to become a leader despite prejudice against her age, gender and class. She was both a deeply religious young woman and a military leader. Joan made her reputation by defeating the English at Orleans which was under siege.

Even during her lifetime, Joan was hailed as a Saint because of both the preternatural character of her deeds and the purity of her life. She was solem rehabilitated by the Church after a seven-year trial (1449 – 1456), during which 115 witnesses were heard.

She exemplified the qualities of determination, courage and reverence throughout her brief life. She was betrayed by her enemies and tried
as a witch by the English. She was burned at the stake at the age of 19. One quote popularly attributed to St. Joan speaks to her spirit: “one life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you care and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.” The spirit of St. Joan continues in our school when we strive for excellence despite obstacles and continue to live in reverence for God and God’s creation.