Joan of Arc's story is filled with tumult and controversy. She was born in France in 1412 to faithful, peasant Christians. At age 17, Joan felt God communicating to her, ordering her to help the King of France take his kingdom back from England and the Duke of Burgundy. Joan experienced much military success after French officials set aside their reservations of the young, zealous woman, and placed a small army under her command. She was eventually captured by the opposition and tried as a heretic. She died a martyr's death at age 19. It was only after her death that officials cleared her declaration of guilt and recognized her as a Saint. Costume: Armor, shield, accompanied by a flowing skirt, and carrying a battle flag.

More Information:
131 Christians Everyone Should Know by Mark Galli and Ted Olson, B&H Publishing Group
Loyola Kids Book of Saints by Amy Welborn and Ansgar Holmberg (Loyola Press, September 2001).
Redeeming Halloween: Celebrating Without Selling Out by Kim Wier and Pam McCune (Focus on the Family and Tyndale House) 

Article sources:
- Information about Saint's from Catholic.org's list of Saints and Wikipedia.org's list of Patron Saints
- Images: Russion Icon of the Last Supper by Simon Ushakov, Guido Reni's archangel Michael in the Capuchin church of Santa Maria della Concezione, and Joan at the Coronation of Charles VII, by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1854) from Wikipedia Commons. Other photos from www.catholic-forum.com photo archives.
- "To Halloween or Not to Halloween?" Kim Wier, Crosswalk.com
- "Saints Point Us Towards God" by Father Pat McCloskey, O.F.M (St. Anthony's Messenger, www.americancatholic.org).
- "Evolution of a Holiday" and "Fast Facts," History.com

 Originally posted in October 2007