WHY MAKE A PRODUCTION LIKE THIS NOW?
HM Television chose to produce this documentary on the occasion of the centenary of Saint Joan of Arc’s canonization. Providence played a fundamental role in making it all possible: finding the necessary contacts for the interviews and organizing on-site filming of the places where Joan lived and carried out her mission. According to historians, she is one of the most documented historical figures from the Middle Ages. One might be tempted to ask, “If there is so much already about her, is there anything more left to say?” Firstly, nunquam satis (never is it enough), and secondly, although this documentary may not make innovative observations, its purpose is that of remembering Saint Joan, especially her mission which is of particular relevance for us today.
PRESENTED BY
Javier Paredes, Professor of Contemporary History
“She is the most documented figure from the Middle Ages.”
FEATURING
Alain Olivier, President of the Our Lady of Bermont Association in France
“Her obedience was not lived as oppression, but rather obedience for love.” “Joan’s juridical process was quite trying. […] She failed to understand why she was on trial before an ecclesiastical court.”
Jacques Tremolet de Villers, Lawyer and author of Jeanna D’Arc: le procès de Rouen
“Everyone wept along the way, even Bishop Cauchon wept. Everyone was in tears. She completely accepted her martyrdom. She entrusted herself to God and begged forgiveness from everyone, even the English, the judges, and all those who could have been harmed by her.”
Fr. Jacques Olivier, Author of Prophéties et prédictions de Jeanne D’Arc
“Joan received an exceptional mission, exceptional graces, exceptional apparitions. […] God’s will for her was to obey and Joan did so.”
Margarita Torres, Professor of Medieval History
“The people at that time were very simple folk… it was a difficult time and the people needed a sign from Heaven.” “Joan was a 15th century nonconformist. And it was precisely because of this that she had such a great impact.”
Jorge Fernández, Former Minister of Internal Affairs, Spain
“The cause made significant headway with the process of beatification and canonization. And yet, I would say it fell short, because she is not only a saint, but also queen, virgin, and martyr. In the decree of canonization she is recognized as virgin, but neither as martyr nor as queen.”
Philippe de Villiers, Founder of “Puy du Fou” Theme Park
“Before each battle she would kiss the ring. It was a symbol. She was kissing the ring of Saint Catherine, the ring of her voices, the ring of her parents…to invoke aid. For her, the ring was of utmost importance.”
Sor Marie de la Sagesse, Author of Santa Juana de Arco. Reina, Virgen, Mártir
“From the moment of her yes, after she received this first message from Saint Michael, a shower of graces flooded her soul and the first virtue, we could say, was fidelity: saying yes to God’s will.”
Bishop Marc Aillet, Diocese of Bayonne, France
“Clovis’ baptism and consecration as King of France are the roots of this unique alliance of God with our nation.” “Holiness—this is clear in a frail young woman or in the case of the early martyrs—is the strength of God that I receive and that makes me carry out actions that are divine and beyond my own capacities.”
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SAINT JOAN
HM Television set out on an eleven-day tour of France in September 2019 for the filming of the documentary. Visiting the sites associated with her life and mission, filming interviews and other images, all contributed to a deeper knowledge of and identification with St. Joan of Arc’s charism. Our team was blessed to be accompanied by a special guide: Sister Marie de la Sagesse, expert in St. Joan of Arc and author of the book, Santa Juana de Arco; Virgen, Reina, Mártir.
WHO WAS SAINT JOAN OF ARC?
“I was born for this. The Lord placed me on this path; He will show me the way.”
Read her biography