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St Joan of Arc (Ca. 1412-1430) is one of the patron saints of France because of her actions during the Hundred Years War (1337- 1453) between England and France. At the start of the conflict Edward III, King of England (1327-1377), was also Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, controlled other territories in France, and also claimed succession to the French throne. The Duchy of Burgundy allied with England. Periodic outbreaks of plague occurred during the war. Fighting alternated with truces during the conflict. Joan of Arc was a peasant girl, born in eastern France at Domrémy (Lorraine). Inspired by heavenly voices that began at age 14. Joan's leadership eventually inspired resurgence within France. Her actions in lifting the siege of Orléans (1429) led to the coronation of Charles VII at Reims thus settling a disputed royal succession. After a military skirmish near Compiègne, she was captured by Burgundian forces in 1430 and sold to their English allies. After interrogation, she was tried on trumped up charges of heresy and witchcraft. Charles VII (1422-1461) made no attempt to rescue Joan and her trial testimony was manipulated. She was burned at the stake in Rouen on 30 May 1430. Pope Calixtus III (1455-1458) appointed a commission to examine the case. In 1456 the verdict was overturned, and Joan of Arc was declared a martyr. She was canonized as a holy virgin in 1920. 
The 600th anniversary of the birth of St. Joan of Arc is commemorated on a miniature sheet of eight €0,75 stamps in a joint issue with France. The Italian and French inscription on the right side of the mini sheet recounts Joan's historical significance. The Joan of Arc stamps are based upon a miniature painted twenty years after her death, the only surviving image of the saint, located at the National Archives in Paris. Flags of Vatican City State and France appear on the sheet's left corners. Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 1499 - 1499M Date Issued - 11 May 2012 Face Value - €0,75 Perforations - 13x13 Printing Process - Offset Printer - Phil @Poste (France) Max Printed - 1,600,000 Joint Issue - France |
| (Source - Vatican Notes: Volume: 60 Issue: 353 Page: 4-6) |
