Born into a peasant family in an obscure village in France, Joan heard the voices and later had visions of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. It was from these visions that Joan was divinely entrusted with a mission to drive the English from French territory. Joan did so successfully, but later, was captured and held in an English prison. While on trial, Joan astonished the court with her theological knowledge. Eventually, the courts had her executed. Joan’s one request before being burned at the stake was for the priests to hold a crucifix before her.