Joan of Arc was born around 1412. She was the tenant farmer, Jacques d’Arc. She was born in the northeastern region of France. Also, she was not taught to read or write, but her pious mother, Isabelle Romee, instilled in her a deep love for the Catholic world and its teachings.
France was torn apart by a bitter conflict with England. In which England had gained the upper hand. A peace treaty disinherited the French crown prince, Charles of Valois, in 1420. King Henry V was made ruler of both England and France.
Joan of Arc is a pious peasant who lived in France. She believed that God had chosen her to lead France to its victory in its long-running War with England. Luckily, despite having no military training, she convinced the crowned prince, Charles of Valois, to let her lead the French army. They besieged her to the city of Orleans, where they achieved a stunning victory. Joan of Arc was captured by enemy forces, for witchcraft, and burned at the stake at 19.
January Edition
Joseph, the Father of Jesus
Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus and a very important person in the Bible. He lived in Nazareth and worked as a carpenter. Joseph was kind and faithful to God.
When Joseph learned that Mary was going to have a baby, he was worried and confused. An angel came to him in a dream and told him that the baby was from God and that his name should be Jesus. Joseph trusted God and chose to care for Mary and the baby. This showed that Joseph was brave and obedient, even when things were hard.
Joseph helped protect Jesus when King Herod wanted to hurt him. After another dream from an angel, Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt to keep them safe. Later, when it was safe to return, Joseph brought his family back to Nazareth. He worked hard to provide for them and taught Jesus how to be a carpenter.
Joseph is remembered as a loving father who trusted God and did the right thing. He showed that being faithful, kind, and responsible is very important. Joseph played a big role in Jesus’s life and is an example of a good parent and a good man.
Saint Carlo Acutis
Saint Carlo Acutis was a teenager who showed the world that young people can live with great faith and kindness. He was born in 1991 in Italy and grew up like many kids today. He loved video games, computers, and spending time with his friends. Even though he enjoyed his usual hobbies, Carlo also had a strong relationship with God and wanted to spread the word of God.
Carlo had a love for working with technology. He used his computer skills to create a website that shared information about miracles from around the world. He hoped the website would help people learn more about their faith and feel closer to God. Carlo also had a big heart. He often helped the homeless, stood up for kids who were being bullied, and reminded others to treat people with respect and kindness.
Sadly, Carlo became very sick with leukemia when he was only fifteen years old. Even while he was in the hospital, he stayed positive and trusted in God. Many people were inspired by his bravery, his kindness, and his desire to help others. Carlo died in 2006, but he still inspire millions of people today. He was named a saint because of the way he used his talents to spread goodness. Saint Carlo Acutis teaches us that no matter our age we can make a difference by using our gifts to help the world.
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was a kind and caring woman who spent her life helping people in need. She was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, a city that is now part of North Macedonia. Her real name was Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu but everyone knew her as Mother Teresa. Even when she was a little girl she wanted to help others and dreamed of becoming a missionary.
When Mother Teresa was eighteen she left her home to join a group of nuns in Ireland and moved to India where she spent most of her life. While teaching at a school in the city of Calcutta she saw many poor and sick people living on the streets. She decided that she wanted to spend her life caring for them. In 1950, she started a group called the Missionaries of Charity. The nuns in this group cared for the hungry, the sick, and the homeless. They opened shelters, hospitals, and homes for people who had nowhere else to go.
Mother Teresa believed that even small acts of love could make a big difference. She often said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Her kindness inspired people all around the world to help others too. Because of her amazing work she received many awards including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, but her spirit of compassion still lives on. Today her Missionaries of Charity continue to help people in need all over the world. Mother Teresa showed that one person’s love and kindness can truly change the world.