When I first auditioned for the role of St. Joan, I didn’t know what a journey this whole project would take me on. One of the first things Mr. Moran (Director) instructed us to do was to study about our characters. I learned a lot about St. Joan that I had not known before; for example: when the French stormed the town of St. Pierre le Moutier, they started retreating because of the great strength of the place. But Joan the Maid kept fighting, even when there was only four or five men left with her. Jean D’Aulon rode up and asked what she was doing there alone, she stated that “I am not alone! I have fifty thousand of my own company to fight with me!” She meant, of course, the angels were fighting with her. The town was eventually captured, a surprise win for the French. That fact is actually mentioned in the play.
The most important thing I learned, however, was that Joan’s life was NOT mostly war, but rather, mostly spiritual. It wasn’t that important to her whether she won or lost, but that she was doing God’s will. She’s a wonderful example of humility and perseverance. Like Abraham, she did not at first know His plans. But with her childlike simplicity, she follows Him. I hope to imitate her virtues, not just in a play, but in real life.
Being in the play was also a great opportunity to connect in a special way with both “the Dove and the Rose,” St. Joan and St. Therese. Although in a different language, I was saying the same things they said. The same prayers, the same thoughts, the same sentences. They’re all filled with love of God. Joan talks to her sister, the King, and saints – but no matter whom she’s talking to, she is nearly always talking about God.
Even deeper than that, the script contains many references to the Holy Bible, some subtle, and some not. It’s all beautiful. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the play.
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The Guild performed Saint Joan of Arc at the Jeanne Jugan Center in May. All proceeds were donated to the Little Sisters. Information about the Saint Genesius Guild can be found at http://thegenesiusguild.net/
What the play, Saint Joan of Arc, meant to me