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Rouen Church of Saint Joan of Arc 
The Church of Saint Joan of Arc in Rouen stands in Place du Vieux-Marché, the place where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. A small garden, Le Bouchet, marks the exact spot of Joan’s execution. The church serves as both a memorial to Joan of Arc and an active place of worship. Joan of Arc (c. 1412–1431) was a peasant girl from Domrémy, who believed she was acting under divine guidance to lead France against English occupation, resulting in her playing a pivotal role in the Hundred Years’ War. Joan claimed to receive messages from Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret, instructing her to support Charles VII and reclaim France. At the Siege of Orléans (1429), she inspired the French army to lift the siege, marking a turning point in the war. In 1430 she was captured and tried for heresy by the English. Being found guilty, in 1431 she was burned at the stake in Rouen where the Church of Saint Joan of arc now stands. In 1456 her trial was overturned, and she was declared innocent. In 1909 she was Beatified and in 1920 she was Canonized and declared a saint by the Catholic Church. Joan was to become a symbol of courage, faith, and national pride for France. The burning flame beneath the Joan of Arc Memorial Cross in Place du Vieux-Marché serves as a tribute to Joan’s martyrdom. This eternal flame symbolizes remembrance and sacrifice, marking the exact spot where Joan was burned at the stake in 1431.  A 65-foot iron cross, known as the Iron Cross of Lorraine, which rises above the Church of Saint Joan of Arc, making it visible from all directions. Outside the west end of the church is the 6-foot marble statue, sculpted by Maxime Real del Sarte in 1928. This depicts Joan in a solemn pose, wearing long flowing robes with her hands clasped in front of her. Gazing upwards with her head tilted slightly toward her left shoulder, she is standing before a decorated marble slab that represents the stake at which she was burned. The statue was placed in its current location when the church was completed in 1979. On October 30, 2002, the statue was registered as a French historic monument.  The church is a modern design by Louis Arretche (1905-1991) who won a competition for its design. Selecting a contemporary style, the building was completed in 1979. It has sweeping curves which are meant to indicate both flames and an overturned longship, which relate to early Christian symbolism. The flames indicate God’s presence, as seen in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites (Exodus 13:21). Flames also signify suffering and purification, reflecting the trials of saints and martyrs, including Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake. The overturned Longship relates, in Christianity, to the fact that many early churches were built in the shape of an overturned boat, symbolizing protection and refuge, the biblical connection being Noah’s Ark and Jesus calming the storm.  Consequently, the church’s sweeping curves evoke both flames and an overturned longship, reinforcing themes of martyrdom and faith. The stained glass windows were salvaged from the 16th-century Church of Saint Vincent, which was destroyed during World War II. These were removed and stored in a safe location before the church was destroyed in 1944. After the war, they were incorporated into the Church of Saint Joan of Arc. These are particularly striking from the interior, as is the church itself which was inspired by the Romanesque style with a circular nave that is meant to represent a crown.  The 13 window panels form a 500-square-meter glass wall, that bathes the church interior in a soft light. Dating back to 1520–1530 they depict scenes from Christ’s life, Saint Peter, Saint Anne, and Saint Anthony of Padua.  In front of the windows is the altar which is a striking feature that blends modern design with historical reverence. This is positioned at the centre of the church and serves as the focal point for worship.  Minimalist in design, the altar reflects the church’s contemporary aesthetic, with clean lines and a simple yet solemn presence. Around the church are a number of statues of Joan such as the Painted Statue of Joan wearing Armour with her banner.  Although, a most striking one is the 5 feet 7 inches (1.72 metre) bronze statue by Coste Michel created in 1999.  |
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All Photographs were taken by and are copyright of Ron Gatepain
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