This quote, attributed to St. Joan of Arc, caught my eye when I was beginning my journey through one of the devotional books I chose for this year, Yes, And… by Fr. Richard Rohr. To be sure I quoted St. Joan of Arc correctly, I looked up the quote on the internet. Yah, what was I thinking? The only “proof” we have of her actual words are from the trial transcripts translated into English a long time ago.
Most sites take their citation from that transcript translated to English a long time ago. In other words, the “proof” is not all that substantial compared to what we would consider today.
Fr. Richard’s translation resonated and is more meaningful to me. I dare step out and say it is a modern English translation. I could use it as a prayer–maybe even a prayer I pray before I post things here.
I first wrote out the translation considered most authentic, then in smaller letters is Fr. Richard’s translation.
Interestingly, in my quick research, I found out that January 6 is noted as St. Joan of Arc’s birthday. So, I guess a quote from her is fitting at this time of year.
May we welcome the new year with this quote as prayer:
If I am in your truth, God, keep me there. If I am not, put me there.
Amen
