All in armor, equipped with her sword and a vast standard, she proudly welcomes visitors to Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, her gaze turned towards the horizon. In this commune in the south of Touraine, her name is displayed on a plaque in the central square and on the pretty village inn.
In the church, she is present everywhere, including on the stained glass windows, while a mysterious sword sits in the choir of the building. But who, whisper certain voices? But Joan of Arc (1412-1431) of course!
His sword, found under the altar of the old chapel
This heroine of the national novel who died at the stake at the age of 19, war leader, made a saint of the Catholic Church, is an integral part of the mythical heritage of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois.
Passing through the commune in March 1429 on her way to Chinon to see the Dauphin Charles, she then sent for her sword marked with five crosses in the village, under the altar of the chapel, according to the transcripts of her trial.
For a long time, until the 1980s, the village paid tribute to the woman who was posthumously nicknamed “the Maid of Orleans” for having helped deliver the city from the siege of the English during the Hundred Years’ War.
Celebrations relaunched
The tradition of these celebrations with historical-religious origins was revived eleven years ago. “There were no more events in the village, so we decided to offer a friendly celebration around this story,” explains Jacky Tommeray, 67, retired carpenter and president of the association L’épée de Jeanne d’Arc, organizer of this big gathering, with a medieval atmosphere. “We wanted something family-friendly, accessible for free, so that everyone could come with their children,” continues his wife Cécile, the kingpin of the thirty-volunteer organization.
Everyone is already hard at work preparing for the medieval festivities on July 6 and 7, which will begin with a parade, with the Joan of Arc of the year at the head of the procession, chosen from among the inhabitants of the town, like the Joan of Arc Festivals in Orléans.
Does the celebration of this war heroine, whose myth has been appropriated by the National Front, have an ideological significance in this village where the extreme right won nearly 47% of the votes in the last European elections? “No, no politics in our association”, Jacky Tommeray retorts point-for-tat. “Politics is prohibited during the party, we want it to remain friendly,” adds Cécile Tommeray.
If Joan of Arc heard voices, those of the second round of legislative elections will remain silent for the duration of the celebration. Until returning to reality.
Flore Mabilleau
At the Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois stadium on July 6 and 7, from 10:30 a.m. Info at 06.81.57.91.38 or on lepeedejeannedarc.fr
200
This is the number of guests expected for the medieval feast on July 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, for €28. Entrance to the festival is free, with family entertainment (theater, street performance, strolls, concerts, etc.), and a fire show on Saturday evening at 10:30 p.m. On site, light refreshments, such as fouées or fries!
The Mystery of the Sword
Nearly thirty years ago, the shadow of Joan of Arc once again came to hover over Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois. “The lady in charge of opening the church every day – now deceased – found a sword in its scabbard one morning,” says Cécile Tommeray, 61, who has lived in the town of nearly 800 inhabitants in the south of Touraine for over forty years. A mysterious and anonymous gift, accompanied by a little note “in thanks for life”, says Max Antoine de Lussac, a 67-year-old retiree, whose great-grandfather, grandfather, father and brother were mayors of the village.
“It moved me a lot, it is a forged sword, beaten by iron and anvil, which, in thirty years, has not taken a hint of rust. It is a true ex-voto – an offering – from someone who wanted to thank divine protection.”
This imposing forged sword has remained on display in the church choir ever since, securely attached by chains. “Saint Catherine was the patron saint of men of war, and when men escaped death, they gave their weapons as a votive offering, resumes Max Antoine de Lussac. The walls of the small church that Joan of Arc knew were also covered inside. And it is here that Joan of Arc chose hers, “a liberating sword with which she never killed.”
