St. Joan of Arc is considered by many a heroine in both France and the community of saints. But this humble servant, called “the handmaid of Orléans” is a true example of following God with a simple, bold obedience. One of her most well-known sayings is, “Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.” Her feast day is May 30.

As you sweat and toil out in the field or spring vegetable garden you glance heavenward and pray for God’s mercy that you will have an abundant crop to send to market or bask in pride while dishing up your homemade vegetables at dinnertime.

As scenes of utter chaos and destruction unfold in the Ukraine, the Ukrainian faithful know they can find shelter and comfort in the veil of Mary, particularly under the title of Our Lady of Theotokos, which means “Bearer” or “Mother of God.”