St. Clare of Assisi

Today, my friend Ryane wrote about St. Clare of Assisi.

---

July 16, 1294-August 11, 1253

Patron Saint of: eye disease, goldsmiths, needle workers, good weather, television

Feast Day: August 11

Clare was born into a wealthy family in Assisi, Italy. She was not a worldly person, and from an early age, she was very devoted to prayer. At 18, she heard St. Francis preaching and felt a burning desire within her heart to live more radically and free herself of all material things. Clare admired Francis and his followers, known as the Friars Minors, and was drawn to their way of life in caring for others and leaving all else behind. Clare heard St. Francis speak again, and was further convicted that this was the way she needed to live her life. Despite the opposition she knew that she would face from her family, Clare ran away from home, where she was welcomed by the Friars Minors into their way of life and sent to live with a group of Benedictine Nuns. Clare’s sister, Agnes, soon joined her.

St. Francis rebuilt the chapel of St. Damiani, where he and Clare worked together to form the Contemplative Order of Claretians. Clare was made the head of the group of women, who came to be known as the “Poor Clares.”

In 1241, Assisi was attacked, and the enemy marched in on the convent, which was on the outskirts of the city. Clare took the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament in her hands, displaying it over the walls of the convent. The armies were struck with fear and fled, and Assisi was spared an attack.

Clare spent 41 years as a religious sister with the “Poor Clares” when she passed away. Her body lies incorruptible at the chapel of St. Damiani in Assisi. Clare’s influence and example has led to over 1200 convents with around 18,000 sisters in the Contemplative Order of Claretians. St. Clare serves as a wonderful example of humility, faithfulness, and devotion. Her every breath was given for God’s work, and we can only hope to live our lives as well as she did.

“Rejoice always in the Lord and do not allow yourself to become involved in any darkness or bitterness.”

---

Thanks Ryane! That's all for today!

St. Clare of Assisi, Pray for us.