Who is Saint Clare of Assisi?
Saint Clare of Assisi (Chiara Offreduccio) was a medieval Italian nun and one of the first follower of Saint Francis of Assisi. Born on July 16, 1194, into a wealthy, noble family in Assisi, she rejected her privileged life to embrace a radical spirituality of poverty and devotion. She is known as the founder of the Poor Clares, a contemplative order of nuns.
On Palm Sunday in 1212, at the age of 18, Clare fled her family home and, with the help of Francis, took religious vows. Francis placed her at the convent of San Damiano, where she spent over 40 years as abbess.
What is Saint Clare of Assisi Known For?
Clare is renowned for her unwavering commitment to apostolic poverty, living a life solely dependent on charity. Her rule, which she fought tirelessly to preserve, was the first written by a woman for a religious order and emphasized a life of radical simplicity. She is often depicted holding a monstrance or a pyx, an image connected to her most famous miracle.
What Miracles Did Saint Clare of Assisi Perform?
Clare performed several notable miracles during her lifetime, the most famous of which occurred in 1240. When Saracen mercenaries, hired by Emperor Frederick II, attacked the convent of San Damiano, Clare, though gravely ill, is said to have held the Blessed Sacrament (the consecrated host) in a monstrance and gone to the wall overlooking the attackers. As she held it up, she prayed, and the mercenaries were miraculously seized with panic and fled. This is what Saint Clare of Assisi is known for as the protector of her community and the town of Assisi.
How Did St. Clare of Assisi Become a Saint?
Clare died on August 11, 1253, at the age of 59. The process for her canonization began almost immediately, a testament to her widespread reputation for holiness and miraculous deeds.
Why Was Saint Clare of Assisi Canonized?
She was canonized by Pope Alexander IV in 1255, a mere two years after her death. She was canonized because of her heroic virtue, the powerful example of her commitment to a life of poverty, and the numerous miracles attributed to her intercession, both before and after her death.
What is St. Clare of Assisi the Patron Saint Of?
Today, Saint Clare of Assisi is the patron saint of television, telecommunications, and eye diseases. She was named the patron saint of television by Pope Pius XII in 1958 because, when she was too ill to attend Mass, she was reportedly able to see and hear the service on the wall of her cell as if on a screen.
Saint Clare of Assisi Feast Day
Saint Clare of Assisi’s feast day is celebrated annually on August 11, the anniversary of her death. This day is marked by special masses and celebrations, particularly among the Poor Clare communities worldwide.