When we hear the name St. Francis of Assisi, we often think of his radical love for poverty and God’s creation. But beside this great saint stood an equally holy woman—St. Clare of Assisi. She was his spiritual sister and the foundress of the Poor Clares, a woman who gave her life completely to Christ and became a shining example of faith, purity, and sacrifice.
Her story is one of courage, love, and deep trust in God, reminding us that true beauty is found in a heart united to Christ.
Early Life: A Noble Heart Seeking More 🏰👧
Clare was born in 1193 into a noble family in Assisi, Italy. She was wealthy, admired, and beautiful. But her heart was restless—she longed for something greater than riches and fame.
As a young girl, she heard St. Francis preach in the streets of Assisi. His words pierced her soul. She saw in his poverty and joy the treasure she had been seeking—Jesus Christ.
The Night of Her Escape: Choosing Christ Over the World 🌙✝️
At 18 years old, Clare made a daring decision—she left her family’s palace in the dead of night to follow Christ.
In the chapel of Our Lady of the Angels, under the light of candles, she knelt before St. Francis and cut off her long, golden hair as a sign of leaving the world behind. She exchanged her fine robes for a simple tunic, becoming the bride of Christ.
Her prayer that night:
✝️ “Lord, I offer You all that I am and all that I have. You alone are my portion and my reward forever.”
Founding the Poor Clares: A Life of Prayer and Poverty 🏚️🙏
Clare took refuge in San Damiano, the little church that Francis had rebuilt. There, she founded the Order of Poor Ladies, later called the Poor Clares.
They lived a life of strict poverty, barefoot, fasting, and in silence, spending their days in prayer and adoration.
Their only wealth was Jesus in the Eucharist. Clare would often say:
🕊️ “We become what we love, and who we love shapes what we become.”
Her Rule of Life, the Rule of Holy Poverty, was so radical that even popes hesitated to approve it—but Clare held firm.
The Power of the Eucharist: A Miracle of Protection 🪔✨
One of the most famous miracles of St. Clare happened when invading soldiers threatened to destroy Assisi. Clare was sick and weak, but she rose from her bed and took the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance. She held it up at the monastery gate, praying:
🙏 “O Lord, protect these women whom I cannot protect.”
Suddenly, a bright light surrounded Clare and the Eucharist. The soldiers fled in terror, and Assisi was saved.
The Heart of Her Spirituality: Christ Alone is Enough 💒❤️
Clare’s life was a hymn to Christ:
- She loved Jesus in the Eucharist with all her soul.
- She embraced poverty joyfully, trusting that God would provide.
- She saw suffering as a path to union with Christ.
She often told her sisters:
🌸 “Place your mind before the mirror of eternity;
Place your soul in the brilliance of glory;
Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance;
And transform your whole being into the image of the Godhead.”
Her Holy Death: A Vision of Heaven 🌅🕊️
On August 11, 1253, Clare lay on her deathbed, surrounded by her sisters. As she prepared to meet her Spouse, she saw a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the angels.
Her final words were filled with gratitude and love:
✝️ “Blessed be You, O Lord, for having created me.”
She passed into eternal life, and two years later, Pope Alexander IV declared her a saint.
The Prayer of St. Clare 🙏✨
Let us pray as St. Clare prayed:
Prayer to Seek Christ Alone
O most holy Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
I adore You and offer You the love of my heart.
Grant me the grace to desire You above all things.
Help me to live in poverty, humility, and purity,
so that I may be conformed to Your Son, Jesus Christ.
O St. Clare, help me to see Jesus in the Eucharist,
to trust in His love, and to live for Him alone.
Amen.
Lessons from St. Clare’s Life 🌸✨
St. Clare’s life teaches us:
✅ Jesus is our true treasure.
✅ Poverty of heart leads to freedom.
✅ The Eucharist is our strength.
✅ Prayer is our greatest weapon.
She reminds us to seek Jesus above all things and trust that He will provide.
A Final Blessing from St. Clare 🌿
St. Clare left this blessing for all who follow Christ:
"May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May He show His face to you and have mercy.
May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.
The Lord be with you always."
Amen
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