A St. Clare Feast Day Message from Fr. Dan On August 11 we celebrate the feast day of St. Clare (1194 – 1253), foundress of the "Poor Ladies of Assisi", now known as the Poor Clares. Like Francis, Clare was born into one of the wealthiest families in Assisi, the third of five children. She was a strong, dedicated young woman, generous and compassionate toward the poor. Although her family had arranged for her to marry at age 15, Clare refused. At age 18, she heard the charismatic preaching of young Francis and his message of peace and penance. It transformed her life. She made arrangements to meet with him and receive his advice.
In a dramatic series of events, Clare secretly left her home one night, meeting Francis and his followers at the Portiuncola, a small chapel. There she removed her fine cloak and donned the simple habit of the friars. Francis cut off her long blonde hair. For safe keeping, they moved Clare to a nearby Benedictine convent. Her father and uncles stormed the convent several times, trying forcibly to return her to her former life. Clare moved to the compound at San Damiano, where she lived for 42 years until her death.
At age 22, Clare became abbess of "The Order of San Damiano," as the community was known, giving her full authority over its operations. The order was contemplative, spending time in prayer and manual labor. The Rule of the order, written by Clare, was one of austerity and total dedication to the Gospel, emulating the rule of the Friars Minor.
For more about St. Clare, read Clare of Assisi: A Heart Full of Love, by Sr. Illia Delio, O.S.F., and Saint of the Day, by Leonard Foley, O.F.M., revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
The Franciscan ideals of St. Clare inspire us daily. Do you want to inspire someone? Send a St. Clare e-card. These and other cards are available at Catholic Greetings.org.
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Peace and every blessing, 
Fr. Dan Kroger, O.F.M.
Publisher, Franciscan Media
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