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 a prosperous family in Assisi. The third of five children, Clare was a strong young woman, generous and compassionate toward the poor. Though her family arranged for her to marry at age 15, Clare refused. At age 18 Clare was inspired by the charismatic preaching of Francis and his message of peace and penance. She made arrangements to meet with him and receive his advice.
Clare secretly left her home one night, meeting Francis and his followers at the Portiuncula, a small chapel where Francis and his brothers lived. There Clare put aside her fine cloak and donned the peasant garb of the friars. Initiating Clare into the Gospel life, Francis cut off her long blonde hair. Then the friars moved Clare to a nearby Benedictine convent. Her father and uncles stormed the convent several times, unsuccessfully trying to force Clare to return home. Instead, other women joined Clare.
In time, at age 22, Clare became abbess of "The Order of San Damiano." Clare and her sisters were contemplative, spending time in prayer and manual labor. The Rule of their 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 CatholicGreetings.org.
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