Saint Clare of Assisi

Saint Clare of Assisi was born in 1194 in Italy. She grew up in a noble family, but she felt called to live a simple and holy life. She was deeply inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, who preached about living in poverty and following Christ. Clare wanted to follow this same path.

At 18 years old, Clare of Assisi left her family home to join Francis. She gave up her wealth and dedicated herself to God. She started a new religious order called the Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares. These women lived in prayer and served others, depending completely on God.

Clare became the leader of her community. She was known for her deep faith, her love of poverty, and her care for the sisters who lived with her. She spent her life praying and helping others, always trusting in God’s care.

After her death in 1253, Clare was declared a saint by the Church. Her life is an example of faith, humility, and total trust in God. Today, she is honored as the patron saint of television, as well as for her dedication to a life of poverty and prayer.

Saint Clare of Assisi was born in 1194 in the town of Assisi, Italy. She came from a wealthy and noble family. Her father, Favarone, was a knight, and her mother, Ortolana, was known for her strong faith. Clare had two sisters, and they all grew up in a comfortable home.

Even as a young girl, Clare showed a kind and generous heart. She often gave food and money to the poor, even though her family was rich. She spent much of her time in prayer. Her mother’s deep faith likely influenced Clare’s desire to live a holy life.

Although she could have lived in luxury, Clare of Assisi felt that God was calling her to something different. She wanted to serve others and live in simplicity. This desire would later lead her to make a brave decision that would change her life forever.

When Clare of Assisi was about 18 years old, she heard about Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis was known for giving up his wealth and living in poverty to follow Christ. His way of life touched many people in Assisi, including Clare. She felt that this was the path she was looking for.

Clare wanted to meet Francis. She secretly arranged to speak with him. During their conversations, Francis told her about living a simple life, focused on prayer and serving others. Clare was inspired by his words. She realized that this was how she wanted to live, too.

Not long after, Clare made a bold decision. She left her family’s home one night and went to join Francis and his followers. In a small chapel, she made a promise to give up her wealth and dedicate her life to God. Francis cut her hair as a sign of her new commitment.

At first, Clare stayed with a group of Benedictine nuns, but soon she moved to a simple house near Francis’ church. This became the first home of the Poor Ladies, the order Clare would lead for the rest of her life. From this point on, she lived a life of prayer, poverty, and care for others, just like Francis.

This meeting with Francis changed Clare’s life forever. It set her on the path that she felt God had called her to. She would remain close friends with Francis until his death, supporting each other in their mission to live out the Gospel.

After Clare of Assisi left her family, she began living in a small house near the church of San Damiano. This is where the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, started. Clare’s sister, Agnes, soon joined her, and other women followed. They wanted to live like Clare—without money, depending only on God.

Clare and her sisters followed the example of Saint Francis. They lived in poverty, wore simple clothing, and spent much of their time in prayer. They also worked with their hands, but they did not own any land or possessions. They trusted that God would take care of their needs.

The Poor Clares focused on helping others through prayer and service. They stayed within their convent, living quietly and humbly. Their life was simple, but they found joy in serving God and one another. Clare became the leader, or abbess, of the community, and she guided the sisters with great care and love.

Clare worked closely with Saint Francis to develop a rule, or set of guidelines, for her community. This rule was centered on poverty and living like Christ. She refused to accept any form of income for the convent, even when others thought it was necessary. She believed that God would provide for them without money or property.

The order grew, and many women joined Clare in different parts of Italy. Even after Francis died, Clare remained faithful to the way of life they had begun. The Poor Clares continued to live in poverty and prayer, following the path that Clare had set for them.

Clare’s strong leadership and dedication to poverty shaped the Poor Clares for many years to come. Her order still exists today, with communities around the world living by her example of faith and simplicity.

Saint Clare of Assisi’s life was centered on prayer and poverty. She spent most of her days in the convent at San Damiano, leading her sisters in a quiet, simple life. They lived in small rooms, slept on hard beds, and wore plain clothes. They did not own anything, and they did not seek comfort or luxury. Everything they had, they shared.

The Poor Clares lived by what is called “holy poverty.” They trusted God completely to provide for them. They depended on gifts from others for food and supplies, but they never asked for money or kept anything extra. Clare believed that by giving up all material things, they were free to focus on God alone.

Prayer was the center of Clare’s daily life. She and her sisters spent many hours in prayer each day, both as a community and alone. Their prayers were for the Church, the people of the world, and for those in need. Clare had a deep love for the Eucharist and often spent time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

Despite living in poverty, Clare of Assisi never complained. She believed that their life of prayer and poverty brought them closer to Christ, who had lived a poor and humble life. Clare saw poverty not as a burden but as a way to depend fully on God and grow in faith.

Clare’s commitment to poverty was so strong that she refused to change even when others suggested it. She turned down offers from Church leaders to make her community less strict. She wanted to remain faithful to the simple way of life that she had started with Saint Francis.

Through her life of prayer and poverty, Clare of Assisi showed that true happiness comes not from wealth or comfort, but from serving God with a humble heart. Her example continues to inspire many people today.

Saint Clare of Assisi is known for several miracles during her life. One of the most famous happened when Assisi was attacked by an army. The soldiers were about to invade the convent where Clare and her sisters lived. Clare, though sick at the time, asked to be carried to the gates, holding the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance. She prayed for God’s help, and suddenly, the enemy troops became frightened and fled without entering.

Another well-known story is about a time when the sisters had no food. Clare prayed, and soon, someone arrived with bread for the entire community. This kind of event happened more than once. People often brought them food just when they needed it most. Clare’s deep faith in God’s care was always answered.

Clare of Assisi herself experienced healing through prayer. Once, she was very ill, and the pope sent a special blessing to her. After receiving the blessing, Clare began to feel better. Though she suffered from sickness for much of her life, she continued to lead her sisters and remained strong in her faith.

One more miracle is connected to Clare of Assisi’s devotion to the Eucharist. Toward the end of her life, when Clare was too sick to attend Mass, it is said that she miraculously saw the Mass on the wall of her room. This is why she was later named the patron saint of television and those who cannot attend Mass.

These miracles and events show Clare’s deep trust in God’s care. Even in difficult moments, she turned to prayer and believed that God would provide. The stories of her life continue to inspire people to rely on God in all things.

Saint Clare of Assisi left a lasting spiritual legacy through her life and her writings. She did not write many works, but the few letters and rules she wrote have had a great impact. Her words reflect her deep love for God, her commitment to poverty, and her desire to live a simple life focused on Christ.

One of her most important writings is her Rule for the Poor Clares. This set of guidelines described how her community should live. Clare of Assisi’s Rule focused on poverty, prayer, and trusting in God. It was the first Rule for a religious order written by a woman to receive approval from the pope. Clare fought hard to make sure her Rule was accepted, and she succeeded just two days before her death.

Clare also wrote several letters to another noblewoman, Saint Agnes of Prague. In these letters, Clare encouraged Agnes to stay strong in her commitment to poverty and prayer. She reminded her to find joy in following Christ, even when it was difficult. These letters show Clare’s wisdom and her deep care for others who wanted to live the same life of poverty.

Clare of Assisi’s spiritual legacy also lives on in the order she founded. The Poor Clares continue to follow her example today, living in prayer and poverty in convents around the world. Their way of life is a testimony to Clare’s vision of following Christ with simplicity and trust.

Though she lived a hidden life, Clare’s influence has reached far beyond her small convent in Assisi. Her writings and example continue to inspire those who seek to live with humility, faith, and dedication to God. Her spiritual legacy is one of living for Christ with a pure and humble heart.

Saint Clare of Assisi was canonized by Pope Alexander IV on August 15, 1255, just two years after her death. Her life of prayer, poverty, and devotion to God had made a deep impression on the Church. Many people already considered her a saint because of her holy life and the miracles that took place through her prayers. The official recognition by the Church confirmed what many already believed.

Clare of Assisi’s feast day is celebrated on August 11. This is the day she passed from this life into eternal life. On this day, Catholics around the world remember her example of faith, simplicity, and trust in God. Many people pray for her intercession, asking her to help them grow closer to God by following her path of humility and love.

Saint Clare of Assisi is the patron saint of television, a title given to her by Pope Pius XII in 1958. This unusual title comes from the story of her miraculous vision of the Mass on the wall of her room when she was too sick to attend. Clare is also the patron saint of eye diseases and those who are blind, as well as of embroiderers and laundresses.

In art, Clare of Assisi is often shown holding a monstrance or a ciborium, symbols of her strong devotion to the Eucharist. The monstrance represents the Blessed Sacrament, which she held when she prayed for God’s protection during the attack on her convent. These symbols remind us of Clare’s deep love for Jesus in the Eucharist and her trust in His power.

She is also often shown holding a lamp. This is because her name means “clarity” and she is shining a light of clarity. She is also sometimes shown with lilies which symbolize purity.

The legacy of Saint Clare continues through the Poor Clares, the order she founded. Today, thousands of Poor Clare sisters live in convents around the world, following the simple way of life that Clare began. They live in poverty, prayer, and community, just as Clare taught them to do.

Clare’s life and example have inspired countless people over the centuries. Her focus on living for God alone and trusting Him completely offers a timeless message. She reminds us that true joy comes from giving our lives to God and serving others with humility and love.

Saint Clare’s life offers many lessons that we can still learn from today. One of the most important is her deep trust in God. Clare gave up everything—her family’s wealth, her comfortable life, and her own will—to follow Christ. In a world that often values money and success, Clare reminds us that true happiness comes from depending on God, not on material things.

Another lesson from Clare is the importance of simplicity. She lived a life free from distractions, focusing only on what mattered most—prayer and serving others. Today, it’s easy to get caught up in busy schedules and the constant noise of the world. Clare’s simple life encourages us to slow down and make time for prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness.

Clare also teaches us about the power of community. She did not live her faith alone, but with her sisters in the convent. Together, they supported each other in living a life of prayer and poverty. This shows us how important it is to have a community of faith, whether it’s our family, friends, or church, to help us grow closer to God and live out our values.

Her courage is another key lesson. Clare faced many challenges, from her family opposing her choice to follow Christ, to the hardships of living in poverty, to protecting her community during an attack. Yet she never wavered. Her example teaches us to be brave in standing up for our faith and values, even when it’s difficult.

Lastly, Clare’s love for prayer shows us that prayer is not just something we do in difficult times, but should be a regular part of our lives. Clare prayed constantly, not just for herself, but for others. She teaches us to turn to God in every situation, trusting that He is always present and ready to listen.

By following these lessons from Saint Clare’s life, we can grow in faith, live more simply, and trust in God’s care, no matter the challenges we face today.

Following the Path of Saint Clare

Saint Clare of Assisi’s life shows us what it means to fully trust in God and live simply. Clare gave up everything to follow Christ—her wealth, her comfort, and even her family. Her example makes us think about what we might need to let go of in our own lives. Whether it’s material things, distractions, or worries, Clare’s life encourages us to make space for God and live with more freedom and peace.

Clare also shows the value of prayer. She spent hours each day in prayer, not just for herself but for others. Her deep connection to God gave her the strength to face many challenges. We might not live in a convent or spend all day praying, but Clare reminds us that prayer should be a regular part of our lives. It’s through prayer that we grow closer to God and find the strength to face whatever comes our way.

Another lesson we can learn from Clare is about living in community. Clare didn’t walk her journey alone—she had her sisters by her side. In our lives, we are also called to walk with others, supporting one another in faith. Clare’s life reminds us of the importance of community, whether it’s our family, friends, or church, and how we can grow stronger together.

Finally, Clare teaches us about courage. She faced opposition from her family, sickness, and danger, but she never wavered in her faith. Clare’s courage challenges us to stand firm in our beliefs, even when it’s hard. Her life encourages us to trust in God’s strength and to live boldly, no matter the struggles we face.

Reflection Questions

• Where is God calling you to be more courageous in your life?
• What might you need to let go of to make more room for God in your life?
• How can you make prayer a more regular part of your day?
• Who are the people in your life that help you grow in faith, and how can you support them too?

The Beauty of Less

Saint Clare of Assisi gave up everything to live a simple life for God. Born into wealth, she chose poverty, prayer, and service instead. She believed that owning less made more room for joy, peace, and holiness.

Clare reminds us that we don’t need more to be fulfilled. Simplicity helps us see what really matters. When we let go of what we don’t need—possessions, distractions, and noise—we find space for God. Simplicity isn’t easy, but it’s freeing. And it opens the door to a deeper, more meaningful life.

Light of Assisi: The Story of Saint Clare

This book tells the story of Saint Clare of Assisi, a strong and faithful woman who followed Jesus and lived a simple life. She is often known as a friend of Saint Francis, but this book shows her own important role in the Franciscan way of life. It tells about her life from birth to death and explains how she helped shape the Church. The author uses simple language to help readers understand who Clare was and why she matters. It also explains why her story was not well known for many years and how people are now learning more about her.