In this week’s episode of Saint of the Week, we spotlight Saint Clare of Assisi, a noblewoman-turned-mystic who gave up a life of comfort to follow Christ in radical poverty. As the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies (now known as the Poor Clares), she became a spiritual sister and close collaborator of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Early Life
Clare was born on July 16, 1194, in Assisi, Italy, into a wealthy noble family. From a young age, she showed signs of deep piety, rejecting luxurious clothing and meals, and dedicating herself to prayer.
Her life took a defining turn after hearing Saint Francis preach during Lent of 1212. Inspired by his message of Gospel poverty, Clare secretly left her family home on Palm Sunday to join Francis and his brothers at the Portiuncula, where she renounced her worldly life and received a simple habit.
Clare took refuge in the Benedictine convent of San Paolo, and soon after, her younger sister Agnes joined her. Eventually, they settled at San Damiano, where Clare established a new monastic community dedicated to poverty, contemplation, and service.
She wrote the Rule of Life for the Poor Ladies — the first monastic rule known to be written by a woman — insisting on absolute poverty, refusing all property ownership. Pope Innocent IV approved it shortly before her death in 1253.
A Life of Miracles and Faith
Clare lived a life of severe austerity but was known for her kindness, wisdom, and spiritual strength. One of the most famous stories about her involves the defense of her convent during a Saracen attack. As enemy forces approached, Clare held up the Blessed Sacrament at the convent gates, and the attackers miraculously fled.
Though physically frail, Clare radiated strength through her prayer and deep union with God. She suffered for many years with illness but remained joyful and faithful.
Death and Canonization
Saint Clare died on August 11, 1253, at the age of 59. She was canonized just two years later in 1255 by Pope Alexander IV. Her body is preserved in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi.
She is the patron saint of tele-vision, the sick, eye disorders, and goldsmiths. Pope Pius XII declared her the patroness of television in 1958 due to a tradition that Clare, though bedridden, was able to miraculously see and hear Mass projected on her wall.
Legacy and Lessons
Saint Clare’s life reminds us that radical simplicity and love for God can bring great strength and impact. She teaches us the value of silence, prayer, and spiritual sisterhood. Her courage in standing firm in her Rule — even when pressured to compromise — is a testament to her integrity and faith.
Her order continues today with thousands of Poor Clare sisters around the world living lives of prayer and poverty.
Saint Clare shows us the power of letting go of worldly wealth in favor of spiritual riches. Her commitment to Christ in poverty, prayer, and sisterhood continues to inspire those seeking a deeper, more purposeful life.
Join us next week for another powerful episode of Saint of the Week!
