Today the Church celebrates Saint Clare of Assisi, one of the first followers of Saint Francis and foundress of the community that would become known as the Poor Clares.
Born in Assisi in 1193 or 1194 into a wealthy family, Clare was deeply moved by the preaching and example of Saint Francis of Assisi and his radical commitment to living the Gospel.
At around the age of 18, Clare secretly left her family home and travelled to the small chapel of the Portiuncula, where Francis and his brothers received her. There, her hair was cut and she exchanged her fine clothes for a simple religious habit, beginning a new life dedicated entirely to Christ.
Despite strong opposition from her family, Clare remained steadfast. Her younger sister Agnes soon joined her, followed by other women. Their community settled at San Damiano, outside Assisi, where they embraced a life centred on prayer, fraternity, service and Gospel poverty.
Clare became abbess of the community and remained so until her death. She cared particularly for her sick sisters and, despite suffering serious illness herself for many years, continued to guide the growing community.
Like Francis, Clare believed that following Christ meant placing complete trust in God. She worked throughout her life to preserve her community’s commitment to poverty. Shortly before her death, Pope Innocent IV approved her Rule, the first Rule written by a woman for a community of women to receive papal approval.
A famous tradition recalls that when San Damiano was threatened by attackers, Clare placed her trust in Christ and prayed before the Blessed Sacrament for the protection of her sisters. The attackers withdrew.
Saint Clare died on 11 August 1253 and was canonised just two years later by Pope Alexander IV.
Her life continues to remind us that our greatest treasure is found not in possessions, but in giving ourselves completely to Christ.
🙏 Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us.
