St. Clare, Virgin

St. Clare was born in Assisi in 1193 or 1194 and—moved by the example and preaching of Francis of Assisi (see October 4)—she determined (1211) to follow his way of life. She divested herself of her possessions and, against her family’s wishes, she went to live in poverty with Francis and his followers. She received the habit from him at the Portiuncula in March 1212, and she set about living a penitential and ascetical life. For a monastery, Francis gave Clare an old house near the Church of San Damiano, a short distance from Assisi. She was soon joined by her younger sister Agnes; then their mother, Ortolana, asked to join them; and finally their sister Beatrice also joined. In 1215, Francis appointed Clare superior of the community. Their way of life was most penitential: sleeping on the ground, not eating meat, wearing only sandals, and speaking only when there was need. From about 1225 until her death, Clare was almost constantly ill, no doubt a condition brought on by her extreme penitential practices. Through her great love for the Blessed Sacrament, she was successful, in 1243, in preserving her convent and the city of Assisi from raiding Saracens. She died on August 11, 1253, and devotion to her became so widespread that she was canonized two years later, on August 15, 1255, by Pope Alexander IV. Today’s prayer reminds us that the love of poverty that Clare lived and had in her heart was inspired by God. The religious communities that follow her rule are today known as Poor Clares.