Saint Clare was born Chiara Offreduccio in Assisi in 1194. She followed her fellow citizen, Saint Francis, in a life of poverty and became mother and foundress of an order of nuns, the “Poor Clares” in Assisi. The Poor Clares were devoted to Our Lord and led a very active and fulfilling life, even though their convent was kept silent most of the time for prayer. Saint Agnes, Clare’s biological sister, joined the order along with her sister shortly after it was founded.
One of the most significant miracles attributed to Clare happened when an army of soldiers raided Assisi and planned to attack the convent first. Clare carried the Blessed Sacrament out to the wall of Assisi, although very sick, to where the enemy could see It and prayed that the Poor Clares be spared from the attack. A voice answered her, “I will keep them always in My care.” At this moment, the soldiers were struck with fear and immediately fled from Assisi.
Saint Clare is the patron Saint of television because during her life when she was too ill to attend Mass, she was apparently able to see and hear Mass on the wall of her room.
She died on August 11 in 1253.
Deus, qui beátam Claram ad Paupertátis amórem misericórditer adduxisti, eius nobis intercessióne concéde, ut, in paupertäte spíritus Christum sequéntes, at tui contemplatiónem in cælésti regna perveníre mereámur. Per Dóminum.
God of mercy,
you inspired Saint Clare with the love of poverty.
By the help of her prayers
may we follow Christ in poverty of spirit
and come to the joyful vision of your glory
in the kingdom of heaven.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
