Episode 1426: St Clare of Assisi

St. Clare of Assisi, also known as Saint Clare or Santa Chiara d'Assisi, was an Italian saint and one of the early followers of St. Francis of Assisi. She is the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, a religious order for women dedicated to a life of poverty, prayer, and service. Here is a brief biography of St. Clare:
Early Life:
St. Clare was born on July 16, 1194, in Assisi, Italy, to a noble and wealthy family. Her parents were Favarone Offreduccio and Ortolana di Fiumi. The family's social status ensured that Clare received a privileged upbringing, with access to education and the comforts of noble life.
Early Religious Inclinations:
From an early age, Clare demonstrated a strong inclination towards piety and devotion. She was deeply influenced by the religious fervor that was sweeping through Italy during her time, particularly the radical and counter-cultural teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. Clare was drawn to a life of simplicity, humility, and service to God.
Encounter with St. Francis:
The turning point in Clare's life came when she heard St. Francis preach during Lent. His words resonated deeply with her, and she felt a profound calling to dedicate her life to Christ in a radical way. She sought guidance from St. Francis, who recognized her sincerity and shared his vision of a life of poverty and devotion to God.
Escape from Home:
In 1212, when Clare was about 18 years old, she made a daring decision to leave her family's home and follow her newfound calling. On the night of Palm Sunday, she secretly left her home and, with the help of St. Francis and his friars, made her way to the chapel of the Porziuncola. There, St. Francis cut her hair, symbolizing her renunciation of worldly life, and she exchanged her rich garments for a simple robe.
The Order of Poor Ladies:
Clare's departure from her family caused great consternation, and her father attempted to bring her back home. However, Clare's determination and commitment to her chosen path were unwavering. She was joined by her younger sister Agnes and other women who were inspired by her example. This marked the beginning of the community of women known as the Poor Ladies, or later, the Poor Clares.
Life of Simplicity and Devotion:
Clare and her companions dedicated themselves to a life of radical poverty, prayer, and service. They embraced a lifestyle of austerity, humility, and reliance on God's providence. They lived in a small house near the church of San Damiano in Assisi, where they supported themselves through manual labor and the generosity of others.

St. Clare's early life showcases her remarkable courage and deep spiritual yearning. Her decision to leave behind her privileged upbringing and embrace a life of poverty and devotion exemplifies her commitment to living out the teachings of Christ and St. Francis. This early period laid the foundation for her eventual role as the founder of the Poor Clares and her enduring legacy as a saint and spiritual leader.

She was a contemporary of St. Francis of Assisi, who founded the Franciscan Order. From a young age, Clare was deeply influenced by the teachings of St. Francis and his commitment to living a life of simplicity, humility, and devotion to God.

Conversion:
In 1212, when Clare was around 18 years old, she heard St. Francis preach during Lent and was deeply moved by his message. She felt a strong calling to follow a life of poverty and devotion to Christ. On Palm Sunday of that year, Clare left her family's home in a secret and daring escape to join St. Francis and his followers.

Foundation of the Poor Clares:
Clare initially sought refuge with St. Francis and his fellow friars at the Porziuncola, a small chapel near Assisi. Soon, other young women, including her sister Agnes, joined her in her quest for a life of radical poverty and prayer. They lived a simple and austere life, dedicated to serving God and those in need.
San Damiano:
In 1215, Clare and her companions moved to the Church of San Damiano, a small chapel located just outside the walls of Assisi. This became the permanent residence of Clare and the foundation of the Poor Clares. The women lived a life of simplicity, prayer, and manual labor, following the ideals of poverty and humility as outlined by St. Francis.

Rule of Life:
Clare, with the guidance of St. Francis, developed a simple and strict rule for her community. This rule was based on the teachings of St. Francis and emphasized a life of poverty, chastity, obedience, and seclusion from the world. The women were to live without personal possessions, work with their hands, and devote themselves to a life of prayer and contemplation.

Papal Approval:
In 1216, Pope Innocent III granted Clare and her companions the privilege of living a life of poverty, officially recognizing their community. However, Clare desired a more formal rule for her order. She worked diligently to compose a more comprehensive rule that would guide the lives of the Poor Clares in accordance with their values.

Approval of the Rule:
In 1253, Pope Innocent IV finally approved Clare's rule for the Order of Poor Ladies. This marked a significant milestone for the community, as it provided them with a clear framework for their way of life. The rule reinforced the emphasis on poverty, seclusion, and prayer, allowing the order to grow and flourish.

Expansion and Influence:
Under Clare's leadership, the Poor Clares expanded beyond San Damiano to establish other monasteries across Europe. Clare's influence and reputation attracted women from various social backgrounds who were drawn to her vision of a life dedicated to Christ and simplicity.

Clare's Leadership and Legacy:
Throughout her life, Clare demonstrated strong leadership and spiritual guidance. She nurtured the spiritual growth of her sisters, offered counsel, and lived a life of humility and service. She also corresponded with other religious figures of her time, including St. Francis and St. Agnes of Prague.

St. Clare's foundation of the Poor Clares provided a lasting testament to her dedication to a life of radical poverty, prayer, and service. The order she established continues to exist today, with communities of women around the world following in her footsteps, embracing a life of simplicity and devotion.
St. Clare's dedication to poverty inspired her to found the Order of Poor Ladies (later called the Poor Clares) in 1215. The order was based on Franciscan spirituality and emphasized a life of prayer, seclusion, manual labor, and dependence on divine providence. St. Clare wrote a rule for her order, seeking papal approval, which she eventually obtained from Pope Innocent IV in 1253.

Spiritual Legacy:
St. Clare's profound devotion to Christ, humility, and commitment to poverty made her a revered figure both during her lifetime and after her death. She was known for her ability to counsel and guide others in their spiritual journeys. St. Clare and her sisters played a significant role in the religious life of Assisi and beyond, spreading the ideals of poverty and simplicity.

St. Francis and St. Clare had a close spiritual bond and a profound mutual respect for each other. St. Francis recognized Clare's sincerity and devotion to the ideals he preached, and he supported her in her quest for a life of poverty and prayer. He served as a mentor and spiritual guide to her, offering guidance and counsel as she established the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares.

Their relationship was characterized by a deep spiritual friendship and a shared vision of living a radical Christian life. St. Francis held Clare in high regard for her commitment to his teachings and her dedication to a life of poverty and service. While they had a strong connection and worked closely together, there is no historical basis to suggest that their relationship was romantic in nature.

Death and Canonization:
St. Clare lived a life of piety and service, often enduring personal hardships and health issues. She died on August 11, 1253, at the age of 59. St. Clare was canonized by Pope Alexander IV just two years after her death, in 1255. Her feast day is celebrated on August 11th.
Miracles
St. Clare of Assisi is associated with several miracles, both during her lifetime and after her death. These miracles are often attributed to her intercession and her deep faith. While many stories of miracles have been passed down through tradition, it's important to note that historical records and documentation from that time can be limited. Here are a few examples of miracles attributed to St. Clare:

The Siege of Assisi (1240): One of the most well-known miracles attributed to St. Clare occurred during the siege of Assisi in 1240. The city was under attack by an army of Saracen mercenaries. Clare, who was too ill to leave her bed, is said to have displayed the Blessed Sacrament (the Eucharist) at the convent window, facing the enemy. It is believed that the sight of the Blessed Sacrament caused the attackers to flee in fear, and the city was spared.

Miraculous Healing: St. Clare is said to have performed various healings during her lifetime. There are accounts of her curing illnesses and ailments through her prayers and intercession.

Multiplication of Food: There are stories of St. Clare providing sustenance for her sisters in times of need. In one account, when the convent was in dire need of food, Clare is said to have prayed and miraculously multiplied the loaves of bread available.

Appearing in a Vision: After her death, there are accounts of St. Clare appearing in visions to offer guidance, comfort, and assistance to those in need. Some individuals claimed to have been visited by her spirit, often providing solace and direction.

Protection from Danger: There are stories of people invoking St. Clare's intercession for protection from various dangers, including storms and other life-threatening situations. It is believed that those who called upon her were granted safety and deliverance.

Curing of Blindness: There are accounts of St. Clare restoring sight to individuals who were blind or suffering from various eye ailments.

It's important to remember that these stories of miracles are often passed down through tradition and may have evolved over time. While the Catholic Church investigates and evaluates claims of miracles before canonizing a saint, not all stories are universally accepted as factual. The focus on St. Clare's life and legacy should encompass her devotion, piety, and her role in founding the Order of Poor Ladies (Poor Clares), which has had a lasting impact on religious life.
St. Clare's legacy continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace a life of devotion, simplicity, and selflessness. The Poor Clares, the order she founded, still exists today, and her influence is felt in various communities dedicated to living out the principles of her spirituality.