- Saint Clare of Assisi (1194 - 1253)
Today is the feast day of Saint Clare of Assisi. Clare was born in Assisi, Italy to noble parents in 1194. She was very beautiful, and her parents wanted her to marry but she refused at the age of 15. She had been deeply moved by the preaching of Saint Francis, and decided in her heart that she would give her life up to Jesus. In the middle of the night, Clare ran away from home to a little chapel called the Portincula, and there Saint Francis cut Clare's long hair (symbolizing her detachment from the world), gave her a rough brown habit and a belt of knotted rope. Francis placed her in a Benedictine convent, and there she stayed. Her parents were furious once they heard what had happened, and her father and some of his men came to the convent to get her. Clare clung to the altar and refused to leave with them. Sixteen days later, Clare's sister Agnes came to live in the convent as well. After a while, others came to join the two sisters, and they formed an order that became known as the Poor Clares. The Poor Clares lived a very simple life that consisted of poverty, austerity, and seclusion, according to the rule that Saint Francis set out for them. When Clare was 21, she became abbess, an office which she kept until her death. Towards the end of her life, Clare became very sick, and at the age of 59, she passed away. Clare is known as the patron saint of sore eyes.
Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us!
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