The feast day of St. Clare of Assisi is celebrated on August 11. St. Clare was born to a wealthy family in Assisi, Italy on July 16, 1194. At the age of 15 she refused to marry as her parents wished her to do. When she heard St. Francis speak on Palm Sunday, she left home to join him at San Damiano. She took a vow of poverty after which St. Francis cut off her long hair and gave her a brown habit to wear. She was later followed by her sister Agnes and her mother. The ladies who followed St. Francis became known as “The Poor Ladies.” After Clare eventually was named Abbess they became known as “The Poor Clares.”
The Poor Clares went barefoot, ate no meat and observed almost complete silence. They lived an enclosed life, away from the world. The Poor Clares actually predated the Franciscans which was later founded by St. Francis. St. Clare saw St. Francis as a spiritual father figure and cared for him during his illness and at the end of his life in 1226.
St. Clare died in Assisi on August 11, 1253. She was discovered to be incorrupt on September 23,1850 when her coffin was opened. Her body can be viewed in the crypt at Santa Chiara, Italy.
St. Clare was canonized by Pope Alexander in 1255.
Love Him totally
who gave Himself totally
for your love.
Quote of St. Clare of Assisi
St. Clare of Assisi in Art
Altarpiece of St. Clare of Assisi
Public Domain Image
The feast day of St. Leopold is celebrated on May 12.
St. Leopold was born in Croatia, Italy. He joined the Capuchin Franciscans and was ordained even though he had disabilities and health problems. He had a speech impediment which made it difficult to preach. He also suffered from severe arthritis, poor eyesight and a stomach ailment. His vocation became that of a confessor. He was known to spend as many as 15 hours a day hearing confessions. Several bishops were known to seek his spiritual direction. He was often criticized for his compassion and leniency. He was very understanding and caring towards expectant mothers and children. This led to his work starting orphanages.
St. Leopold wanted to become a missionary and work for the reunion between Roman Catholics and Orthodoxy. Because of his health he was unable to travel but unity was constantly in his prayers. He became known as the Apostle of Confession and Unity.
Most of his life St. Leopold lived in Padua, Italy. However, because he did not want to renounce his Croatian nationality he spent one year in prison during World War I.
St. Leopold had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He often prayed the Rosary. He also received the Eucharist daily and visited the sick in nursing homes.
St. Leopold died from esophagus cancer on July 30, 1942. While he was dying the friars gathered around him and sang the Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen). St. Leopold was canonized in 1982 by Pope John Paul II..
You have become an ornament to heaven,
O Mother of God, and a light for all the earth!
Quote of St. Germanus of Constantinople; Feast day May 12
The feast day of Bl. Luke Belludi is celebrated on Feb. 24.  Bl. Luke was born in 1200 in Padua, Italy. In the year 1220 Bl. Luke was a student at the University in Padua.  Bl. Luke is the patron saint of students.
Luke happened to hear St. Anthony of Paduapreach. Afterwards, he approached him asking if he could become a Franciscan. St. Anthony recommended him to St. Francis. St. Luke became St. Anthony’s assistant while preaching and traveled with him. During St. Anthony’s dying days, Bl. Luke was at his side. After St. Anthony’s death, Bl. Luke was elected to take his place.
When a violent regime took control of Padua, Bl. Luke was exiled. He soon returned secretly. While he and another Franciscan were praying at the tomb of St. Anthony, they heard a voice which reassured them that their prayers for Padua would soon be answered. It was not long before Padua was liberated.
St. Anthony’s body is enshrined at the Basilica which was finished under the supervision of Bl. Luke. He became known as a miracle worker. Bl. Luke died of natural causes in 1285.
It is not enough to remove the arrow from the body.  We also have to heal the wound caused by the arrow.   It is the same with the soul after we have received forgiveness for our sins; we have to heal the wound that remains through penance.
