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
August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
