St. Clare of Assisi

Feast Day: August 11

“Love God, serve God; everything is in that.” – St. Clare of Assisi

Foundress of the Poor Clares and Bride of Christ

St. Clare of Assisi is honored as the foundress of the Poor Clares, a contemplative order of nuns dedicated to prayer, poverty, and simplicity. Her feast day, celebrated on August 11, commemorates her life of radical love for Christ, humility, and unwavering trust in God’s providence.

A Noblewoman Drawn to Christ

Clare was born in 1194 in Assisi, Italy, to a noble and wealthy family. Inspired by the preaching and example of St. Francis of Assisi, Clare felt a deep call to leave her worldly life behind and follow Christ in a life of poverty and prayer.

A Radical Commitment to Poverty

On Palm Sunday in 1212, Clare secretly left her home and met Francis and his brothers at the Portiuncula chapel, where she cut off her hair, exchanged her fine clothes for a simple habit, and dedicated herself entirely to God.

She soon established a community of women at the San Damiano convent, living a life of radical poverty, manual labor, and constant prayer, fully trusting in God’s providence for all their needs.

Defender of Her Sisters and Her City

Clare became the abbess of her community and fiercely protected the privilege of poverty, refusing offers of endowments or material support. When the Saracens attacked Assisi, Clare, though weak and ill, confronted them by holding up the Blessed Sacrament, praying for protection. The attackers fled, and the city was spared.

A Life of Holiness and Deep Prayer

Despite frequent illness, Clare remained joyful, humble, and devoted to Christ. She spent her days in Eucharistic adoration, prayer, and caring for her sisters, becoming a spiritual mother to her order and to many others who sought her counsel.

Patron of Television and the Poor

St. Clare is the patron saint of television, embroiderers, and the poor. The title of patron of television was given because, when too ill to attend Mass, she miraculously saw and heard the liturgy projected on the wall of her room—an early “broadcast” by divine grace.

A Witness to Trust, Simplicity, and Love of Christ

St. Clare’s life reminds the faithful that trusting completely in God frees the soul for perfect joy and perfect love. Her radical embrace of the Gospel continues to inspire those seeking a life of simplicity, prayer, and total devotion to Christ.

St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us!