Chiara Offreduccio more known as St. Clare of Assisi was born on July 16, 1194. She was the
eldest daughter of Favorino Scifi, Count of Sasso-Rosso and Ortolana also belonging to a
noble family. Her father owned a large palace in Assisi being a wealthy representative of
an ancient Roman family.
As a child, Chiara was most devoted to prayer. When she turned eighteen, she had a chance
to hear St.Francis of Assisi preached. This kindled a flame in her heart and desired to
imitate Francis and live a poor humble life for Jesus.
Clare decided to lay aside her privileged life and sought to imitate Francis' virtues and the Franciscan theology of joyous poverty in imitation of Christ. One evening, she ran away from home, proceeded to the humble chapel of the Porziuncula and gave herself to God. She became the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi.
She was temporarily placed by St. Francis in San Paolo with the Benedictine nuns then transferred to another monastery of the Benedictine nuns at Sant' Angelo in Panzo, then finally to the poor chapel of San Damiano, which Francis himself had rebuilt. Other women joined and thus the first community of the Order of Poor Ladies (Order of San Damiano) was founded. This is a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and their lives consisted of manual labour and prayer. St Claire led it for 40 years. Following
her death, the order was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare also known as the
Poor Clares.
St Claire died at the age of 59, two days after the pope confirmed the Rule of Life (the rule written by Claire for her community and is considered the first monastic rule written by a woman) to serve as the governing rule for St. Clare's Order.
Patronage:
Reflection:
Saint Clare is the patron saint of eye disease, goldsmiths, laundry, television, and needleworkers. Her connection to television stems from a legend where she was ill and unable to attend Mass, yet she reportedly saw and heard the Mass on the wall of her room, similar to watching television.
Prayer to Saint Clare:
"O Glorious Saint Clare! God has given you the power of working miracles continually, and the favor of answering the prayers of those who invoke your assistance in misfortune, anxiety, and distress; we beseech you, obtain for us from Jesus, through Mary, His Blessed Mother, what we beg of you so fervently and hopefully, if it be for the greater honor and glory of God and for the good of our souls. Amen."
Reflection:
Reflecting on Saint Clare's life invites us to consider the power of faith, simplicity, and dedication. Her decision to leave a life of luxury for one of poverty and prayer is a stark reminder of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the lasting value of spiritual wealth. Saint Clare's life encourages us to find strength in our faith, to trust in divine providence, and to serve others selflessly.
Saint Clare's devotion to a life of prayer and her deep connection with God through her humble and simple life is an inspiration. It challenges us to look beyond the material and find fulfillment and peace in our spiritual journey.
