Saint Clare

Saint Clare of Assisi was born in Italy in 1194. She grew up in a wealthy family, but she always felt that there was something more to life than wealth and comfort. She lived in a time when the church and society were changing. In the town of Assisi, people were starting to listen to the teachings of a man named Francis. Francis of Assisi was a young man who gave up his rich life to follow Jesus. He lived a simple life and taught others to do the same. His teachings inspired many people, including Clare.

Clare came from a noble family, and she was well-known for her beauty and charm. But despite the luxury and the good things she had, Clare felt a deep desire to live a life of faith. When she was eighteen, she heard about Francis and his way of life. Francis believed that the best way to follow Jesus was to live a simple life, full of prayer and service to others. Clare was inspired by his example, and she decided that she wanted to live the same way.

One night, Clare ran away from her family home. She went to see Francis, and she asked him if she could live as he did. Francis was pleased by her decision and helped her to find a place where she could live a simple and prayerful life. Clare went to a small house near Assisi where she could devote herself to God. She shaved her head and wore a plain dress, which was a sign of her dedication to God. She made a vow to live in poverty, just like Francis, and to serve God with all her heart.

Soon, other women came to join Clare in her new way of life. They became known as the Poor Clares. They lived in the same way that Clare did, following the teachings of Francis. The Poor Clares lived in poverty, did not own anything, and focused all their energy on prayer and helping others. They lived a simple and peaceful life, caring for the sick, poor, and those in need. They trusted in God’s love and never worried about material things.

Clare was a strong leader for the Poor Clares. She took care of the sisters in the community and made sure that they were always focused on their mission to serve God. She spent many hours praying, and her love for God was deep and sincere. Clare was known for her kindness and humility. She never wanted to be recognized or praised for the good work she did. Instead, she always pointed others to God, saying that it was God who deserved all the praise and glory.

One of the most famous stories about Saint Clare is when the city of Assisi was attacked by soldiers. The Poor Clares were living in a small convent, and the soldiers wanted to take over the city. Clare knew that the sisters were in danger, so she went to the chapel to pray. She held up the Blessed Sacrament, the body of Jesus in the Eucharist, and begged God for protection. Miraculously, the soldiers turned away and did not harm the city or the sisters. This story is remembered as a sign of Clare’s strong faith and her deep trust in God’s protection.

Saint Clare was not only a leader of the Poor Clares but also an example of humility and simplicity. She taught others to follow Jesus through prayer, service, and loving others. She believed that living a simple life was the best way to follow Jesus. Clare spent her life serving God and others, and she became a saint because of her deep love for God and her dedication to the poor and the sick. She died in 1253, and she was declared a saint by the Church in 1255.

Today, the Poor Clares are still active around the world. They continue to live in poverty and prayer, helping those in need and spreading the message of God’s love. Saint Clare is the patron saint of television, as she is said to have had a vision of Mass while she was too ill to attend. Her life teaches us to live humbly, trust in God’s plan for us, and serve others with love and kindness.

Reflection

1. Living a Simple Life
Saint Clare’s story teaches us the value of living a simple life. While many people today seek wealth and material things, Clare reminds us that true happiness and peace come from living a life focused on God and others. By living simply, we can find joy in the little things and focus on what really matters—our relationship with God and the people around us.

2. Trusting in God’s Plan
Throughout her life, Saint Clare trusted in God’s plan for her. She left her comfortable life to follow what she felt God was calling her to do. This trust in God’s plan helped her to face many challenges, and it reminds us that when we trust God, He will guide us through every difficulty. We can always find comfort knowing that God is with us and will lead us in the right direction.

3. Humility and Service
Saint Clare was known for her humility. She never sought fame or recognition. She always gave the credit to God for the good work she did. Her life teaches us to serve others quietly, without seeking praise. We should work to help others with love, just as Saint Clare did, and always give God the glory for our efforts.

4. Faith and Prayer
Saint Clare’s life was centered around prayer. She spent many hours in prayer, asking God for guidance and strength. She also trusted in the power of prayer to bring about miracles, such as when she protected her community from the attacking soldiers. Saint Clare’s example shows us the power of prayer and the importance of keeping our hearts focused on God, especially in times of trouble.

Prayer

Dear God,
Thank You for the example of Saint Clare, who showed us how to live simply, trust in Your plan, and serve others with humility and love. Help us to follow her example by living a life focused on You, trusting in Your guidance, and helping those in need. Give us the strength to pray always and to rely on You in all things. May we, like Saint Clare, use our lives to bring glory to You.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.