Who is St. Clare?

St. Francis is well known for giving up his personal wealth and the founding of the monastic order now known as the Franciscans.

At the first gathering of that order in 1212, Francis preached a sermon that would change a young woman's life forever. History tells us that Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) was a well-known beauty born into a wealthy family. After hearing Francis preach, 18-year-old Clare turned her back on that world and begged to join his order.

Francis was supportive, and Clare persevered against the objections of family and friends. Other women joined her in a humble dwelling located near the church of San Damiano, and Clare became Mother Superior of an order that became known as the "Poor Ladies of St. Damian." In more recent times, the order has been called "The Poor Clares".

Clare's order lived by a strict rule of absolute poverty, and the women spent their days engaging in acts of mercy toward the poor and neglected. Clare led the order for forty years. She suffered poor health all her life; in her final illness, Clare was visited by devoted followers, by priests, and even by the Pope - all of whom were all drawn to her saintly example.

On her last day here on earth, Clare spoke these words to those surrounding her bedside, "Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he that created you has sanctified you, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be God, for having created me."

If you choose to worship with us at St. Clare's one day, you will hear these words echoed in the form of a final blessing before you go out into our community to love and serve the Lord and our neighbors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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