St. Clare of Assisi

St. Clare of Assisi, born in 1194 in Assisi, Italy, was a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church and a close companion of St. Francis of Assisi. Born into a wealthy noble family, Clare was deeply moved by the teachings of St. Francis, who preached a life of poverty, humility, and devotion to Christ. At the age of 18, she renounced her privileged life and, inspired by Francis, fled her home to dedicate herself to God. On Palm Sunday in 1212, she received the habit from St. Francis and founded the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, a monastic community for women committed to a life of poverty, prayer, and simplicity. Clare’s order was revolutionary for its time, as it emphasized radical poverty and reliance on divine providence. She served as the abbess of the San Damiano monastery, where she lived for over 40 years, guiding her sisters with wisdom and humility. Despite her frail health, Clare remained steadfast in her devotion, even defending her monastery from invaders through her faith and the power of the Eucharist.