Your Faith Journey with EWTN
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
July 16, 1194–August 11, 1253
Patron Saint of television, computers, embroiderers, laundry workers, eye disease, and the Poor Clares
St. Clare of Assisi was one of the first followers of Francis of Assisi and the foundress of the Order of Poor Ladies of San Damiano, later known as the Poor Clares. Through her life of radical poverty, contemplative prayer, and complete trust in God, she helped shape one of the Church’s great spiritual traditions.
Born into a noble family in Assisi, Italy, around 1194, Clare grew up surrounded by wealth and privilege. From an early age, however, she desired a life devoted entirely to God. She was especially inspired by the preaching and example of Francis of Assisi, whose call to simplicity and Gospel poverty deeply moved her heart.
On Palm Sunday night in 1212, Clare secretly left her family home and met Francis and his companions at the chapel of the Portiuncula. There, she renounced her noble status and dedicated herself completely to Christ. Francis cut her hair as a sign of her new life of consecration.
After a brief stay with Benedictine nuns, she settled at the church of San Damiano outside Assisi. Other women soon joined her, including her sister Agnes. Her mother also joined the order after her husband died. Clare became abbess of the monastery and guided the sisters with wisdom and gentleness for more than 40 years.
She strongly defended the “Privilege of Poverty.” The Poor Clare order owned no property and relied entirely on God’s Providence. Pope Gregory IX offered the Poor Clares assistance through an annual income, believing that the vow of absolute poverty was too harsh for women. Clare replied, “Your holiness, I need to be absolved from my sin, but I do not wish to be absolved from my obligation to follow Jesus.”
Despite periods of serious illness, she faithfully served her sisters and drew strength from her deep devotion to the Eucharist. Tradition recounts that during an attack on Assisi, she prayed for protection, raising the Blessed Sacrament before the convent doors. Immediately, the attackers scattered and retreated, sparing both her convent and city.
St. Clare of Assisi died on August 11, 1253, and was canonized by Pope Alexander IV only two years later.
Several miraculous events have been attributed to Clare. Her most famous miracle involves the Eucharist. When Saracen mercenaries scaling the walls of her convent threatened the nuns at San Damiano, Clare confronted the invaders, although she was gravely ill. She held up a Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament toward the convent walls. The attackers fled in panic without harming the convent or the town. She also multiplied a single loaf of bread, which miraculously fed 50 sisters and local friars. On another occasion, her blessing completely refilled empty jars of oil in the convent. Once, a heavy convent door fell directly on top of her, but she remained completely unharmed, later stating it felt “no heavier than a blanket.” She is also credited with curing the sick and restoring sight to the blind.
Clare was named the patron saint of television by Pope Pius XII in 1958 because of an event described in her later traditions and biographies. Near the end of her life, when illness prevented her from attending Mass, Clare had a vision where she saw and heard the entire Christmas liturgy projected on the wall of her dormitory. Because this experience resembled the transmission of images and sound from afar, she came to be associated with television and other modern media. Catholics often ask for her intercession for those working in communications and broadcasting.
The “Privilege of Poverty” was a special papal permission that allowed St. Clare’s community to live without owning property or having permanent sources of income. In medieval Europe, most monasteries possessed land or wealth to support themselves, but Clare sought to imitate Christ’s poverty as completely as possible, working tirelessly to secure the papal approval of this way of life. For years, Church officials urged her to accept financial assistance from the Church for her convent at San Damiano. She steadfastly refused these offers, fighting until her death to make her “radical poverty” vision a reality. Shortly before her death, she finally received confirmation of her Rule, thereby preserving the ideal of the Franciscan vow of poverty, which became central to the Poor Clares’ identity.
Filled with beautiful images and quotes, this free eBook will encourage you to run to Our Lady and call upon her to guide you in the path of holiness. Use the form to let us know where we can send you the eBook The Pondering Heart of Mary.
Join Teresa Tomeo on a spiritual journey in Italy! In this free video series, you’ll walk in the foot steps of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare of Assisi, and St. Carlo Acutis. Explore the places where they lived, prayed, and learned to surrender themselves to God. Most importantly, we’ll be inspired by their examples to grow stronger in our Catholic Faith as we, too, seek to become saints.
Witness the Eucharistic devotion and spirituality of the Franciscan Order in this EWTN original docudrama on St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Paschal Baylon, and St. Pio.
Brother Owen Sadlier of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, New York, explores the fascinating subject of Franciscan spirituality and how it provides guidance for your own spiritual growth. In this episode, he discusses the life of St. Clare.
The Italian city of Assisi gave rise to two of history’s most celebrated saints. “Miracle Hunter” Michael O’Neill follows the trail of St. Francis, the first to bear the stigmata, and St. Clare, his wonder-working follower.
The hilltop town of Assisi is as holy as it is charming. Fr. Leo Patalinghug introduces its famous residents—St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Carlo Acutis—and cooks up a recipe that celebrates the gifts of Assisi.
Be inspired to follow in the footsteps of the saints. Subscribe to receive the Daily Saint, featuring a brief biography delivered to your inbox each day.
Start now and let the intercession and witness of the saints draw you closer to God.
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
STEP 1
We’re here to serve you. Let us help you complete your gift with confidence.
Send a message to Mission Advancement.
Guidance for DAFs, stock, IRA, and more.
Manage your gifts and preferences.
