St. Clare of Assisi – A Beacon of Brightness
Part 6: Heroes & Heroines of Faith Help Show Us the Way
St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253)
We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.
St. Clare of Assisi
Throughout Christendom, women have embraced the message of Jesus and have played significant roles in spreading the Gospel. Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of those women—St. Clare of Assisi.
Following the death of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Gregory IX commissioned Thomas of Celano to write his biography, entitled First Life of Saint Francis. Intertwined with Francis’ story is that of St. Clare.
Thomas recounts Francis’ repair of San Damiano church, and how “he zealously repaired it in a short time.” Soon after the repair was completed, San Damiano became a convent for the Poor Clares (officially, Order of Poor Ladies), which was begun by a young woman who desired to follow Jesus in the tradition of Francis. Here is how Thomas described Clare:
She was noble by family, but nobler by grace; a virgin in her flesh, most chaste in her mind; youthful in age, but hoary [old] in spirit; steadfast in purpose and most ardent in longing after the Divine love; endued with wisdom and eminent in humility; bright (clara) in name; brighter in life; brightest in character.
One of my favorite photos from our time in Italy is this one, which shows a group of young nuns who reside at the still operational convent at San Damiano. Below the photo is a quote from Clare, which I imagine almost 800 years later continues to guide the sisters of the Poor Clares.
Loving one another with the charity of Christ, let the love you have in your hearts be shown outwardly in your deeds so that compelled by such an example, the sisters may also grow in the love of God and charity for one another.
St. Clare of Assisi
The Basilica de Santa Chiara, a beautiful church in the heart of Assisi, is dedicated to St. Clare and contains her remains. This painting is one housed in the basilica.
Our labor here is brief, but the reward is eternal. Do not be disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes like a shadow. Do not let false delights of a deceptive world deceive you.
St. Clare of Assisi
Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me.
St. Clare of Assisi
Blessings to you and upon the good work God created you to do,
