Saint13th century · Feast August 11
Also known as Chiara Offreduccio
Noblewoman who left everything to follow Christ in poverty, founding a contemplative community that endures today.
Inspired by Francis, Clare fled her family home as a young woman and received the habit at the Portiuncula. She led the Poor Ladies at San Damiano for forty years, defending their radical poverty against papal pressure to soften it.
Female religious life in the thirteenth century was reshaped by movements of poverty and lay devotion. Clare's insistence on strict poverty was itself an act of leadership.
Contemplation, poverty and steady friendship in Christ.
Clare witnesses to the strength of hidden lives and the courage of contemplative prayer.
People turn to St Clare of Assisi in matters of:
God of stillness, by the example of St Clare draw us into contemplation and to a joyful freedom from what we do not need. Amen.
1194
Born in Assisi
1212
Receives the habit from Francis
1253
Dies at San Damiano
August 11 · Other
St Clare of Assisi
Source-quality status: unverified prototype
Saint13th century · Feast October 4
Merchant's son turned poor brother, whose radical simplicity renewed the medieval Church and continues to move the world.
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Carmelite nun whose 'little way' of trust and love has quietly transformed modern spirituality.