Founder of the Poor Clares.

Saint Clare of Assisi

Discover Saint Clare of Assisi – her feast day, miraculous life, enduring legacy, and the path to sainthood that inspires Catholic wisdom.

Saint Clare of Assisi

Saint Clare of Assisi's Feast Day

August 11

Where Saint Clare of Assisi Is Buried

Basilica of St. Clare, Assisi, Italy.

Discover His Story

The Life of Saint Clare of Assisi

Saint Clare of Assisi

Saint Clare was born into a noble family in Assisi and felt a deep call to serve God from an early age. Inspired by the humble example of St. Francis, she chose a life of poverty, prayer, and total devotion to Christ. Her commitment led her to found the Order of Poor Ladies, now known as the Poor Clares, as a living testament of the Gospel.

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Founding the Order of the Poor Clares

Saint Clare of Assisi is renowned for establishing a new way of living for women who wished to follow Christ with complete simplicity and poverty. Inspired by the teachings of Saint Francis, she created the Order of the Poor Clares, a community focused on living a life of humility, prayer, and service.

  • Devotion to Poverty: She embraced a life free from material possessions, relying entirely on God's providence.
  • Community Focus: Her leadership helped form a supportive community where sisters could live out the Gospel together.
  • Radical Simplicity: Embraced a life of humble service and complete reliance on God.
  • Spiritual Leadership: Guided her community with gentle strength and deep faith.
  • Enduring Legacy: Continues to inspire countless souls to value inner riches over material wealth.

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Embracing a Life of Profound Prayer and Contemplation

Saint Clare's deep commitment to prayer set her apart. Her life was a shining example of how prayer is the backbone of a faith-filled life, making her a model for others seeking a closer relationship with God.

  • Constant Prayer: Her unceasing dialog with God inspired her sisters and many who heard her words.
  • Contemplative Spirit: Clare's inner quiet and reflective nature helped her face life’s challenges with steadfast faith.

Saint Clare’s life is a beacon of hope and a call to deep faith. Her unwavering commitment reminds us that true joy is found in serving God and others with pure love and simplicity.

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Perseverance in the Face of Trials

Throughout her life, Saint Clare encountered great challenges, including external pressures and personal hardships. Yet, she remained unwavering in her commitment to God and her community, showing that true faith can overcome any obstacle.

  • Strength in Adversity: Her ability to maintain hope and trust in God, even during difficult times, encouraged many to keep faith.
  • Inspiration for Future Generations: Her life of courage and perseverance continues to inspire countless people to follow in her footsteps.

The Sainthood of Saint Clare of Assisi

Explore Saint Clare of Assisi’s transformative journey from humble beginnings to a life of unwavering faith, compassion, and divine purpose.

Founding the Order of Poor Ladies

Saint Clare answered the call to follow the Gospel by embracing a life of radical poverty. Deeply inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, she established a community for women that lived according to the strict principles of simplicity and humility. Her resolve and leadership in founding the Order of Poor Ladies marked the beginning of her journey toward sainthood.

Embracing the Gospel of Poverty

Clare’s life was a clear witness to the beauty of poverty and reliance on divine providence. She gave up all worldly possessions to live a life of prayer and service, trusting fully in God’s care. This radical commitment to a life without material attachments resonated deeply within the Church and affirmed her role as a true disciple of Christ.

Witnessing Miracles and Spiritual Perseverance

Throughout her life, Saint Clare demonstrated profound spiritual strength even in the face of trials. Numerous accounts from her companions and later hagiographies tell of miracles and moments of divine intervention in her life. These miracles not only uplifted her community but also served as signs of the Holy Spirit’s favor, strengthening the call for her sanctity.

Enduring Legacy and Canonical Recognition

After her death, the life of Saint Clare continued to inspire faithful Catholics around the world. The enduring influence of her writings, her devout example, and the miracles associated with her intercession led the Church to formally recognize her holiness. This canonical recognition, culminating in her eventual canonization, stands as a testament to her lasting impact on Christian spirituality and the Church's tradition.

Words of Wisdom

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I have learned that worldly treasures are fleeting; let our hearts seek only the riches of Christ's love.

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Saint Clare of Assisi, circa 1253

In quiet reflection during her days of prayer, she reminded others that true wealth comes from a simple, devoted heart.

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Embrace the poor and the humble, for in every act of kindness you mirror the compassion of our Savior.

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Saint Clare of Assisi, in the midst of her community’s simple living

While guiding her followers in the beauty of poverty, she encouraged caring for all as a path to living in Christ.

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Let the silence of your soul be the canvas for God's whisper, painting hope and mercy with every beat of your heart.

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Saint Clare of Assisi, during moments of deep meditation

In these quiet instants, she found a profound connection with the Divine, urging all to listen for His gentle call.

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In the modesty of our daily life, we discover the wonder of creation—each humble moment reflecting the glory of God's design.

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Saint Clare of Assisi, inspired by nature and simple living

She taught that even the smallest blessings and the rhythms of an unadorned life are suffused with God’s infinite grace.

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Trust in the endless mercy of God; for when we surrender our will to His, every trial is transformed into a step toward eternal peace.

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Saint Clare of Assisi, during periods of personal trial and reflection

Through her own life of surrender, she reminded the faithful that true freedom is found in following the loving, guiding hand of our Lord.