On August 11th, Franciscans throughout the world celebrate the Feast of Saint Clare of Assisi (1194-1253). Saint Clare is venerated as patron of homemakers, television, good weather, eye diseases, and knitters and needle workers. Clare is perhaps best known, however, as the dearest friend and most devoted follower of Saint Francis of Assisi. More than eight centuries ago, she founded the “Poor Ladies of San Damiano” which is now better known as the Poor Clares. Perhaps more than any other Franciscan, Clare most faithfully lived the gospel life of prayer, fellowship, simplicity, and service.

Although Saint Clare lived almost all of her adult life within a cloister, she was a person of great courage and perseverance. When mercenary soldiers attempted to breach the walls of her convent, she confronted them with the Blessed Sacrament and they retreated. When a bishop asked her to compromise her principles and accept gifts of riches and property, Clare declined and said: “I must be absolved from my sins, but not from my obligation to follow the Poor Christ.” And when the pope refused to approve her strict rule of life, she refused to die until the rule was approved. Just two days after it was finally given a papal blessing, she happily and peacefully passed away.

The imagery of a mirror is prominent in the writings and spirituality of Saint Clare. Having dedicated their lives to the Gospel of Christ, Clare saw her small community (soon to spread around the world) as a mirror or reflection of the Lord’s life, death, and resurrection. In this mirror, the Poor Clares could see and examine their own lives, but also the lives of Jesus and his disciples. Over and over again, Saint Clare urges her sisters, her spiritual children, and all of us to look into the mirror of Christ, pray about what we see, and then act on it.

In her Testament, Saint Clare reminds us that all believers are called to be mirrors of the Christ who lived, died, and rose again for the salvation of souls. She writes: “Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! Transform your entire being into the image of God through your prayer!” Once we fall in love with the Lord and unite our lives with his life, we must then share ourselves with the world around us. Clare says: “We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become;” and “We are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.” In this way, our prayers are not confined to a church. Our prayers are not just about us and what we think we need. Rather, our prayers come to life through our good works — loving our neighbor, serving the poor, caring for the sick, and welcoming the stranger.

For nearly two decades, Saint Clare of Assisi has been my spiritual friend, mother, and sister. She has taught me so much about courage, patience, and diligence in faith and discipleship. She has taught me so much about living the Gospel and sharing God’s love. She has taught me so much about how to live in prayer, silence, solitude, and service. In the end, Saint Clare’s teachings on the Christian life can be summed up in perhaps her clearest and simplest spiritual directive: “Love God. Serve God. It’s all in that.” May the powerful prayers of Saint Clare of Assisi bring us closer to Christ, closer to the Church, and closer to each other. May her prayers comfort us, empower us, and protect us. Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for our suffering world!

Brother Patrick Garvey
Associate Minister & Diocesan Hermit
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: brpatrick@cccgronline.com

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Call to Prayer
For the Intercession of Saint Clare

By a Poor Clare