Clare of Assisi Italian saint, founder of the Order of the Clarissas Date of Birth: 16.06.1194 Country: Italy

1. Clara of Assisi: Biography
2. Childhood and Exile
3. Encounter with Francis of Assisi
4. The Escape
5. Life as Saint Clare
6. The Visionary

Clara of Assisi: Biography

Clara of Assisi, born Chiara Offreduccio on July 16, 1194, was an Italian saint and the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Order of Saint Clare. She was born into one of the richest and most powerful noble families in Assisi, Italy.

Childhood and Exile

Due to the dangerous political situation in Assisi, Clara spent part of her childhood in exile, fleeing with her mother and younger sisters to the nearby city of Perugia. Despite her parents' plans to arrange a marriage for her after her twelfth birthday, Clara managed to convince them to delay those plans until she turned eighteen.

Encounter with Francis of Assisi

During the Great Lent of 1212, Francis of Assisi delivered a series of sermons at the Cathedral of San Rufino in Assisi. Clara attended his sermons and was deeply moved by his words. Inspired by Francis' example, Clara secretly arranged a meeting with him to express her desire to dedicate her life to Christ. Francis advised her to reject the ways of the world and to keep her body as a temple for God alone.

The Escape

Deciding to follow Francis' teachings, Clara made the decision to flee from her home. On Palm Sunday, March 18, 1212, Clara went to the morning Mass at the Cathedral of San Rufino with her family. However, she was so overwhelmed with anticipation for her planned escape later that evening that she couldn't get up from her pew when it was time to receive the palm branches. Guido, the bishop of Assisi, noticed her distress and personally handed her a blessed palm branch.

At night, Clara successfully escaped and arrived at the Porziuncola, where she was greeted by the friars with torches. They led her inside the chapel, where she exchanged her elegant clothes for a simple Franciscan habit. Francis himself performed the tonsure, cutting off her long golden hair, and Clara made her vows.

Life as Saint Clare

Despite her family's efforts to bring her back, Clara remained steadfast in her chosen path. She dedicated her life to poverty, prayer, and service to the poor. In 1215, she and her followers were given a small dwelling near the Church of San Damiano in Assisi, where they lived according to the rule established by Francis.

The Visionary

Clara of Assisi passed away on August 11, 1253. In the latter years of her life, she was bedridden and unable to attend Mass. However, she experienced visions, often seeing the Mass being celebrated on the wall of her room, as if there were a television present. In recognition of this, on February 17, 1958, Pope Pius XII declared her the patron saint of television.