
She died in 1253 and was canonized in 1255 by Pope Alexander IV. In 1958, St. Clare was named the patron saint of television, because, as Pope Pius XII explained, she was once said to have had a vision when she was too sick to leave her bed. In the vision she saw and heard the Mass as clearly as if she had gone to the monastery chapel.
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Why did St Clare become a saint?
She took vows dedicating her life to God, and that moment, occurring on March 20, 1212, marked the beginning of the Second Order of Saint Francis.
When did St Clare get canonized?
September 26, 1255Clare died in Assisi on August 11, 1253. She was canonized quickly – on September 26, 1255, by Pope Alexander IV.
Where was St Clare canonized?
12 August 1253, canonized 1255) in Assisi. She was the eldest child of Favorino Schiffi, Count of Sasso-Rosso. Though born into a life of luxury, Clare devoted herself to religious study very early, and took her vows at age 18. Her vows were taken in front of Saint Francis on 20 May 1212, Palm Sunday.
What are 3 facts about St Clare of Assisi?
Clare of Assisi with these 6 facts about her:She came from a wealthy family. ... One of the first followers of St. ... Foundress of Poor Clares. ... She is the first woman to write a monastic rule. ... She defended the Monastery with the power of the Holy Eucharist. ... St.
What was Saint Clare's rule?
Clare, the very embodiment of the spirit and tradition of Francis, drew up another rule stating that the sisters should possess no property, whether as individuals or as a community. Two days before she died this was approved by Pope Innocent for the convent of St. Damian.
How did St Clare impact the church?
A follower of Francis of Assisi, Clare founded her own order, the Poor Clares, based on his tenets of charity and humility. She is thought to be the first woman in the history of the church to write her own rule, or guidelines for the religious life of her order.
Did St. Francis and St Clare love each other?
Francis and Clare made the choice to set aside human desires and love God with their whole hearts and souls, and in that love they enveloped one another. Francis and Clare were lovers, though not in the same way lovers are viewed today.
Is Claire a saint name?
While there are no saints named St. Claire in English, there are several saints named St. Clare.
Were St. Francis and St Clare related?
The friendship between Francis and Clare had this characteristic: it was not exclusive. It did not exclude the others, those brothers of Francis or those sisters of Clare, but rather overflowed onto them. Francis is the brother and father of all the sisters; Clare is the sister and mother of all the brothers.
Why was St Clare important?
St. Clare of Assisi is the patron saint of televisions and computer screens, believe it or not. An early follower of St. Francis, Clare founded The Order of Poor Ladies, which eventually became known as the Poor Clares.
What miracles did St Clare perform?
But Clare performed the most famous of the miracles in 1240 on a Friday in September, in which she turned away an attack by Saracen soldiers who had broken into the convent cloister by showing them the Sacred Host.
What virtues did St Clare of Assisi practice?
In the Convent of San Damiano, Clare practised heroically the virtues that should distinguish every Christian: humility, a spirit of piety and penitence and charity. Although she was the superior, she wanted to serve the sick sisters herself and joyfully subjected herself to the most menial tasks.
What is the saint of the day today?
Saint Nicholas Tavelic and Companions.
Did St. Francis and St Clare love each other?
Francis and Clare made the choice to set aside human desires and love God with their whole hearts and souls, and in that love they enveloped one another. Francis and Clare were lovers, though not in the same way lovers are viewed today.
Were St. Francis and St Clare related?
The friendship between Francis and Clare had this characteristic: it was not exclusive. It did not exclude the others, those brothers of Francis or those sisters of Clare, but rather overflowed onto them. Francis is the brother and father of all the sisters; Clare is the sister and mother of all the brothers.
How old was Saint Clare of Assisi when she died?
59 years (1194–1253)Saint Clare of Assisi / Age at deathIn her later years, Clare endured a long period of poor health. She died on 11 August 1253 at the age of 59.
What did Saint Francis do to Clare?
Inspired by his words, Clare asked Francis to help her in dedicating her life to God, and he vowed to do so. The following year (1211), Clare's parents chose a wealthy young man for Clare to marry, but she pointedly refused, fleeing soon after for the Porziuncola Chapel, where Francis received her. She took vows dedicating her life to God, and that moment, occurring on March 20, 1212, marked the beginning of the Second Order of Saint Francis.
Who Was Saint Clare of Assisi?
Saint Clare of Assisi was born into a wealthy Italian family but soon shunned her luxurious upbringing to embrace the life of piety and poverty. Inspired by the words of Francis of Assisi, Clare fled her home and joined Francis, establishing her own religious order. The group became known for their austere and devout lifestyle and for the power of their prayer, which is credited with saving Assisi from invaders twice. After Francis' death, Clare continued his work and broadened her own influence. Clare died in 1253 and was canonized two years later by Pope Alexander IV.
What was Clare's life of prayer?
The order became known for its life of abject poverty and committed life of prayer, prayer that Clare used to attain worldly victories that are credited with saving Assisi on two occasions . The first involved Clare raising the Host up in a window, thereby causing Frederick II's invading troops to fall back.
What was Francis of Assisi's influence on Clare?
Francis of Assisi's Influential Visit. When Clare was 18, Francis of Assisi came to preach in the church of San Giorgio at Assisi. Inspired by his words, Clare asked Francis to help her in dedicating her life to God, and he vowed to do so. The following year (1211), Clare's parents chose a wealthy young man for Clare to marry, ...
Why did Saint Francis of Assisi abandon his life?
Saint Francis of Assisi abandoned a life of luxury for a life devoted to Christianity after reportedly hearing the voice of God, who commanded him to rebuild the Christian church and live in poverty. He is the patron saint for ecologists.
What did Clare do?
Clare was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1193 to wealthy parents, and was taught to read and write as well as spin yarn and do needlework. She had little interest in her luxurious surroundings (she lived in a palace), and influenced by her mother's religious devotion, Clare dedicated her life to God at an early age. She also showed early on that her calling would involve helping the poor, as she set aside food from her family table to give to the needy on the streets.
How many sisters are there in the Order of Saint Clare?
In August 1255, Pope Alexander IV canonized Clare, and today the Order of Saint Clare numbers more than 20,000 sisters worldwide, with more than 70 countries represented.
Why is Clare the patron saint of television?
Because Clare was said to have seen an image of the mass on the wall of her sickroom, she is the patron saint of television. She is also the patron of embroiderers, gold workers, laundry workers and those suffering from eye diseases.
Why is Clare of Assisi called to God?
Born to a noble family, Clare of Assisi was expected to make an advantageous marriage, but instead, she was called to God after hearing Saint Francis preach. She left her family, cut off her long hair and gave up her wealth in order to embrace a religious life. She is usually depicted holding a Monstrance because of an event ...
How many poor Clares are there?
The order she founded still exists today and continues to grow; there are over 20,000 Poor Clares in more than 75 countries worldwide! St. Clare was born Chiara Offreduccio on July 16, 1194, the eldest child of Favorino Sciffi (the Count of Sasso-Rosso) and his wife, Ortolana.
What is the patron saint of Assisi?
Patronage of St. Clare. St. Clare of Assisi is the patron saint of those with eye disease, embroiderers, laundry workers, needle workers, telephones, and television. St.
What did Clare pray to God for?
One time, soldiers came to attack Assisi. She told the nuns not to be afraid and to trust Jesus. Then Clare prayed to God for protection. Immediately, the soldiers fled! She died in 1253 and was canonized in 1255 by Pope Alexander IV.
What did Clare's parents want for her?
Clare’s parents wanted a good life for their daughter, who was born in Assisi in Italy in 1194. But what they wanted for Clare was not what Clare had in mind. At age 15 she refused to marry. One day she heard St. Francis, who was also from Assisi, preach. At that moment, she knew what she must do with her life. She knew she wanted to be like Francis. She would live a humble life dedicated to Jesus.
What did Clare do at 18?
She knew she wanted to be like Francis. She would live a humble life dedicated to Jesus. At age 18, Clare ran away from her parents’ home on Palm Sunday to become one of Francis' followers. Francis brought her to a Benedictine convent. Clare was given a brown robe and a rope for a belt.
Where did Clare the nun live?
Under Francis’ guidance, Clare became the founder of an order of nuns. They lived in a convent at San Damiano in Assisi. Today, this order of nuns is known as the Poor Clares. The nuns ate no meat and wore no shoes. They slept on the ground and were mostly silent. Yet, they were happy serving the Lord. Even Clare's mother, Ortolana, eventually joined the order.
Why was St Clare a saint?
Clare of Assisi is the patron saint of televisions and computer screens, believe it or not. An early follower of St. Francis, Clare founded The Order of Poor Ladies, which eventually became known as the Poor Clares.
When did Saint Clare become a saint?
Clare of Assisi, Clare also spelled Clara, Italian Santa Chiara d’Assisi, (born July 16, 1194, Assisi, duchy of Spoleto [Italy]—died August 11, 1253 , Assisi; canonized 1255; feast day August 11), abbess and founder of the Poor Clares (Clarissines).
How did St Clare meet St Francis?
On the evening of Palm Sunday, 20 March 1212, she left her father’s house and accompanied by her aunt Bianca and another companion proceeded to the chapel of the Porziuncula to meet Francis. There, her hair was cut, and she exchanged her rich gown for a plain robe and veil.
What did Saint Clare see in her vision?
During this time, Clare reported having a vision in which she saw herself being judged in front of God. Clare also reported having a vision of Jesus dressed as a poor traveller. She described His countenance as being overwhelmed by the weight of the cross and His body as showing signs of fatigue.
What is the rule of St Clare?
The Poor Clares follow the Rule of St. Clare, which was approved by Pope Innocent IV the day before Clare’s death in 1253. The main branch of the Order (O.S.C.) follows the observance of Pope Urban.
How many saints are there?
There are more than 10,000 saints recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, though the names and histories of some of these holy men and women have been lost to history. The saints of the church are a diverse group of people with varied and interesting stories.
What is St Clare holding?
Clare holding a monstrance. The reason being that when Assisi was under siege, St. Clare protected her monastery from the invaders by holding up the ciborium with the Blessed Sacrament.
1. A Child of Privilege
St. Clare came from a noble family. Although her father’s position was rather minor, his wealth was incredible for the time. In fact, St. Clare grew up in a castle on the slopes near Assisi. While her wealth certainly gave her comfort, she would embrace poverty and the call to religious life.
2. A Family of Saints
St. Clare was inspired by St. Francis to live within the walls of a monastery. Her father was opposed to such a simple life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. However, Clare could not be dissuaded. Her heart had found love, and she was going to embrace it.
3. Eucharistic Miracle
The Church was in chaos in the thirteenth century. In particular, Italy was in a state of war throughout the life of Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor who fought wars against the Pope. This is a complex time and hard to explain the intricacies of its politics.
4. The Patron St. of Television
While St. Clare died in 1253, Pope Pius XII declared her the patron saint of television in 1957. The story behind this is relevant to our time.
St. Clare of Assisi, Pray for Us!
As you can see, St. Clare is an inspiring and timeless saint. Her time is not too dissimilar from our own and the answer to such times remains the same: saints who bring us back to the Eucharistic Jesus. In St. Clare, we have a champion who shows us how to live a simple and courageous faith .

About Saint Clare
Patron Saint of Eye Diseases, Telephones, and Television.
- Inspired by the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare ran away her family’s wealth and nobility to live a life dedicated to Jesus Christ as a poor nun. St. Francis guided her as she began her own order of nuns whose mission it was to live simply, growing in holiness and praying for a world in need of God. The order she founded still exists today and continues to grow; there are o…
Patronage of St. Clare
- St. Clare of Assisi is the patron saint of those with eye disease, embroiderers, laundry workers, needle workers, telephones, and television. St. Clare’s name means “clear” and “bright,” which is why she has been dedicated as the patron saint of those with eye disease, who may suffer from the darkness of blindness, or various types of unclear visio...
St. Clare in Art
- St. Clare, when depicted in art, is almost always featured in one of two ways. The first is in the habit of the Poor Clare (a veil and robe), holding a Monstrance holding the Blessed Sacrament. This image relates the story of when Emperor Frederick II was invading, and as his troops began to attack the monastery, St. Clare held the Monstrance out as protection for her Order, after whic…
Excerpt
- Inspired by the preaching of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare left her family’s wealth and status to live a life devoted to Jesus Christ as a poor nun. St. Francis mentored her as she started her own order of nuns. Her mission was to live simply, growing in holiness and praying for a world in need of God. This order still exists today, 800 years later, and continues to expand; there are over 20,0…