St. Clare of Assisi: Following in St. Francis's Footsteps
- Fiach OBroin-Molloy
- Aug 11, 2024
- 7 min read
St. Clare of Assisi, born Chiara Offreduccio in 1194, stands as one of the most remarkable figures in the history of the Catholic Church. Her life was deeply intertwined with that of St. Francis of Assisi, and her unwavering commitment to a life of poverty, simplicity, and devotion has left an indelible mark on Christian spirituality. Celebrated on her feast day, August 11th, St. Clare's legacy is rooted in her role as the founder of the Poor Clares and her contributions to the Franciscan movement. This blog post delves into her life, her close association with St. Francis, and the enduring impact of her spiritual teachings.
Early Life and Calling
Clare was born into a noble family in Assisi, Italy. From a young age, she exhibited a profound sense of piety and devotion, qualities that set her apart even within her privileged upbringing. Despite the expectations placed upon her as a noblewoman, Clare felt a deep calling to a life of prayer and service to God. This calling became more pronounced when she encountered St. Francis of Assisi, a charismatic preacher who had renounced his own wealth to live in poverty and preach the Gospel.
Inspired by Francis's radical commitment to poverty and his message of living the Gospel in its purest form, Clare sought to follow in his footsteps. On Palm Sunday in 1212, at the age of 18, Clare left her family's home and, under the guidance of St. Francis, dedicated herself to a life of poverty and prayer. She cut off her hair, donned a simple robe, and took refuge in the Benedictine convent of San Paolo. This act marked the beginning of her lifelong commitment to the Franciscan way of life.
Founding the Poor Clares
As Clare's reputation for holiness grew, other women joined her in her pursuit of a life dedicated to poverty and prayer. With the support of St. Francis, she established the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares. Unlike other religious orders of the time, the Poor Clares embraced a radical form of poverty, refusing to own any property and relying entirely on the charity of others. This commitment to poverty was a reflection of Clare's deep desire to imitate Christ, who had lived a life of complete detachment from worldly possessions.
Clare's leadership and spiritual insight were instrumental in shaping the identity of the Poor Clares. She authored the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman, emphasising the principles of poverty, humility, and communal living. Her rule was a reflection of her own spiritual journey, characterised by a profound trust in God's providence and a deep sense of solidarity with the poor and marginalised.
St. Clare's Contributions to Franciscan Spirituality
St. Clare's relationship with St. Francis was one of mutual respect and spiritual kinship. While Francis was the charismatic preacher who inspired the Franciscan movement, Clare was the contemplative anchor who ensured the movement's spiritual depth. Her commitment to a life of prayer and her emphasis on the contemplative aspect of Franciscan spirituality provided a necessary balance to the active ministry of the Friars Minor.
One of Clare's most significant contributions to Franciscan spirituality was her unwavering insistence on the "privilege of poverty." Despite pressures from both church authorities and some members of her own order to relax the strict observance of poverty, Clare remained steadfast in her commitment to living without any form of material security. She believed that total dependence on God's providence was essential to living out the Gospel fully. Her refusal to compromise on this point even in the face of opposition was a testament to her spiritual strength and her deep conviction.
Clare's spiritual influence extended beyond her own community. Her correspondence with various popes, bishops, and even secular leaders of her time demonstrated her wisdom and spiritual authority. Her letters, many of which have been preserved, reveal a woman of deep faith, practical wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of St. Francis.
The Spirituality of Poverty and Simplicity
At the heart of St. Clare's spirituality was the concept of "holy poverty." For Clare, poverty was not merely a lack of material wealth but a profound spiritual attitude of detachment from all worldly things. She viewed poverty as a way to empty oneself of all that is not God, thereby creating space for God's presence to dwell fully within the soul. This radical poverty was a means of achieving true spiritual freedom and intimacy with God.
Clare's commitment to poverty was closely linked to her understanding of simplicity. She believed that simplicity of life and heart was essential to living in harmony with God's will. This simplicity extended to every aspect of her life, from the way she dressed to the way she interacted with others. Clare's life was marked by a profound humility and a deep sense of gratitude for the simple gifts of life.
Her spirituality of poverty and simplicity has continued to inspire countless individuals and communities throughout the centuries. The Poor Clares, who continue to live according to Clare's rule, are a living testament to the enduring power of her spiritual legacy.
St. Clare's Enduring Legacy
St. Clare's life and teachings continue to resonate with people today, offering a timeless example of how to live a life of deep faith and devotion in a world often consumed by materialism and superficiality. Her radical commitment to poverty, her deep sense of community, and her unwavering trust in God's providence are qualities that speak to the spiritual needs of our time.
The feast of St. Clare, celebrated on August 11th, provides an opportunity for Catholics and all who admire her to reflect on her life and teachings. It is a day to honor her contributions to the Church and to seek her intercession in our own spiritual journeys.
St. Clare's life reminds us that true happiness and fulfillment are found not in the accumulation of wealth or status, but in living a life of simplicity, humility, and love. Her example challenges us to reevaluate our own lives and to consider how we might embrace the values of poverty and simplicity in our own spiritual practices.
As we commemorate St. Clare's feast day, let us take inspiration from her life and strive to follow her example of living the Gospel with authenticity and love. May her intercession guide us on our spiritual journey and lead us closer to the heart of Christ.
St. Clare of Assisi remains a powerful spiritual figure whose life and teachings continue to inspire believers around the world. Her dedication to poverty, simplicity, and prayer offers a compelling vision of what it means to live a life fully devoted to God. As we celebrate her feast day on August 11th, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of her message and the transformative power of a life lived in humble service to God.
By following in the footsteps of St. Clare, we are invited to embrace a spirituality that prioritises the values of the Gospel, fosters deep communal bonds, and seeks God in the simplicity of everyday life. May her example continue to inspire us and lead us closer to the divine.
Questions people often as about St Clare of Assisi
Who was St Clare of Assisi?
St Clare of Assisi was a 13th-century Catholic saint, contemplative, and founder of the Poor Clares. Born into a noble family in Assisi, she chose a life of radical poverty, prayer and simplicity after being inspired by St Francis of Assisi.
How was St Clare connected to St Francis?
St Clare was deeply inspired by St Francis and his commitment to living the Gospel through poverty, humility and trust in God. With Francis’s guidance, she left her family home on Palm Sunday in 1212 and began the life of prayer and poverty that would shape the Poor Clares.
What are the Poor Clares?
The Poor Clares are a Franciscan religious order of women founded by St Clare of Assisi. Their life is centred on prayer, simplicity, poverty and trust in God’s providence.
Why is St Clare important?
St Clare is important because she gave a powerful female expression to Franciscan spirituality. She was not simply a follower of St Francis; she became a spiritual leader in her own right and wrote a monastic rule for her community, rooted in poverty, humility and communal life.
When is St Clare’s feast day?
St Clare’s feast day is celebrated on 11 August. It is a day to remember her life, her courage, and her example of simple, faithful devotion.
What is St Clare the patron saint of?
St Clare is often remembered as the patron saint of television, as well as those connected with vision and sight. This unusual patronage comes from a tradition that, while too ill to attend Mass, she was miraculously able to see and hear it from her room.
What can St Clare teach us today?
St Clare’s life speaks powerfully to a world often shaped by anxiety, excess and distraction. Her example invites us to live more simply, pray more deeply, and place our trust in God rather than in status, possessions or constant striving.
What is the spirituality of St Clare?
St Clare’s spirituality is rooted in holy poverty, humility, prayer and love of Christ. For Clare, poverty was not only about owning little; it was a way of making space for God and living with complete dependence on divine providence.
Why did St Clare choose poverty?
St Clare saw poverty as a way of following Christ more closely. Like St Francis, she believed that freedom from worldly attachment allowed the soul to love God with greater simplicity and trust.
How can I honour St Clare in daily life?
You can honour St Clare by praying for simplicity, practising gratitude, reducing unnecessary clutter or distraction, helping those in need, and making space for quiet prayer. Her life reminds us that holiness can grow through humility, patience and faithful daily devotion.
References
1. "St. Clare of Assisi." *Catholic Encyclopedia*. Accessed August 10, 2024. [New Advent](http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04004a.htm ).
2. Armstrong, Regis J. "Clare of Assisi: Early Documents." *Franciscan Institute Publications*, 1988.
3. Moorman, John R. H. *A History of the Franciscan Order*. Oxford University Press, 1968.
4. "Rule of St. Clare." *The Poor Clares: Their Heritage and Spirituality*. Accessed August 10, 2024.
5. Vauchez, André. *Francis of Assisi: The Life and Afterlife of a Medieval Saint*. Yale University Press, 2012.
6. "St. Clare of Assisi: Her Spiritual Legacy." *Franciscan Media*. Accessed August 10, 2024. [Franciscan Media](https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-clare-of-assisi ).
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