Clare of Assisi was born in 1193 as Chiara di Favarone di Offreduccio belonging to one of the most important noble families in Assisi. During her youth, she got extremely fascinated by St Francis. When Chiara was 18 years old, she renounced marriage and a life of wealth and social prestige, fled to the monastery of the Franciscan brothers just outside Assisi in 1212, and became a nun. She became the first female companion of St Francis and lived as ascetically as him. After the death of St Francis, she became the heart of Franciscan spirituality. Clare was so devoted and dedicated to Francis that she was often referred to as “alter Franciscus,” or another Francis.
Clare of Assisi was the first woman in the history of the church to write a rule of order. A contemplative nun who, for more than thirty years, successfully resisted popes and cardinals in a matter of the heart, yet retained their respect and admiration.
Following Francis’ death, Clare continued to promote her order, fighting off every attempt from each pope trying to impose a rule on her order that would water down their “radical commitment to corporate poverty.”
In 1224, an army of rough soldiers from Frederick II came to attack Assisi. Although very sick, Clare went out to meet them with the Blessed Sacrament on her hands. She had the Blessed Sacrament placed at the wall where the enemies could see it. Then on her knees, she begged God to save the Sisters. Clare is often pictured carrying a monstrance or pyx, to commemorate this time.
Clare died on 11 August 1253. Pope Innocent IV who happened to be staying in his palace at the friars’ monastery in Assisi, officiated the funeral. He knew her very well and was convinced of her sanctity. At Pope Innocent’s request, the canonization process for Clare began immediately, and two years later in 1255, Pope Alexander IV canonized Clare as Saint Clare of Assisi.
St. Clare was designated as the patron saint of television in 1958 by Pope Pius XII, because when St. Clare was very ill, she could not attend mass and was reportedly able to see and hear it on the wall in her room.
She is also the patroness of eye disease, goldsmiths, and laundry.
Kenrick Vaz 