St. Clare's Biography

St. Clare's Biography

CLARE, a close friend of St. Francis of Assisi, lived in the 13th

Century. Her reputation was like that of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, "a

saint in our midst".

CLARE was born into a wealthy family, educated in the domestic arts of

spinning and needle work, reading and writing. She knew about St.

Francis because of his love for the poor. Francis' father was a

successful cloth merchant. In 1204 Francis enlisted in Assisi's war

with Perugia. After a year as a prisoner of war, his view of society

and its social structures was forever altered.

During this time, urban development was beginning and capitalism was

in its infancy. Goods were created through cheap labor and poor

working conditions. Francis could see that the poor were most harmed

by capitalism and urbanization. He left his father's business and

began a simple life dependent on God. He begged and preached in the

streets of Assisi and ultimately formed the community of Friars Minor.

IN 1210 Clare heard Francis preach detachment from things and money,

to live in faith, that God will provide as God cares for the birds of

the air (Matt 6).

IN 1212 Clare left her family and joined Francis. Inspired by Francis'

faith, Clare lived and believed in Divine Providence. She depended on

God to supply what she and the community needed. Her small group of

followers became known as Poor Clares.

IN the document on her canonization in 1255, a number of miracles are

re-told. Once, finding an empty jar of oil filled when they were in

need, Clare believed God had filled it as "a gift of divine

generosity". Clare accepted all things and people as a gift from God.

She lived among her community as an equal doing daily works with

everyone else. She was attentive to the well-being of each sister.

Once Clare suspected a sister was suffering from depression and gave

her extra sensitivity and care. The nun was restored to health and

peace of heart, the canonization document says.