Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The example of Clare

Today's memorial was that of St. Clare, a devoted follower of St. Francis of Assisi. She was born in Assisi in 1193. As she became a follower of St. Francis she imitated his example and dedicated herself to a life of poverty and became the founder of an order of nuns. Today that order is known as the Poor Clare's.

Her life and that of her order was dedicated to works of charity and piety and a special devotion to the Eucharist. One legend attributed to St. Clare is that of using the Blessed Sacrament to repel an attack from an invading army at the convent of San Damiano. As the army approached the convent she went to the window of her bedroom and held high in full view a ciborium containing the Blessed Sacrament. The army either choose to call off the attack or was unable to do so.

Her earthly life came to an end in 1253.

Today the Church prayed in it's liturgy these words from the daily prayer:

By the help of her prayers may we follow Christ in poverty of spirit and come to the joyful vision of your glory in the kingdom of heaven!

St. Clare, pray for us.

No comments:

Post a Comment