Saint Clare of Assisi (1193-1253)

Saint Clare of Assisi was of noble birth, but when she was 18 she was so moved by the Lenten sermons of Saint Francis of Assisi that she renounced all her possessions to become a nun. Her family and friends tried hard to change her mind and bring her home, but she would not be moved. She was deeply in love with God and wanted to live a holy life. Saint Francis recognized something special in Clare, and urged her to return to Assisi, and she and Saint Francis became close friends and spiritual associates. Clare became the founder of the Poor Clares, and lived 27 years beyond the death of Saint Francis. Deep humility, a deep commitment to poverty, and a deep longing for God marked her life. On Christmas Day, shortly before her death, Clare was sick and could not join her community and the friars in praying. She acknowledged her loneliness to God, and suddenly she began to hear the singing and praying of her sisters and the friars. She also had a vision of Jesus in the manger. Clare was able to see the rest of the service as she lay ill on her bed. . . . Because of this miracle, Clare has been named the patron saint of television! She is also the patron saint of women in childbirth and people suffering form eye diseases. Her feast day is celebrated on August 11. (Taken from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.")