Amata of Assisi
Amata of Assisi was a saint, a Poor Clare nun, and one of Saint Clare of Assisi's original followers. She is remembered for her conversion from a pleasure-seeking youth to a devout religious life, her close relationship with her aunt Saint Clare, and her testimony during Clare's canonization process. Her healing from chronic illness through Clare's touch is a notable event in her life.
- Feast Day
- February 20
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Amata was born into a noble family in Assisi, Italy, the daughter of Martino DI Carano and Donna Penenda, who was Clare's oldest sister.
- ›She grew up pleasure-seeking and worldly but was inspired to a religious life after visiting her aunt Clare at the monastery.
- ›Amata entered religious life at San Damiano, the first Poor Clare monastery, and remained there for 20 years.
- ›She suffered from chronic illness, including dropsy and severe abdominal pain, but was permanently healed by Clare.
- ›Amata testified during Saint Clare's Process of Canonization, sharing insights into Clare's miracles, visions, personality, and religious practices.
- ›She died C. 1255 and was buried in the Monastery of San Damiano with her sister, Saint Balbina.
About Amata of Assisi
Amata of Assisi (died 1254 or 1255) was a saint and a Poor Clare nun, notably one of the original followers of Saint Clare of Assisi. Born into a noble family in Assisi, Italy, her parents were Martino di Carano and Donna Penenda, who was Saint Clare's oldest sister. Amata's given name, meaning "beloved" in Latin, became a common religious name among the Poor Clares.
Life and Conversion
Amata grew up described as "vivacious and pleasure-seeking," with a youthful interest in "dress and worldly vanity." Her parents intended for her to marry, but her aunt, Saint Clare, grieved for Amata's perceived spiritual peril and prayed for her to "strive to please God rather than men." Although close to Clare in childhood, Amata was initially unimpressed by her aunt's piety. However, during a visit to Clare's monastery to seek advice about her engagement, Amata was profoundly moved and chose to remain with Clare, forsaking marriage despite strong opposition from her friends and fiancé.
Religious Life
Inspired by "a disgust for the world and desire for a religious life," Amata was cloistered at San Damiano, the first monastery founded for the Poor Clares by Clare. Her decision to become a nun is seen as an answer to her aunt's prayers, and she embraced religious life "with special zeal." Amata remained at San Damiano for twenty years, aware of her past "garish lifestyle" but finding solace in the "tender mercy" of Jesus.
Illness and Testimony
Amata suffered from chronic illnesses, including dropsy and severe abdominal pain. In 1253, during testimony for Clare's Process of Canonization, Amata recounted how Clare healed her of a debilitating condition with a touch and a sign of the cross. Amata also cared for her aunt as she died, and they experienced mystical visions together during that time. Because she had lived the longest with Clare at San Damiano among the early companions, Amata's testimony was vital in documenting Clare's miracles, visions, personality, and religious practices, offering a "feminine voice" in reconstructing Clare's life.
Death and Legacy
Amata died around 1255 and was buried in the Monastery of San Damiano in Assisi, alongside her sister, Saint Balbina, another of Clare's early followers. Her feast day is observed on February 20th. Amata's life and witness contribute to the historical understanding of the early Franciscan movement and the lives of its female adherents.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Amata of Assisi?
Amata of Assisi was a saint and a Poor Clare nun who was one of Saint Clare of Assisi's original followers. She is known for her conversion from a worldly life to religious devotion and for her role in Saint Clare's canonization.
What is Amata of Assisi remembered for?
Amata is remembered for her close relationship with her aunt, Saint Clare, her own devout religious life, and her significant testimony during Clare's Process of Canonization. She is also noted for experiencing a miraculous healing through Clare's touch.
When did Amata of Assisi live?
Amata of Assisi died around 1255. She was a contemporary of Saint Clare of Assisi and entered religious life at San Damiano, the first Poor Clare monastery, where she remained for 20 years.
What was Amata of Assisi's background?
Amata was born into a noble family in Assisi, Italy. Her father was Martino di Carano and her mother was Donna Penenda, who was Saint Clare's oldest sister. She initially had a 'vivacious and pleasure-seeking' youth.
What is Amata of Assisi's feast day?
Amata of Assisi's feast day is celebrated on February 20.
Related Saints
Francis of Assisi
Francis of Assisi was an Italian mystic, poet, and Catholic friar who founded the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans. Revered for his profound devotion to poverty, animals, and the environment, he is one of Christianity's most venerated figures. Francis is chiefly remembered for his imitation of Christ's life of poverty and his establishment of a religious order dedicated to that ideal.
Agnes of Assisi
Agnes of Assisi was a founding member of the Order of Poor Ladies (The Poor Clares) and an abbess who helped shape the order. She established convents in several Italian cities, including Monticelli near Florence, and provided an example for many women seeking a life of religious devotion. Agnes is remembered for her piety, her role in the early Franciscan movement for women, and her close relationship with her sister, Clare of Assisi.
Camilla Battista da Varano
Camilla Battista da Varano was an Italian princess, Poor Clare nun, and abbess, venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. Born into nobility, she experienced profound spiritual struggles and divine visitations, leading her to renounce worldly pursuits for a monastic life. She is remembered for her mystical writings, particularly her meditations on the Passion of Christ, and her deep devotion.