Clare of Assisi
Clare of Assisi was an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition characterized by strict poverty. She is chiefly remembered for establishing this order, which was later renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare (the Poor Clares), and for writing its Rule of Life, the first known set of monastic guidelines written by a woman.
- Feast Day
- August 11
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Chiara Offreduccio was born in Assisi to the Offreduccio household, the eldest daughter of Favarone or Favorino Sciffi, Count of Sasso-Rosso, and his wife Ortolana.
- ›Inspired by Francis of Assisi, Clare left her family home on Palm Sunday, March 20, 1212, and was clothed in the Franciscan habit.
- ›She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, known for its rule of strict poverty, which later became the Order of Saint Clare (Poor Clares).
- ›Clare wrote the Rule of Life for her order, the first known monastic guidelines written by a woman.
- ›She vigorously defended her order's commitment to strict poverty against pressure from church officials, obtaining a papal privilege to maintain it.
- ›Clare was canonized as Saint Clare of Assisi on September 26, 1255, by Pope Alexander IV.
Chiara Offreduccio, Clare of Assisi, Clara of Assisi, Clair of Assisi, Claire of Assisi, Chiara d'Assisi, Alter Franciscus
Television, Eye Illnesses
Order of Poor Ladies, Order of Saint Clare
Monstrance, Pyx, Blessed Sacrament
About Clare of Assisi
Clare of Assisi, born Chiara Offreduccio on July 16, 1194, was an Italian saint and a pivotal early follower of Francis of Assisi. She is renowned for founding the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women that distinguished itself through a commitment to strict poverty. This order, later renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, is commonly known today as the Poor Clares.
Early Life and Religious Calling
Born into the noble Offreduccio household in Assisi, Clare received a devout Christian upbringing from her mother, Ortolana. As a teenager, she was deeply moved by a Lenten sermon by Francis of Assisi. With marriage to a wealthy suitor looming, Clare sought Francis's guidance and, on Palm Sunday, March 20, 1212, she left her father's home to embrace a life of religious devotion. This departure, marked by the symbolic cutting of her hair, signified her renunciation of worldly ties in favor of a life dedicated to God.
Founding the Order of Poor Ladies
Initially placed in a Benedictine convent, Clare faced attempts by her family to force her return. Her steadfast refusal, even when faced with physical coercion, solidified her resolve. Francis eventually established a small dwelling for Clare and other women who joined her next to the church of San Damiano. This community became known as the "Poor Ladies of San Damiano," living a life of extreme poverty, austerity, and seclusion. Clare herself became the undisputed leader of this nascent order.
Leadership and the Rule of Life
Clare reluctantly accepted the role of abbess of San Damiano in 1216. Despite her personal humility and aversion to titles, she led the order with profound dedication. She saw herself as a mother, handmaid, or servant, often taking on the most arduous tasks. Clare's commitment to poverty was so strong that she vigorously defended her order's right to live according to a strict rule of poverty, even against papal pressure. She wrote her own "Rule of Life," emphasizing absolute non-possession of property and seeking to imitate Francis's teachings and way of life, earning her the epithet "another Francis."
Later Life and Legacy
In her later years, Clare endured long periods of illness but remained dedicated to her order. She died on August 11, 1253, at the age of 59, shortly after her Rule of Life received final papal approval. Her canonization followed swiftly, with Pope Alexander IV declaring her Saint Clare of Assisi on September 26, 1255. The Basilica of Saint Clare was constructed in her honor, and her remains were transferred there in 1260. In 1263, Pope Urban IV officially renamed the Order of Poor Ladies as the Order of Saint Clare. Clare is remembered iconographically for carrying a monstrance, commemorating an instance when she defended her convent from invading troops by exposing the Blessed Sacrament. In 1958, Pope Pius XII designated her the patroness saint of television. Her legacy endures through the continuing existence of the Poor Clares and the numerous places named in her honor worldwide.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Clare of Assisi?
Clare of Assisi, born Chiara Offreduccio, was an Italian saint and one of the earliest followers of Francis of Assisi. She is renowned for founding the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic order for women that emphasized strict poverty.
What is Clare of Assisi known for?
She is primarily known for establishing the Order of Poor Ladies, which was later renamed the Order of Saint Clare (the Poor Clares) in her honor. Clare also wrote the Rule of Life for her order, the first known monastic guidelines authored by a woman.
When did Clare of Assisi live?
Clare of Assisi lived from July 16, 1194, to August 11, 1253. She was active during the High Middle Ages.
What was the Order of Poor Ladies?
The Order of Poor Ladies was a monastic religious order for women founded by Clare of Assisi in the Franciscan tradition. It was distinguished by its adherence to a rule of strict poverty and seclusion from the world.
Why is Clare of Assisi called 'Alter Franciscus'?
Clare is sometimes titled 'alter Franciscus,' meaning 'another Francis,' because she sought to imitate Francis of Assisi's virtues and way of life so closely. She was deeply inspired by his teachings and considered him a spiritual father figure.
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