Peace and grace from Our Lord Jesus Christ!

Today we are venerating St. Clare of Assisi at the Altar. St. Clare was born in the year 1194 at Assisi in Italy. From the early age she grew up in the spirit of prayer. When she was young her parents forced her to marry. However, the sermons of St. Francis of Assisi changed her life. She decided to live for Christ alone, and said, "I am totally for Christ and no one can take me away from him." With the support of St. Francis she founded a monastic community called the Order of Poor Ladies. They were known for very austere life. Today they are known as Poor Clares. Clare wrote down the theology of Joyous poverty for the imitation of Jesus for the monastic community. They chose a life confined to the monastery with prayer and hard work. They cared for the sick and helped the needy.

In her time, there was a Eucharistic miracle experienced by her community. King Federic's army was on their way to attack the monastic community of Clare. Clare, who was bedridden due to an illness, rose and carried the Sacred Host in a monstrance and placed it above the gate of the monastery. She knelt and prayed, "Lord, do not deliver the souls who confess your name into the hands of the beasts". A voice from the Host replied, "My protection will never fail you." A sudden panic seized the infidel army and they returned. Her monastery was saved.

St. Clare died on 11th August, 1253 as the Passion of Jesus was being read.

St. Clare, pray for us.

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