Clare of Assisi

Biographical Details:
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Biography:
Clare of Assisi, born in 1194 in Assisi, Italy, was a pioneering figure in the establishment of monastic life for women and a contemporary of Saint Francis of Assisi. Growing up in a noble family, Clare felt a profound spiritual calling from a young age, inspired by Francis’s radical approach to poverty and devotion to God. In 1212, she defied societal norms by leaving her affluent life to embrace a life of poverty and simplicity, joining Francis in his mission to live the Gospel authentically. Her decision came during a tumultuous time in the Church, marked by calls for reform and a growing awareness of the need for genuine spiritual renewal amidst corruption and materialism.
Clare’s relationship with Francis was foundational to her spiritual development; he became her mentor and friend, guiding her in establishing a new form of religious life for women. In 1215, she founded the Order of the Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, dedicated to living in absolute poverty and devotion to God. This marked a significant shift in the role of women in the Church, as Clare emphasized contemplative prayer, communal living, and the importance of serving the poor. The order gained recognition and spread throughout Europe, providing a spiritual home for countless women seeking a deeper relationship with God.
Despite her devotion, Clare faced numerous challenges, including opposition from her family and the Church. The desire to maintain the radical nature of her order often clashed with ecclesiastical expectations, particularly regarding the adherence to strict poverty. Nevertheless, Clare remained steadfast, advocating for the independence of her community and ensuring that the ideals of Francis were preserved. She eventually received papal approval for her rule, solidifying the foundation of her order.
Clare died on August 11, 1253, after years of service to her community and a life marked by prayer and compassion. Her canonization in 1255, just two years after her death, highlighted her impact on the Church and the importance of her contributions to religious life. Clare’s legacy endures through her commitment to poverty and her vision for women’s roles in spirituality.
Among her extant writings, the most important include the “Rule of St. Clare,” which outlines the governance of her order; her “Letters,” offering guidance and encouragement to her sisters; and her “Exhortation,” a spiritual treatise reflecting her profound faith. These works continue to inspire individuals seeking a deeper spiritual life, showcasing Clare’s unwavering devotion and commitment to her beliefs.
Quotes and Excerpts:
Clare of Assisi: Early Documents, edited by Regis J. Armstrong.
On the Eucharist
“Gaze upon Him, consider Him, contemplate Him, as you desire to imitate Him. If you suffer with Him, you shall reign with Him; if you weep with Him, you shall rejoice with Him; if you die with Him on the cross of tribulation, you shall possess eternal dwelling places in the splendor of the saints.” –Second Letter to Agnes of Prague, §20-22. Found in Clare of Assisi: Early Documents, edited by Regis J. Armstrong (New York: New City Press, 2006), p. 195.
On Poverty and Dependence on God
“The Son of God became for us the Way, which our most blessed father Francis, His true lover and imitator, has shown and taught us by word and example. Let us, therefore, beloved sisters, cling to the poverty and humility of our Lord Jesus Christ.” –Rule of Clare, Chapter VI. Found in Clare of Assisi: Early Documents, p. 127.
On Obedience to the Church
“As the glorious Virgin carried Him materially in her body, so you, too, by following in her footprints, especially those of humility and poverty, can, without any doubt, always carry Him spiritually in your chaste and virginal body, holding Him by whom you and all things are held together, possessing that which, in comparison with the other transitory possessions of this world, you will possess more securely.” –Third Letter to Agnes of Prague, §14-15. Clare of Assisi: Early Documents, p. 206.
On the Role of the Church
“Love the Lord your God, serve Him faithfully, and adore Him with a pure heart and a pure mind. This is the vocation given to us by Christ and entrusted to His holy Church.” –Fourth Letter to Agnes of Prague, §7. Clare of Assisi: Early Documents, p. 211.
On the Virgin Mary as a Model
“Place your mind before the mirror of eternity, place your soul in the brilliance of glory, place your heart in the figure of the divine substance, and transform your whole being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation. Then, you too may feel what His friends feel as they taste the hidden sweetness that God has reserved from the beginning for those who love Him.” –Third Letter to Agnes of Prague, §12. Clare of Assisi: Early Documents, p. 205.