MEMORIAL: AUGUST 11
St. Clare of Assisi was a contemporary of St. Francis, and was inspired by his preaching to join the Benedictines at the age of 18. She was eventually given a room next to San Damiano which was the place of St. Francis’ conversion. She lived in austere poverty and hard labor, but with love for Jesus. She was adamant that Jesus was the only husband for her. Many women saw her example and desired to live as she did. The Order of Poor Ladies of San Damiano was started under St. Francis and eventually became known as the Order of St. Clare. At the end of her life, Clare suffered long stretches of illness which led to her death. It is said that when she was so sick that she could not attend mass, she could see and hear it on the wall in her room. She is the patron saint of television.
