Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin, August 11, 2025

Reflection

Today is the feast day of St. Clare of Assisi. Clare was said to be a woman of remarkable beauty, with long, golden hair. At just 15 years old she refused an arranged marriage declaring that she would take no husband but Jesus Christ. With the help of Saint Francis, Clare escaped her father’s home and entered a Benedictine convent. There, she cut off her hair as a visible sign of her commitment to Christ and to prevent her family from forcing her into marriage.

Francis and Clare shared a deep spiritual friendship, guiding each other toward greater holiness. Clare went on to found the Order of Poor Ladies of San Damiano, later known as the Poor Clares and officially the Order of Saint Clare. It is said that they owned no property and served the poor going barefoot, sleeping on the ground and keeping almost complete silence. Even when the Pope himself urged her to ease these strict practices, Clare remained resolute saying “I need to be absolved from my sins, but I do not wish to be absolved from the obligation of following Jesus Christ”. Despite their extreme poverty and simple way of living, Clare and her Sisters were filled with joy because they lived so close to God.

Furthermore, Clare's devotion to the Eucharist was resolute. When about to be attacked by Saracen forces, Clare had the Blessed Sacrament placed where the enemy could see it and knelt in prayer saying... “O Lord, protect these Sisters whom I cannot protect now.” A voice replied, “I will keep them always in My care.” In that moment, fear seized the attackers, and they fled without harming anyone in Assisi.

The life of St. Clare reminds us that lasting joy and peace come from remaining close and steadfast to Jesus, especially in His presence in the Eucharist. When was the last time we went to Adoration or simply paused before the tabernacle to be in His presence?