Saint Clare (1194–1253) was born to a noble family in Assisi, Italy, and at eighteen left everything to follow the way of poverty preached by Saint Francis. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, and led the community at San Damiano for over forty years in radical poverty, prayer, and care for her sisters. She was the first woman to write a rule of religious life for women, and was canonized in 1255, just two years after her death.
Clare shows that a life given completely to God, hidden and quiet, can shine farther than any worldly achievement — her very name means 'light.' She trusted God's providence so fully that she let go of wealth, security, and comfort, and found in their place a deep and lasting joy. Her steadfast love through years of illness reminds us that faithfulness in suffering is itself a radiant witness.
Saint Clare, light of Assisi, help us to hold on to Christ with undivided hearts, and to trust God's care in every darkness. Amen.