Feast of Santa Chiara d’Assisi

The crypt and tomb of St. Clare inside the Basilica di Santa Chiara, Assisi
Photos by Andrew Giordano

Our labor here is brief, but the reward is eternal. Do not be disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes like a shadow. Do not let the false delights of a deceptive world deceive you. ~ St. Clare of Assisi

August 12th is the Feast of St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), Virgin, Abbess and Mystic. An early disciple of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare founded the contemplative Order of Poor Ladies now known as the Order of St. Clare, or the Poor Clares. She was the first woman to write a rule for monastic life. 

(L) Santa Chiara drives back the saracens with the Holy Eucharist.
(R) Vision of the Queen of Heaven while on her deathbed

A great miracle worker, in 1240, when a band of Saracen mercenaries attempted to plunder the convent, Santa Chiara held aloft the pyx containing the Holy Eucharist and begged Our Lord to protect His handmaidens from the infidels. "I will protect you always," said a voice from Heaven, striking fear in the hearts of the attackers, who turned and fled. 

Patron saint of embroiderers, goldsmiths and laundry workers, she is also invoked by those suffering from eye diseases. In 1958 Pope Pius XII declared her the patron saint of television because once, while sick in bed, she was able to hear and see morning Mass on the wall of her room. 

(L) Altarpiece with scenes from the life of Santa Chiara.
(R) High relief sculpture outside the monastery 

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Clare of Assisi. The accompanying photos were taken in 2017 at the Basilica di Santa Chiara in Assisi.

Prayer to St. Clare of Assisi

O glorious Saint Clare! God has given you the power of working miracles continually, and the favor of answering the prayers of those who invoke your assistance in misfortune, anxiety, and distress; we beseech you, obtain for us from Jesus, through Mary, His Blessed Mother, what we beg of you so fervently and hopefully, if it be for the greater honor and glory of God and for the good of our souls. O Blessed Saint Clare, your life shines like a beacon and cast its light down the ages of the Church to guide the way of Christ. Look with compassion on the poor and humble who call on you for help. As you bow before your Eucharistic Lord in Heaven, speak to Him of my afflicted body and my broken spirit. Ask Him to heal me and to wash away my sins in His precious Blood. Great Servant of Christ, remember the needs of my family and all those I pray for. Defend us from everything that would threaten our Holy Catholic faith. Hear the cry of the poor and make it a song of intercession, rising from your poor heart to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, our Healer, our Savior, and our Lord. Amen.

Monument to Santa Chiara