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Feast day August 11
Clare’s parents wanted a good life for
their daughter. But what they wanted for Clare was not what Clare had
in mind. At age 15 she refused to marry. But one day she heard St. Francis
preach. At that moment, she knew what she must do with her life. She knew
she wanted to be like Francis. She would live a humble life dedicated
to Jesus.
At age 18, Clare ran away from her parents’ home. Francis brought
her to a Benedictine convent. Clare was given a brown robe and a rope
for a belt. Then Clare’s father and uncles arrived to bring her
home. But, Clare clung to the altar. The men were unable to make her return
home. Sixteen days later, Clare’s sister, St. Agnes, joined her.
Under Francis’ guidance, Clare became the founder of an order of
nuns. They lived in a convent at San Damiano in Assisi. Today, this order
of nuns is known as the Poor Clares. The nuns ate no meat and wore no
shoes. They slept on the ground and were mostly silent. Yet, they were
happy serving the Lord.
People admired Clare’s prayer life and her trust in God. One time,
soldiers came to attack Assisi. She told the nuns not to be afraid and
to trust Jesus. Then, Clare prayed to God for protection. Immediately,
the soldiers fled!
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Grade 1, chapter 19
