This recognized Santa Clara de Asís, was the founder of the Franciscan order the Poor Clares, is the patron saint of the media, among others. Many people turn to her through different types of prayers. Now, who was this saint? And how was her story? We invite you to read this article, you will know everything about this relevant holy character of the Christian church.
Saint Clare of Assisi
Born into a noble Italian family, from her adolescence she demonstrated her religious devotion, which she formalized at the age of 18 and had a life very marked by the Christian customs of the time, which contributed so that time later the considered as a saint of the church.
Childhood and Family
Chiara Scifi, born on July 16, 1194, in Assisi, Italy, was a descendant of an Italian aristocratic marriage, Clara being the eldest of the siblings, Boson, Renenda, Inés and Beatriz, the latter were also religious like her mother. Ortolana.
His father had the title of Count of Sasso-Rosso and his mother was a woman of great virtue and Christian piety, and dedicated herself to making long pilgrimages to Bari, Santiago de Compostela and the Holy Land. Tradition says that before the girl was born, the Lord revealed to her in prayer that he would illuminate her with a brilliant light that would illuminate the whole world, and that is why she was named Clara at baptism, which contains two meanings resplendent and celebrated.
Clara grew up in the family's fortified palace, near the Old Gate and without friends. It is said that from a very young age she excelled in virtues, but she severely mortified herself and prayed so much all day that she even counted the prayers with pebbles.
Conversion
History indicates that the young Francisco di Pietro di Bernardone, whose conversion had so deeply moved the entire city, had returned from Rome with the papal authority to preach and Clare heard him preach in the church of San Rufino and understood that the way of life observed by the saint was the same that the Lord indicated to her. What inspired him to decide to convert her then was Saint Francis of Assisi himself.
Among Francisco's supporters were Rufino and Silvestre who were close relatives of Clara and facilitated the path to her wishes. So one day, accompanied by a relative, to whom tradition attributes the name of Bona di Guelfuccio, they went to see him and when he arrived, having heard of her through Rufino and Silvestre, as soon as he saw her he made the decision to : «to take away from the evil world such precious booty to enrich his divine Master with it». From then on, Francisco was Clara's spiritual guide.
The night after Holy Week in 1212, Clara fled her home and headed for the church where the Friars Minor wait for her with lit streetlamps. Once, when she was admitted, she knelt before the image of the Messiah of San Damiano and ratified her renunciation of the world "out of love for the most holy and beloved Child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying on the manger." She exchanged her gleaming robes for a crude sackcloth, similar to that of the friars, she exchanged the jeweled belt for a knotty cord and when Francisco cut her blond hair she entered the Order of the Friars Minor.
Clara promised to obey San Francisco in everything. Later, she was transferred to the Benedictine convent of San Pablo. When her relatives discovered her escape and her whereabouts, they went to look for her but she refused to return and relocated to the church of San Ángel de Panzo, where some pious women lived as penitents.
Home of the Poor Clares
A few days later, her sisters Inés and Beatriz also entered the Church to share this new way of life with her. Years later, in San Damiano, her progenitor, Ortolana, also joined religious life. Then Clara and Inés initiate the order of the Poor Clares, since Francisco had obtained that the Camaldoles of Monte Subasio, who had previously donated the small church of their order, also gave him the Church of San Damiano and the adjoining house, which since then moment it was Clara's house for 41 years until her death.
In this convent of San Damián germinated and developed the life of prayer, work, hardship and happiness, virtues of the Franciscan charism. At that time, the lifestyle of Clara and her sisters attracted a lot of attention and the movement grew rapidly. The condition required to admit a postulant to San Damiano was the same as that asked by Francis at the Porziuncola: to distribute all the goods among the poor.
The convent could not receive a donation, but it had to remain unshakable forever. The nuns supported themselves with work and alms. While some sisters worked in the convent, others begged from door to door and when they returned Clara received them with a hug and kissed their feet.
The saint all the time fought for a life of hardship in her community, refusing to receive goods that accommodate her existence. That is why she asked and managed in 1216 for Innocent III to grant them the privilege of hardship: “you have dispensed with all ambition for worldly goods… You are not afraid of deprivation… and we guarantee that no one can force you to receive goods”. She signed this text "cum hilarite magna" (laughing heartily).
Daily Life in San Damiano
Clara, although she was superior, used to serve the table and offer water to the nuns to wash their hands and she took care of them with tenderness. They say that she got up every night to check if she was undressed by a nun. Francis sent the sick several times to San Damiano and Clare healed them with her care. Even when she was sick, which was common, she did not neglect manual labor. She thus dedicated herself to embroidering clothes, on the same bed, that she sent to the poor churches of the mountains of the valley.
Just as she was an example to the nuns at work, she was also an example in her life of prayer. After Compline, the last service of the day, she was alone for a long time, in the church before the Crucifix that she had spoken with Saint Francis. There she prayed the "Office of the Cross," which Francis and she had composed. These practices did not prevent her from getting up very early in the morning to wake up the sisters, light the lamps and ring the bell for the first mass.
According to legend, once the Pope went to the convent, she ordered the tables to be prepared and bread to be placed on them, so that the pontiff would bless them. The Supreme Pontiff asked the saint to do so, to which Clara vehemently opposed. The Pope exhorted her, out of holy obedience, to make the sign of the cross on the loaves and to bless them in the name of God. Santa Clara, as a true daughter of obedience, very devoutly blessed those loaves with the sign of the cross and immediately the sign of the cross appeared on all the loaves.
His bed, at first, was made up of bunches of vine shoots with a wooden trunk as a pillow, later he changed it for a piece of leather and a rough cushion. By Francisco's order, he was later reduced to sleeping on a straw mattress. During the fasts of Advent, Lent and San Martín, Clara ate only three days a week, and only with bread and water.
To replace bodily mortification, he long observed the practice of wearing a pigskin shirt with the hairy part turned inward on the body. Once Clara was seriously ill on the Solemnity of the Nativity of Christ, she was miraculously transported to the Church of San Francisco and was thus able to attend the entire service of matins and midnight mass, and also received holy communion, then was taken from back to his bed.
Spiritual strength
Clara, before Francisco, appeared weak and in need of comfort and encouragement, but in the midst of her sisters, she was the mother full of strength to defend and protect them. Frederick II made war on the Pope and sent Mohammedan archers into the Papal States, over which the Pope's excommunications had no power. In 1240, from the top of the fortress of Nocera, a short distance from Assisi, the Saracens fell on the valley of Spoleto and went to attack the convent of San Damiano.
The entrance of Muslims to the monastery meant for the nuns death threats. All frightened, they took refuge around Clara, who was bedridden by a very serious illness. They moved her to the door of the convent, she ordered that they bring her the silver chalice in which the Blessed Sacrament was reserved and knelt before it asking for heaven's protection for her and her daughters.
Legend has it that a voice similar to that of a child came out of the chalice and said: "I will keep you forever", after which he rose from prayer. At this precise moment, the Saracens erected the site of the monastery and went elsewhere. A year later, in June 1241, a similar miracle, Frederick's troops, led by Vital of Aversa, attacked the city of Assisi and wanted to destroy it. Santa Clara and her nuns prayed with faith before the Blessed Sacrament and the attackers withdrew without knowing why. This event is always celebrated by Assisi as a national holiday.
Another sign of his strength was manifested in the struggle he waged for years with the Sovereign Pontiff Gregory IX in exchange for maintaining the integrity of the vow of poverty. The pontiff wanted to convince her to accept goods for the convent, as the other religious orders did. The dispute reached such a point that the Pope even told her that if she thought he was bound by her vow, he had the power and the obligation to unbind him, to which she replied: “Most Holy Father, unbind me from my sins, but not from my sins.” the obligation to follow Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Only two days before her death, Clara managed to obtain from Innocent IV and in perpetuity the right to be and remain always poor.
Death of the Saint
In the summer of 1253, the Pope went to Assisi to see her, as she was bedridden. She asked him for the papal blessing and absolution of her ills, and the Supreme Pontiff replied: "Heaven, please, my daughter, I need God's indulgence as much as you do." When Innocent left, Clara told her sisters: "My daughters, now more than ever we must give thanks to God, because by receiving me in the sacred host, they have considered me worthy to receive the visit of their Vicar on earth".
From that day on, the nuns did not leave his bed, even Inés, his sister, traveled from Florence to be by his side. In two weeks, the saint could not eat, but she did not lack strength. The story goes that being in the deepest pain, she directed her gaze towards the door of the room, and behold, she saw enter a procession of virgins dressed in white, all with golden crowns on their heads.
One of those who walked among them more dazzling than the others, whose crown, which at the top had a kind of censer with holes, radiates so much splendor that it transformed the night into a luminous day inside the House, was the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Virgin approached the bed where Clara was lying, leaned lovingly over her and hugged her.
She died on August 11 surrounded by her sisters and brothers León, Ángel and Junípero. Her people said of her: "Clear in name, clear in life and very clear in death." The news of the nun's death immediately shocked the entire city with impressive resonance. Men and women flocked to the spot. Everyone proclaimed her a saint and few, in the midst of praising her, burst into tears.
The podestá arrived with a procession of knights and a troop of armed men, and this afternoon and all night they guarded Clara's mortal remains. The next day, the Pope arrived in person with the cardinals and the entire population left for San Damiano. It was precisely the moment when the divine services were to begin and the brothers began the service for the dead.
When suddenly, the Pope said that it was necessary to say the office of virgins, and not that of the deceased, as if he wanted to canonize her even before her body was delivered to the tomb. However, the bishop of Ostia observed that in this matter it is necessary to proceed with prudence, and finally the mass for the dead was celebrated.
Very soon, veritable crowds of pilgrims began to arrive at the place where the nuns rested, popularizing a prayer dedicated to her: “Truly holy, truly glorious, she reigns with the angels who receive so much honor from men of God on earth. She intercedes for us before Christ, you who led so many to penance and so many to life”. After a few days, her sister Inés followed Clara until her death.
Representation and Patronage
The saint is represented with the custom of the order, which includes a black veil and a brown sackcloth, fastened with a 3-knot cord whose belt shows a rosary. His common attributes are the monstrance and the staff, due in part to the fight with the Saracen soldiers in 1230, being the first time that he is represented with this attribute in a fresco of San Damiano, currently quite deteriorated, in which he sees him with the Blessed Sacrament resolutely confronting the Saracens who are fleeing in terror. While she has the staff because she was a mitred abbess.
Another characteristic attribute is the lily, a flower that represents purity and virginity. In the incorruptible body of the saint, exposed in the basilica that bears her name, the saint holds in her hands a precious metal lily. On the other hand, in the coat of arms of the Poor Clares, the lily and the cane are crossed in a sotuer (shape X).
The Supreme Pontiff in 1958 approved that he have the patronage of the television media and telecommunications. She is also the patron saint of goldsmiths, clairvoyants and meteorologists, which is why she highlights the custom that brides offer her eggs so that it does not rain on her wedding day.
In addition to the basilica in her honor in Assisi, she has important sanctuaries in Naples and Bari in Italy, in the Californian city named to honor her and in the city of Santa Clara in the province of Villa Clara in Cuba, of which she is the patron saint. of the diocese. Under its auspices there are six Argentine cities, one Mexican, one Salvadoran, one Spanish and two cities, one in Venezuela and one in Uruguay.
Veneration
She is venerated in the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran Churches (it is included in their Lutheran Calendar of Saints). Being her festivities on August 11. Many cities, shrines, and temples were named to honor her. In September 2010, the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI declared that the life of Saint Clare of Assisi is an example of the importance of women in the life of the Church. For the Holy Father, it had shown "how much the whole Church owes to courageous women and believers like her, capable of giving decisive impetus to the renewal of the Church."
Prayer to Saint Clare of Assisi
The following is a prayer to Saint Clare of Assisi, making a request, recognizing their virtues to achieve their divine intermediation.
Dearest Saint, for this unalterable faith that limited you to using earthly goods to obtain heavenly ones, for this firm hope with which you overcame all the inconveniences that stood in the way of your transcendence, for this pure charity that touched you in everything moment of life, I beg you with humble confidence to intercede before the Supreme and obtain his favor in what I ask of you (the request is made) and a fervent charity towards the Omnipresent and the neighbor. Amen.
Pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be.
Prayer for an Urgent and Difficult Request
Next, an effective prayer is presented to request the intervention of Saint Clare of Assisi in the most necessary moments.
Very glorious and very dignified, very clear mirror of holiness and purity, solid base of the most lively faith, shine of perfect clarity and treasure of all virtues. For all these favors with which the Lord has showered you, and for the special prerogative of having made your soul a throne with his infinite greatness, join us with your immense mercy, which purifies our souls from stains and sins, and without resources all earthly effects, be a temple worthy of his abode.
We also ask for the peace and tranquility of the Church so that it may always be preserved in the unity of faith, holiness and morality that make it irreproachable to the efforts of its enemies. And if it were for the greater glory of the Omnipresent and my spiritual good, give me, I beg you, for everything I ask for in this prayer and for the special favor that I need so much: (state your request).
Have mercy on me and find for me a quick and favorable solution to this urgent and pressing request, which weighs and saddens my heart. You, Mother and Protector, do not abandon me in this difficult moment, present my vows before the throne of God, that I trust in infinite goodness, that by your merits I will fulfill, for the greatest honor and glory of our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Pray 3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary and 3 Glory Be.
Prayer to Solve Relationship Problems
This is a very good prayer to Saint Clare of Assisi to pray when couples have difficulties in their relationship.
Beautiful Saint, you who, after having led a life of hardship and prayer, of fasting and mortification, of sacrifice and deprivation, and with your last words, never ceased to please the Omnipresent to be with the creator and redeemer, help us in the anguish of our relationship. Let us know that by the immense mercy of God and by your powerful and beatific mediation, our difficult problems are solved.
Kind great Lady, you who, in order to reach the will of the Messiah, our redeemer, offered him your pain, as well as your spiritual gifts. Your humility and clarity, your tears and holy poverty, do not ignore our plea, help us with your great kindness. Oh kind, you who, following in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary, were the recipient of the mystical body of Christ, reach us with your immense mercy, which cleanses our souls of sins, faults and faults.
We also ask you to have mercy on us and help us with your immense and clean heart in this thorny and painful situation that we are experiencing today in our partner's house, so that we can remedy this crisis that we are going through, and resolve our doubts, difficulties and problems. that make us lose our inner peace and move away: (make the request).
Glorious grant us all the favors we ask of you, relieve our doubts, our pains, our anxieties, our aversions, our regrets and our bitterness, revive the love between us, make us recover love and trust, avoid infidelity and reproaches. and makes our union an eternity.
Holy blessed, Messiah your hands blessed with the Holy Cross, where he died to free us from all evil and your soul full of graces and unparalleled gifts. Pious lady, for us ask and intercede before the Lord, do not abandon us in this affliction, in your divine heart take us, in your holy mantle welcome us, with your blessed hands protect us. Amen.
Pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be.
Prayer to stop raining
Saint Clare of Assisi is related to weather events, therefore, the following prayer is excellent to use during those times when it rains and seems to have no end. With her help, it will soon stop raining.
Holy and worthy glorious mother, clear mirror of perfection and purity, great pillar of the most alive faith, shine of perfect clarity and very rich treasure of all virtues. For all these favors with which the Lord has showered you, and for the special privilege of having made your soul the throne of your great greatness, conquer us with your infinite mercy, and cleanse my soul of stains and guilt and, replaced by all earthly effects, be a temple worthy of your house.
We also ask you for the peace and tranquility of the Church so that it may always remain in the unity of faith, holiness and customs, which make it irrefutable in the face of the efforts of its enemies. And if it was for the greater glory of the Most High and my spiritual good, please grant me everything I ask for in this prayer, and the special favor that I need so much, as the terrible storm ceases.
Have mercy on me and give me a quick and positive solution to this urgent and desperate request, Saint Clare of Assisi as saint and protector, do not abandon me in this difficult moment, offer my best wishes before the throne of the Supreme, because I have confidence in your infinite goodness, that by your merits I will accomplish them. To the greatest honor and glory of Our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be.
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