Calendar

Abbess at Assisi
b. July 16, 1194
d. August 11, 1253

Born into a wealthy family, Clare was inspired as a young woman by St. Francis of Assisi, and immediately renounced her wealth and followed his lead. With the support of Francis, she founded an order for woman known as "The Poor Ladies of Saint Damian." This order still exists today, commonly known as "Poor Clare's."

Collect:

O God, whose blessed Son became poor that we through his poverty might be rich: Deliver us, we pray thee, from an inordinate love of this world, that, inspired by the devotion of thy servant Clare, we may serve thee with singleness of heart, and attain to the riches of the age to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.