(1194-1253) Clare was born to Italian nobility; her dad died when she was young, and she showed a love of the Blessed Sacrament from an early age. She heard Saint Francis preach during Lent when she was 18 and confided in him that she wanted to consecrate her life to God. Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies, or Poor Clares, at 22, an order much like the Franciscan brothers that embrace poverty, depend on alms, and serve the poor. Saint Clare was known to be a charming, optimistic mystic, and many noble women were drawn to her.

“Clare and her sisters had hearts as big as the world: as contemplatives, they interceded for the whole of humanity. Those souls that were sensitive to the daily problems of each person were able to take all difficulties upon themselves; there was no concern, suffering, anguish or discouragement of others which did not find an echo in the hearts of these prayerful women” (Pope Saint John Paul II on August 11, 1993, 800th birthday of Saint Clare). How strong is your Step 11?

“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become” (Saint Clare of Assisi).

Reflection by Brad Farmer