Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) who was the first woman to practice the life of radical poverty as taught by Saint Francis. Placed by him at the head of a few companions in the small convent of San Damiano, she governed her community for forty-two years, thus founding the Order of Poor Clares.
So why celebrate Saint Clare? Here is a great reflection by Sister Amaris Salata of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, pictured below, who hails from Christ the King parish in Ann Arbor. Sister Amaris writes:
We cannot think of Clare without considering Francis, and vice versa, so integral was each to the other's call and sanctity. Francis loved praying in solitude in the mountains, so much so that he asked his trusted friend Clare to discern if contemplative life, instead of preaching, was his vocation. As we know, the response was no. Clare confirmed that Francis' Call was to be among the people, preaching and serving, that many would come to know God.
What has been meaningful to me in this anecdote is the importance of friendship, complementarity, and our real need for others in our journey to God. We do not become holy in isolation. God has given us brothers and sisters to help shape us according to who He has made us to be, not just for ourselves but for the Church. This demands the risk to trust and surrender our lives into God's hands through relationship with others. Saint Clare, pray for us!
