Saints Clare and Francis of Assisi

Leer en Español

Saint Francis and Saint Clare were both born in the Italian region of Umbria, in Assisi, a town founded around 1000 BC. Francis devoted his life to caring for the sick and the poor, also becoming a preacher. His words reached Clare, and when she turned 18, she went to hear him preach during Lent in the church of St. George. Clare felt the strong call of the Lord, and soon begged Francis to help her reach her way of living the Holy Gospel. He immediately recognized that she was a soul chosen by God, and promised to help her, as he became her spiritual guide.

In 1212, Clare fled from her home to the Porciuncula, where she became part of the Order of the Minor Brothers. He promised obedience to Francis, and shortly she would found the Order of the Poor Clares, who would eventually move to the convent of St. Damian, where she lived 41 years, until the day of his death.