Saint Clare of Assisi

Domestic Church Comunications LTD ^ | 1997-2001 | Catherine Fournier

[Lady In Blue]

Death of Saint Clare

From a letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague by Saint Clare, virgin

Behold the poverty,humility and love of Christ

Happy indeed is she who is granted a place at the divine banquet, for she may cling with her inmost heart to him whose beauty eternally awes the blessed hosts of heaven; to him whose love inspires love whose contemplation refreshes, whose generosity satisfies, whose gentleness delights, whose memory shines sweetly as the dawn; to him whose fragrance revives the dead, and whose glorious vision will bless all the citizens of that heavenly Jerusalem. For he is the splendor of eternal glory, the brightness of eternal light, and the mirror with out cloud.

Queen and bridge of Jesus Christ, look into that mirror daily and study well your reflection, that you may adorn yourself, mind and body, with an enveloping garment of every virtue, and thus find yourself attired in flowers and gowns befitting the daughter and most chaste bridge of the king on high. In this mirror blessed poverty, holy humilty and ineffable love are also reflected. With the grace of God the whole mirror will be your source of contemplation.

Behold, I say, the birth of this mirror. Behold his poverty even as he was laid in the manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes. What wondrous humility, what marvelous poverty! The King of angels, the Lord of heaven and earth resting in a manger! Look more deeply into the mirror and meditate on his humility, or simply on his poverty. Behold the many labors and sufferings he endured to redeem the human race. Then, in the depths of this very mirror, ponder his unspeakable love which caused him to suffer on the wood of the cross and to endure the most shameful kind of death. The mirror himself, from this position on the cross, warned passersby to weigh carefully this act, as he said: All of you who pass by this way, behold and see if there is any sorrow like mine.Let us answer his cries and lamentations with one voice and one spirit: I will be mindful and remember and my soul will be consumed within me.In this way, queen of the king of heaven, your love will burn with an ever brighter flame.

Consider also his indescribable delights,his unending riches and honors, and sigh for what is behond your love and heart's content as you cry out: Draw me on! We will run after you in the perfume of your ointment, heavenly spouse. Let me run and not faint until you lead me into your wine cellar; your left hand rests under my head, your right arm joyfully embraces me, and you kiss me with the sweet kiss of your lips.As ou rest in this state of contemplation, remember your poor mother and know that I have indelibly written your happy memory into my heart, for you are dearer to me than all the others.

[Lady In Blue]

ping.

[JMJ333]

While the marauders were laying ladders against the convent walls, and beginning to climb them, Clare, who was ill and bed-ridden, had herself carried out to the gate and there set a monstrance containing Sacrament in sight of the enemy.......At this, a sudden terror seized their assailants and they ran away.

Heheheheh...take that, you theives!

[JMJ333]

oooh. I meant thieves. =(

One day I will learn to proof my posts.

[JMJ333]

I have a beautiful prayer to St. Clare, and when I find it I will post it. I was rummaging through my prayer bag, and just because I want to find that particular one I can't. eek.

[NYer]

They went to the Portiuncula where Saint Francis prayed.

When Francis was dieing, he asked the brothers to bring him down the hill to his beloved Porziuncola. They placed his litter against the outside wall. He told them that the Porziuncola was a very holy place; that God and His Blessed Mother were there and that whoever entered with a humble heart, whatever they asked for would be granted.

I can personally attest to this, as it was in response to a final prayer made in the Porziuncola that God sent me the greatest gift in my life, my daughter.

Because Francis (and Clare) took a vow of poverty, he could not own any property. The Dominicans donated this small church to Francis for his order. The building is now surrounded by a huge cathedral, "Santa Maria degli Angeli". Inside the Porziuncola, there are only a few small pews on each side. As you can see, the building is quite small but to Francis and his brothers, it was the first church of their order.

[Salvation]

The following evening she slipped away from her home and went to the chapel of the Portiuncula, where Francis and his small community were living. He and his brethren had been at prayers before the altar and met her at the door. Before the Blessed Virgin's altar Francis sheared her hair, and gave her his own penitential habit, a tunic of coarse cloth tied with a cord. Then, since he had no nunnery, he took her at once for safety to the Benedictine convent of Saint Paul, where she was affectionately welcomed.

Amazing story!

[Lady In Blue]

I know! I wonder what the thieves saw?!

[Lady In Blue]

I'd love to read it when you find it. Thanks.

[Lady In Blue]

Thank you for sharing that beautiful story! And that picture is gorgeous!

[Lady In Blue]

It sure is!

[JMJ333]

I think that is such a beautiful habit. I used to dress as a nun every Halloween as a little girl. I think I was projecting! lol

Litany of St. Clare

Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy

Christ, hear us;
Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven;
have mercy on us!

God, the son, Redeemer of the world,
have mercy on us!

God, the Holy Spirit,
have mercy on us!

Holy Trinity, one God,
have mercy on us!

Holy Mary, Queen of Virgins, R:..pray for us

St. Clare chosen of Christ...R..
St. Clare, lover of chastity...R
St. Clare, vessel of holiness...R
St. Clare, prayerful daughter of St. Francis...R

St. Clare, morning light...R
St. Clare, Mother and Foundress of the Poor Clares…R
St. Clare, humble follower of Christ…R
St. Clare, faithful imitator of St. Francis…R
St. Clare, humble servant of the servants of Christ…R
St. Clare, brilliant light of holiness…R
St. Clare, wonderful helper in need...R
St. Clare, full of joy…R
St. Clare, poor with the poor…R

St. Clare rich in merit and grace…R
St. Clare, loving spouse of the Crucified…R
St. Clare, seraphic adorer of the Blessed Sacrament…R
St. Clare, mighty protector of Assisi…R
St. Clare, mirror of patience in suffering…R
St. Clare, comforter of the ill and infirm…R

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world....have mercy on us

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world....graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.....have mercy on us

Pray for us , St. Clare....that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY

O God, who inspired St. Clare of Assisi to shine her light on the Gospel and live a life of uncompromising fidelity, grant that through her merits and intercession, we may walk in the path of righteousness in this life so as to enjoy the life that will never end.

We ask this through Christ our Lord....AMEN

[Domestic Church]

What a lovely post and she is my patroness.

[Salvation]

Is Clare you Confirmation name?

[Salvation]

BTTT for St. Clare today on her feastday - August 11th.

[Domestic Church]

It's a family name and county of origin. We will bake something yummy (celebrate feast days!) with the children today. Pax et Bonem,

[Salvation]

BTTT on 08-11-04

[Salvation]

Saint of the Day Ping!

Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Saint of the Day Ping List.

[Smartass]

THANKS FOR THE PING!

[Gerish]

Thanks so much for the ping. Our third child is named Clare Elizabeth and I will gladly share the life of St. Clare with her.