Amata of Assisi
The niece and disciple of a great 13th-century founding saint, she left a life of luxury to join her aunt in a monastery living in the most radical poverty.
- Middle Ages
- Feast day February 20
- † 1252
- Virgin
- Founder
Saint Amata (Aimée in French) was the niece of Saint Clare of Assisi and one of the very first women to join her monastery at San Damiano, following the example of poverty and contemplative life of the Poor Clares. She suffered from severe illnesses, including dropsy, fever, and toothaches, from which she was completely and miraculously healed through the intercession of Saint Clare, who had her make the sign of the cross and kiss her own cross. She died around 1252, faithful to her monastic vocation, marking a life of devotion and simplicity within the nascent Franciscan order.