Clare of Assisi

Saint Clare of Assisi (born Chiara Offreduccio) is one of the most iconic figures of female Franciscan spirituality. Born in Assisi in 1194 into a noble family, she was deeply inspired by the preaching of Saint Francis of Assisi. On Palm Sunday in 1212, she left her family home to join Francis at the Porziuncola, where she received the religious habit. She then founded the monastery of San Damiano, the first community of what would become the Order of Poor Ladies, or Poor Clares. Clare lived a life of strict poverty, humility, and contemplative prayer, insisting on the "privilege of poverty" for her order. She was a strong and resilient spiritual guide, defending the ideal of poverty against papal attempts to soften it. She died in Assisi on August 11, 1253, and was canonized by Pope Alexander IV in 1255.