ST. CLARE OF ASSISI

BACKGROUND

• St. Clare's real name is Chiara Offreduccio
• She grew up in Assisi, Italy
• Born July 16, 1194
• Came from a wealthy family
• Family wanted her to marry a wealthy, young man

BACKGROUND (CONT.)

• Clare refused to marry the man
• When she turned 18 she heard the teachings of st. Francis

CLARE'S CONNECTION TO THE CHURCH

• She ran away from home to follow Francis
• He cut her hair and put her in a black veil
• She was placed in a covenant of the Benedictine nuns
• With her sister, she moved to San Damiano
• "Order of San Damiano"

ST. CLARE'S FAITH JOURNEY

• Lived in enclosure
• Manual labor and prayer
• Took care of Francis during his illness
• After Francis died she continued to share his teachings

THE POOR CLARES

• Religious group that St. Clare founded
• Originally called "Order of Poor Ladies"
• Clare dedicated her life to poverty
• Lived a stricter life than any other female Orders
• Poor Clares is still growing today