5 facts about Saint Clare of Assisi, patron saint of television and author of the first rule for nuns

Every August 11 we celebrate the founder of the Poor Clares, Saint Clare of Assisi, who had a special vision of God. Here are 5 facts about this great woman who wrote a rule for nuns.

1. She is the patron saint of television and telecommunications

In the late 1950s, television began to be one of the most important forms of communication in modern society.

The then Pope, Pius XII, wanted to give the blessing and protection of the Catholic Church for this new technology, and in 1958 he published a Apostolic Letter proclaiming Saint Clare Patroness of Television.

In the text, it is noted that the Church supports technological innovation, advancement and recommends the use of modern technology for the proclamation of the Gospel. Additionally, television is recognized as capable of both good and evil, requiring it to have a patron saint for spiritual protection.

The Holy Father chose Saint Clare of Assisi, who lived an interesting episode of her life in the 13th century.

The story goes that, one Christmas, Saint Clare was sick and could not get out of her bed to attend Mass.

However, miraculously, God gave her a vision of the Eucharist in her convent in real time, something akin to a “spiritual television” broadcast.

2. She was a great friend of Saint Francis of Assisi

At the General Audience on September 15, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI said that “for Clare, especially at the beginning of her religious experience, Francis of Assisi was not only a teacher whose teachings to follow, but also a fraternal friend.”

When Clare was 18 years old, Saint Francis went to the church of San Giorgio in Assisi to preach during Lent. Clara, after listening to him, felt a flame inside her that lit her heart and soon made her beg Saint Francis to help her also live “according to the way of the Holy Gospel.”

Saint Francis, who immediately recognized in Clare one of those chosen souls destined by God for great things, promised to help her and became her spiritual guide.

In 1212, Clare fled her home and headed to Porziuncula (Italy), where she joined the Order of the Minor Brothers. Clara promised to obey Saint Francis in everything.

That same year, Saint Clare and Saint Francis of Assisi founded the second Franciscan order or Poor Clare sisters.

She and her followers moved to the convent of San Damiano, where the saint remained for 41 years until the day of her death.

3. She is the first and only woman to write a rule of religious life for women

Benedict XVI assured that “Clara was the first woman in the history of the Church who composed a written Rule, submitted to the approval of the Pope, so that the charisma of Francis of Assisi would be preserved in all the female communities that were already being founded in great number in their time and who wanted to be inspired by the example of Francisco and Clare.”

His decision to write a rule was a radical departure from the religious norms of his time. Only after insistence did Pope Innocent IV approve it two days before Clare’s death, on August 11, 1253.

4. He performed surprising miracles with breads

One day, they had only one loaf for 50 Poor Clare sisters. Saint Clare blessed him and, praying the Lord’s Prayer together, she multiplied the bread and distributed it to her sisters.

Then he sent the other half to the younger brothers. To this, he said: “Will He who multiplies bread in the Eucharist, the great mystery of faith, lack the power to supply his poor wives with bread?”

On another occasion, during one of Pope Innocent III’s visits to the convent, Saint Clare had the tables prepared and bread placed on them for the Holy Father to bless.

The Pontiff asked the saint to be the one to do it, to which Clara flatly opposed.

The Pope urged her to make the sign of the cross over the loaves and bless them in the name of God. Saint Clare, as a true daughter of obedience, very devoutly blessed those loaves with the sign of the cross, and instantly the sign of the cross appeared marked on all the loaves.

5. He suffered from illness for many years

Saint Clare was ill for 27 years in the convent of San Damiano, enduring all the sufferings of her illness. In her bed she embroidered, she sewed and she prayed without ceasing.

The Pope visited her twice and exclaimed: “I wish I had as little need to be forgiven as this holy little nun has.”

Cardinals and bishops came to visit her and ask for her advice.

Saint Francis had already died, but three of the saint’s favorite disciples, Fray Junípero, Fray Angel and Fray León, read the Passion of Jesus to Clara while he was dying.

The saint repeated: “Since I dedicated myself to thinking and meditating on the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the pain and suffering no longer discourage me but comfort me.”

This story was originally published on August 11, 2023. It has been updated for republication.