Saint Clare of Assisi

Daughter of Count Favarone Sciffi and wife Ortolana

AD 1194- 1253

Born: Assisi, Italy

Died: Assisi, Italy, Poor health

Miracles: ended a a siege of the city, is said to have seen mass projected upon her wall when she was bedridden Patron Saint of television writers, embroiderers, and guilders

As one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi Saint Clare extolled the Franciscan traditions among women of faith by founding the Order of Poor ladies which was later called the Order of Saint Clare. Born to wealthy Parents Saint Clare joined her mother in a devout life. Saint Clare was aligned to be married at the age of 18 but after hearing Saint Francis preach she asked him to direct her to a life dedicated to serving Christ. Her father was not thrilled with the decision but Clare had already cut her hair and exchanged her noble garments for a more humble robe. He initially tried to force her from the religious house that she had settled and from that point on she lived a life of poverty refusing all gifts and earthly provisions within a life of solitude. Her life’s work was under the observation of complete silence, and hard work. The order wore no shoes, ate no delicacies or indulgent meats, and slept on the ground. Saint Clare lived a life of complete discipline and prayer.

Reminiscent of embroidery St. Clare is emblazed with a flowered iridescent halo which is also repeated in the engraved panels that surround her. Saint Clare holds the traditional monstrance and lamp emboldening her representation of the goldsmiths that would have made these gifts for the church Of course clothed in the humble figure of a nun’s habit Clare elegantly portrays the role of herself as a dedicated and poor servant.