Celebrating St. Clare

**All Saints Day~2009**

~Princess dressed as St. Clare~

St. Clare of Assisi

Memorial

August 11

"Love Him totally who gave Himself totally for your love."

~St. Clare~

We know that St. Clare became a living copy of the poverty, the humility, and the mortification of

St. Francis; that she had a special devotion to the Holy Eucharist, the

source and summit of Christian worship, life and mission.

In the Eucharistic Liturgy is found every form of prayer. Here we "gather up" the heart, recollecting our whole being under the prompting of the Holy Spirit. (CATECHISM 2711) Here we unite ourselves to Christ as He offers perfect praise and thanksgiving to the Father. Here the Good Seed of the Word is lavishly sown. The Eucharist is the food of faith which strengthens us for the spiritual combat. In the Eucharist, communion with God becomes a reality cherished in adoring silence. Is it any wonder that the Seraphic Mother did all she could to foster devotion to the Eucharistic mystery?

In honor of St. Clare, try making this simple and quick

"St. Clare Cheesecake"

See my post over at Catholic Cuisine for instructions!

When I asked my children their favorite part of St. Clare's story they unanimously loved the part when an army of rough soldiers came to attack the city of Assisi.  Although very sick, St. Clare asked to be carried to the window.  She  had the Blessed Sacrament placed right where the soldeirs could see it.  Then she knelt and begged God to save the nuns and the city.  "O Lord, protect these sisters whom I cannot protect now," she prayed.  And a voice within her seemed to say:  "I will keep them always in my care."  At this same moment, a sudden fright struck the attackers.  The rough soldiers ran away as fast as they could!
A few illustrations...

St. Clare drawn by Princess, Age 7

Monstrance drawn by Superboy, Age 6

Monstrance drawn by Army Dude, age 11

This Catholic How-To Draw is one of our favorite resources! 

NOVENA TO SAINT CLARE

Dear St. Clare, as a young girl you imitated your mother's love for the poor of your native Assisi. Inspired by the preaching of St. Francis, who sang enthusiastically of His Lord Jesus and Lady Poverty, you gave your life to Jesus at nineteen years of age, allowing St. Francis to cut off your beautiful hair and invest you with the Franciscan habit. All through your life you offered your great suffering for your Sisters, the Poor Clares, and the conversion of souls. You greatly aided St. Francis with his new order, carrying on his spirit in the Franciscans after his death. Most of all you had a deep love of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, which fueled your vocation to love and care for the poor. Please pray for me (mention your request) that I will seek to keep Jesus as my first love, as you did. Help me to grow in love of the Blessed Sacrament, to care for the poor, and to offer my whole life to God. Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of St. Clare. Through her intercession, please hear and answer my prayer, in the name of Jesus Your Son. Amen.