Praise God by your life!
(St. Clare)
The third of five children born to Favarone di Offreduccio and Ortolana Fiumi, Clare left home at the age of eighteen (1212), and, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, she consecrated herself to live the gospel life, following the poverty and humility of Jesus Christ and his Mother. The Privilege of Poverty, which recognised the special charism of St. Clare and her Sisters in their way of following the poor and humble Christ, was authorised by the pope in 1228 and again in 1253. Her contemplative prayer centred on Christ in His Infancy and Passion. She was also noted for her devotion to the Eucharist. Before her death, some 110 communities of Sisters claimed her as their foundress. Clare died in 1253 and was canonised in 1255 by Alexander IV and chosen as universal patroness of television in 1958 by Pius XII.
First Reading: Hos. 2: 16, 17, 21-22; Second Reading: 2 Cor. 4: 6-10, 16-18; Gospel: John 15: 4-10
