Biography
Chiara Offreduccio was born to a wealthy, noble family in Assisi. Hearing St. Francis preach, she was deeply moved and resolved to dedicate her life to God. At age 18, she escaped her home at night, met Francis, exchanged her rich gown for a rough tunic, and had her hair cut off. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies (now Poor Clares), living in radical poverty, silence, and prayer at San Damiano. When the army of Frederick II attacked Assisi, Clare, though ill, had herself carried to the wall with a monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. Upon seeing the Eucharist, the attacking army was struck with panic and fled. She is the patron of television because, when too ill to attend Midnight Mass, she miraculously saw and heard the Mass projected on her cell wall.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦Defeating an invading Saracen army by raising the Blessed Sacrament
- ✦Seeing and hearing a distant Christmas Mass on the wall of her cell (basis for television patronage)
Wisdom & Quotes
“We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.”
“Gaze upon Christ, consider Christ, contemplate Christ, as you desire to imitate Christ.”
“Love Him totally, who gave Himself totally for your love.”