St Clare of Assisi – Patron Saint of Television

Today is the feast of St Clare of Assisi although this year it’s not celebrated on the date as it falls on a Sunday. Clare died in 1253 and left behind her a legacy that burns brightly to this day – The Poor Clare Nuns and Sisters.

Clare’s life was centred on radical poverty and prayer. The Sisters – or Poor Ladies of San Damiano as they were known at the time – lived an enclosed and austere life dependent on the providence of God and the goodness of people.

Clare came form a noble background but gave up her comfortable lifestyle after meeting St Francis of Assisi and hearing him preach. She wanted to live the gospel life that he so passionately spoke of. Others soon came to.join her including her sisters and Mother.

Clare suffered a lot of illness in her life and had often to spend much time confined to bed. On one such occassion she was too sick to attend Mass but by the grace of God was able to see and hear the Mass broadcast on the wall of her room – the first ever TV broadcast maybe? Hence her title as Patron of Television!

We pray for the Poor Clares around the world today and thank God for their prayerful presence in our world.