Clare of Assisi, St.

SSaint Clare, follower of the Poverello, St. Francis of Assisi, was born to a noble family of the town of Assisi, in Umbria, Italy in the year 1193. When her neighbor Francis gave away all his possessions to follow Jesus in poverty and prayer, Clare felt herself drawn to follow his example. Under his direction, she founded an order of contemplative nuns vowed to poverty, chastity, and obedience who are often known today as the “Poor Clares.” Mother Angelica, founder of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) is a member of one of the offshoots of this Franciscan Order for women founded by St. Clare. During her lifetime, Clare was renowned for her deep holiness and great wisdom. Her advice was sought after even by the Pope. She died in 1253. St. Clare’s feast day in on August 11. She, who died over 700 years before the invention of the electric light, is recognized as the patron Saint of television. Biography by Dr. Italy