The story of the young girl Chiara, or Clare in English, which means ‘bright, illustrious,' is one of the great love stories of the Franciscan tradition, but not in the sense we imagine. Popular thinking has it that Francis and Clare were conventional lovers; this is nonsense. Clare is remarkable – like Francis – for her passionate love of Christ, which led her to break with her family, and dedicate her life in total poverty to the needy and the sick.

When St Francis preached the Lenten sermons in 1212 in the church of St George in Assisi, he so inspired the young Clare Favaronne, that she determined to follow him in evangelical poverty. She was just 18 at the time. A few nights later, Clare slipped out of her parental castle, accompanied by two relatives, made her way through the forests to a little chapel where Francis and his friars awaited her. There she removed her fine clothes, donned a coarse tunic and veil and vowed to serve Christ in total poverty.

Her family was furious, but did not succeed in getting her back. Before long, a simple convent was built adjacent to the church of San Damiano in Assisi, and the order of the ‘Poor Clares’ was started. Amazingly, Clare’s own mother, an aunt and two sisters were among the first who joined. The little group grew in numbers, and Clare was insistent that the original inspiration of St Francis “to preach in poverty”, and to beg for alms be part of their rules as well.

Clare is usually depicted holding a ciborium, a vessel with the Holy Eucharist. This is because her deep devotion to the Eucharist freed her city on two occasions from marauding bands of soldiers: “I beseech you, dear Lord, protect those whom I am unable to protect.” That was Clare’s prayer, and indeed the prayers of the saints have a wonderful efficacy!