“Don’t be afraid. Trust in Jesus.”

...fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

Giuseppe Cesari, St Clare with the Scene of the Siege of Assisi ~ Oil on panel - The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

In 1234, the army of Frederick II was devastating the valley of Spoleto, the soldiers, preparatory to an assault upon Assisi, scaled the walls of San Damiano by night, spreading terror among the community. Clare, calmly rising from her sick bed, and taking the ciborium from the little chapel adjoining her cell, proceeded to face the invaders at an open window against which they had already placed a ladder.

“Does it please you, O God, to deliver into the hands of these beasts the defenseless children I have nourished with your love? I beseech you, dear Lord, protect these whom I am now unable to protect.” To her sisters she said, “Don’t be afraid. Trust in Jesus.”

It is related that, as she raised the Blessed Sacrament on high, the soldiers who were about to enter the monastery fell backward as if dazzled, and the others who were ready to follow them took flight. It is with reference to this incident that St. Clare is generally represented in art bearing a ciborium.

Principal source - Catholic Encyclopedia - 1913 edition  

St Clare of Assisi

Italy ~ 1194-1253

Name "Clare" means transparent life

Foundress of Poor Clare Sisters

Incorrupt

FEAST DAY – August 11 

When they had only one bread so that 50 sisters could eat, Saint Clare blessed it and while together they prayed an Our Father, she broke the bread and sent one half to the Friars Minor and the other half she distributed amongst the sisters. This half bread multiplied so much so that it was enough for all to eat. Saint Clare said, “He who multiplies the bread in the Eucharist, the great mystery of faith, can’t He also be able to supply enough bread for His poor spouses?”

Click here: St. Clare of Assisi - YouTube  (2 mins)

Click here: Discovering our Saints - St Clare of Assisi - YouTube  (4 mins)

More on St Clare ... Click here: St. Clare of Assisi

 

St Clare, pray for us!