Saint+Clare+of+Assisi

**SAINT CLARE OF ASSISI**

Clare of Assisi, born in 1194, became one of the most influential spiritual women of the thirteenth century. She was canonized in 1255, in recognition of her spiritual contribution. This consisted of a Rule that was distributed amongst the Orders of the Poor Clares. Clare’s Rule was similar to the Franciscan Rule, in that it encompassed a life of poverty and spiritual reflection, which echoed religious movements that had been occurring in Europe throughout the twelfth century. It was through her Rule and spiritual commitment that Clare became one of the greatest spiritual models for women. toc

THE EARLY YEARS: FOLLOWING FATHER FRANCIS
Clare was of noble lineage, but chose to become a follower of Father Francis in 1210, thereby adopting the life of poverty. Clare entered into the convent of San Damiano, which was under Franciscan possession. Several other female followers of Father Francis also converged there, electing Clare as the abbess. Clare and her sisters became known as the Poor Clare’s and became part of the second Franciscan Order, when the Lateran Council of 1215 placed a ban on the establishment of new religious orders.

CLARE'S SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT
Clare chose to replicate Christ’s poverty in her spiritual practices. Austere conditions and seclusion from life outside the convent were predominant factors. Due to the extremities and commitment to her ideals, particularly regarding charity and fasting, interventions by Francis and other Bishops occurred. Through her commitment to poverty, charity and spiritual reflection she became a spiritual model for the other sisters. This image of Clare and her purity was spread throughout Italy, inspiring and uniting the beliefs of other sisters.

THE RULE OF SAINT CLARE
Clare’s Rule was the first Rule written for women, and its importance was recognised in 1252 when the Rule was authorised by Pope Innocent IV. Prior to this the Benedictine Rule was followed, limiting women’s spiritual practices. In effect, Clare’s Rule allowed women to lead a similar lifestyle to the Friar’s Minor, involving poverty and labour, and therefore incorporating elements of Clare’s ideal spiritual being. The Church hierarchy still maintained the responsibility to maintain order and promote the spiritual health of the Poor Clares, however there were restrictions regarding contact from the world outside the convent. There were also some issues regarding the Rule’s implementation. The Friar’s Minors were responsible to provide resources to the convent and this was not always possible, depending on the social, economic and political factors of the thirteenth century. Eventually it was decided by the Papal authorities that the Rule of Clare only be practiced in the San Damiano convent, thereby respecting Clare as a role model for the sisters.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RULE
The Rule of Saint Claire allowed women in the thirteenth century to practice a religious lifestyle similar to that already practised by men. The Rule was free of Church regulations; therefore the restraints previously placed on women were removed. By allowing women to live a life of greater poverty the Rule of Saint Clare followed the trends of religious movements at the time that aimed to purify and liberate the Church.