Clare of Assisi

Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) was an Italian noblewoman who founded the Franciscan women’s order, known as the Poor Clares. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, she embraced a life of poverty and devoted herself to prayer and community service. Clare's commitment to living simply and her emphasis on humility and compassion shaped her spiritual teachings. Her life and work dramatically influenced the role of women in the church. Canonized in 1255, she is celebrated as a saint in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion, and her feast day is observed on August 11.