Advent with Saint Clare

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December 2—First Sunday of Advent “She was the first flower in Francis’ garden, and she shone like a radiant star.”—St. Bonaventure Today we begin the Advent season, leading us to the birth of Christ. As we walk this journey, we will be joined by St. Clare, a holy woman with quite her own journey to Christ. It is one that begins with Clare’s decision to leave behind the comforts of her life, descend to the hills below Assisi, and join St. Francis in living out his mission. For Clare, Christ was her focus and St. Francis was her guide to him.

Her path, though, was definitely her own.

Prayer “Make known to me your ways, LORD; teach me your paths.

Guide me by your fidelity and teach me, for you are God my savior.”—Psalm 25: 4-5

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December 3—First Monday of Advent “But with swift pace, light step and unswerving feet...go forward, the spirit of our God has called you.”—second letter to Agnes of Prague As a young girl, Clare would often open the windows of her room and listen to St. Francis preach in the town square, just outside her family’s home.

She was captivated by his words and passion.

Something about the way he preached seemed to speak directly to her heart. But she also heard the way the townspeople—and even her own family— talked about this wild son of Pietro Bernardone.

Yet Clare felt drawn to him. In Francis she saw a path to Christ, one she desired to follow.

Prayer “Because of my relatives and friends I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’

Because of the house of the LORD, our God, I will pray for your good.”—Psalm 122: 8-9

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December 4—First Tuesday of Advent “We are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.”—St. Clare From a young age, Clare was devoted not only to prayer, but also to service of others. Clare’s mother, Ortalana, was a very religious woman and had made sure that her children were well versed in the Catholic faith. Clare took her faith to an even deeper level, though, one that had her ministering to those less fortunate. She would often set aside food from her family’s table and sneak out at night to bring it to those in need on the streets of Assisi.

Such a thing would not be accepted for someone of Clare’s age and social stature, but for her it was second nature.

Prayer “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”—Luke 10:23-24

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December 5—First Wednesday of Advent “Live and hope in the Lord, and let your service be according to reason.”—St. Clare It couldn’t have been easy for Clare to leave behind all that she had known her entire life and embark on a completely unknown path. As the daughter of a noble family, it was a dramatic choice. Yet for Clare there was no other choice. She was being called. And so, on the evening of Palm Sunday 1212, Clare left her home and joined Francis, allowing him to cut off her hair and replace her ornate robes with a rough tunic. When the men of Clare’s family showed up to return her home, Clare refused, clinging tightly to the altar, and stating her desire to devote her life to Christ.

Prayer “Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.”—Psalm 23:6

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December 6—First Thursday of Advent “Do not be disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes like a shadow.”

—letter to Ermentrude of Bruges So often, the peace of Advent takes a back seat to the rush of Christmas. Quiet and solitude are difficult to come by. After joining Francis and embarking on a new life with her sisters at San Damiano, Clare fully embraced the quiet and solitude of the convent, becoming wholly and completely focused on serving the Lord. She and her sisters lived a simple life, with their sole purpose being to live out the Gospel message. What a stark contrast to our modern-day take on this season.

Prayer “I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior.”—Psalm 118:21

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December 7—First Friday of Advent “Gaze upon [Him], consider [Him], contemplate [Him], as you desire to imitate [Him].”

—second letter to Agnes of Prague In her letter, Clare provided a roadmap of sorts of how to serve Christ. She encouraged Agnes to practice these four simple steps as a means of becoming closer to Christ. The difference, however, is that it takes the prayer to another level with the fourth step, encouraging Agnes to emulate Christ in her life outside of prayer. These four steps are still followed today.

Prayer “One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD and contemplate his temple.”—Psalm 27:4

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December 8—First Saturday of Advent “May you go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness.”

—second letter to Agnes of Prague Though Clare never left San Damiano, she still managed to spread the Gospel message beyond the walls of the convent. One way she did so was through her letters. For nineteen years, Clare maintained a correspondence with Agnes of Prague, the daughter of King Ottokar I. Agnes had heard of Francis and Clare from the missionary brothers who visited her country and reached out to Clare because she desired to live a similar holy life as that of Clare and her sisters. Through the letters, Clare was able to provide Agnes with spiritual direction and inspiration, while never leaving San Damiano.

Prayer “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.”

—Ephesians 1:3

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December 9—Second Sunday of Advent “Our labor here is brief, but the reward is eternal.”—letter to Ermentrude of Bruges For Clare and her sisters, life at San Damiano was simple, just as they desired. Francis had rebuilt this little chapel after hearing Christ direct him: “Francis, rebuild my church.” When Francis was searching for a place for the sisters to live, San Damiano was the perfect choice. Inside this modest dwelling, the sisters lived and prayed together, walked barefoot, slept on the ground, and ate no meat. They also spent their days in almost complete silence. It was the manifestation of Clare’s ideal life, stripping away all things that could detract from fully focusing on Christ.

Prayer “Brothers and sisters: I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now.”—Philippians 1:3-5

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December 10—Second Monday of Advent “Love that does not know of suffering is not worthy of the name.”—St. Clare Throughout her life, St. Clare suffered greatly from pain and illness, oftentimes finding herself bedridden. Even then, though, Clare held onto her promise of simplicity. Her bed was a straw mat, her pillow a layer of straw. Only when Francis instructed the sisters to give Clare a bale of hay for a pillow, did she accept it. She did not allow her suffering to distract her from her commitment to Christ.

In fact, she embraced her suffering as a connection with the crucified Lord, even embracing Sister Death as nothing more than a reunification with the savior—her ultimate goal.

Prayer “Strengthen hands that are feeble, make firm knees that are weak, Say to the fearful of heart: Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you.”—Isaiah 35: 3-4

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December 11—Second Tuesday of Advent “Cling to His most sweet Mother who carried a Son whom the heavens could not contain; and yet she carried Him in the little enclosure of her holy womb and held Him on her virginal lap.”

—third letter to Agnes of Prague Much like Mary, Clare was a strong woman who was willing to answer yes to Christ. They both could have taken the easy road but knew in their hearts what they were being called to do. In many ways it is hard not to look at the lives of these two women and draw some parallels. Even St. Francis noted the similarity between the two in his writings. Perhaps in Mary, Clare found a kindred soul, someone who had the type of all-consuming love for Christ for which she strived.

Prayer “Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name; announce his salvation, day after day.”

—Psalm 96:1-2

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December 12—Second Wednesday of Advent “We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become.”—St. Clare St. Clare took the first step of her journey alone, but she was joined shortly after by her sister Catherine, who took the name Agnes. In time, Clare was also joined by her younger sister Beatrix, her mother Ortolana, and her faithful aunt Bianca, who had accompanied Clare the evening she fled her home.

Women from the surrounding area also began to find their way to San Damiano, eager to join this community focused on simplicity and Christ.

Eventually, what began on the plains below Assisi grew and expanded, spreading the Gospel far and wide through the ministries of the Poor Clares.

Prayer “Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the LORD God, the creator of heaven and earth.”

—Judith 13:18

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December 13—Second Thursday of Advent “The Lady Clare, a native of the city of Assisi, a stone precious and strong above all the others of the pile, was the foundation.”—Thomas of Celano, The First Life of St. Francis Though St. Clare is often seen through the prism of St. Francis, she deserves to be seen in her own light for many reasons. First and foremost is the fact that she was the first woman to write her own rule. Such a feat would be commendable today, but it is even more inspiring given the time in which Clare lived, when women were not of equal stature with men. Clare was clear that she would follow Francis, but she also knew what she wanted in terms of living the Gospel life. That combination of strength and humility have made her a model of faith for the ages.

Prayer “The LORD is good to all, compassionate toward all your works.

All your works give you thanks, LORD and your faithful bless you.”—Psalm 145: 9-10

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December 14—Second Friday of Advent “Truly in a field of faith, this woman planted and cultivated a vineyard of poverty, from which abundant and rich fruits of salvation have been gathered.”—Bull of canonization Much like a stone thrown into water extends ripples far and wide, Clare’s holiness and faith helped spread the vision of St. Francis to many—even to this day. Each woman she joined in community with, each brother of Francis that she counseled, each cardinal or pope she challenged, each was changed as a result of Clare’s living example. May we all be such devoted followers of Christ that we are able to touch even just a fraction of those St. Clare has.

Prayer “I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.”

—Isaiah 48: 17

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December 15—Second Saturday of Advent “Love God, serve God; everything is in that.”

—St. Clare When Francis built his manger at Greccio to recall the birth of Christ, I wonder if he told Clare about it. If he did, would she have been able to imagine it as he described? How often did Francis relay to Clare the things he saw during his travels? What great faith and strength she must have had to be a witness to her faith while staying within the walls of San Damiano. It was the way to which God had called her, though, and, therefore, was perfect.

Prayer “Turn back again, God of hosts; look down from heaven and see; Visit this vine, the stock your right hand has planted, and the son with whom you made strong for yourself.”—Psalm 80:15-16

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December 16—Third Sunday of Advent “Clare was hidden, yet her life was visible. Clare was silent, yet her reputation became widespread.

She was kept hidden in a cell, but was known throughout the world.”—Bull of Canonization St. Clare was a brave and formidable woman.

She was not afraid to speak up or stand strong in defense of her beliefs, her community of sisters, or what she felt were injustices. When Pope Honorius III approved a rule that allowed the sisters to hold property in common, Clare strongly refused.

When the pope offered to absolve her from the strict vow of poverty, St. Clare responded, “Holy Father, I crave for absolution from my sins, but I desire not to be absolved from the obligation of following Jesus Christ.”

Prayer “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid.

My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior.”—Isaiah 12:2

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December 17—Third Monday of Advent “Transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation.”

—St. John Paul II on the 800th anniversary of St. Clare’s birth Francis and Clare, though their desire to serve Christ was the same, followed very different paths by which to do so. Francis preached amongst the people, often traveling throughout the Italian countryside. Clare, however, took a more inward and contemplative focus in her ministry. Yet each was so very important in the whole of the ministry. There is a reason Francis and Clare are often spoken of as a pair. They were. Clare was often the steady rock to which Francis returned and Francis was the voice of the preacher that so long ago had captivated Clare’s imagination.

Prayer “May his name be blessed forever; as long as the sun his name shall remain.

In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed; all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.”

—Psalm 72:17 16

December 18—Third Tuesday of Advent “Loving one another with the charity of Christ, let the love you have in your hearts be shown outwardly in your deeds.”—St. John Paul II on the anniversary of the death of Clare On more than one occasion, Clare asked Francis to share a meal with her. He repeatedly declined, until his brothers told him they thought he should grant Clare her request, in light of what she had given up to follow him. Francis obliged, but said the meal should take place at St. Mary of the Angels, where Clare first joined him. During the course of the meal, Francis began to speak and the group was so overcome with spiritual joy, that they paid little attention to the physical food. Afterward, when St. Clare returned to San Damiano, she was filled with the spirit of Christ. Once again, Francis’ words had touched her heart.

Prayer “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds.

And blessed forever be his glorious name; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.”

—Psalm 72: 18-19 17

December 19—Third Wednesday of Advent “Because the way and path is difficult and the gate through which one passes and enters to life is narrow, there are both few who walk it and enter through it.”—The Testament of St. Clare Since she lived within the confines of San Damiano, it is easy to assume that Clare’s effect on the Church would have been minimal. That could not, however, be farther from the truth. For the later years of her life, Clare struggled to have her vision of religious life approved by the Church. She was adamant that her Form of Life fully represent what she saw as the fulfillment of Francis’ vision, something that often put her at odds with Church hierarchy. She held strong, though, and her rule was approved by Pope Innocent IV on August 9, 1253—two days before her death.

Prayer “You have tested my heart, searched it in the night.

You have tried me by fire, but find no malice in me.”—Psalm 17:3-4a

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December 20—Third Thursday of Advent “Clare was a vessel of humility, a shrine of chastity, a flame of love, the essence of kindness, the strength of patience, the bond of peace, and the source of loving unity in her community.”— document of canonization Being as humble as she was, St. Clare would probably take issue with the words above used to describe her. But those who knew Clare would probably not. One person, in particular, who found comfort and counsel in Clare was St. Francis. Whenever he struggled with the direction of his mission and vocation, Clare provided him with insight and encouragement. She also provided comfort and counsel to others, including Francis’ brothers and her own sisters.

Prayer “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”—Luke 1:38

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December 21—Third Friday of Advent “What you hold may you always hold. What you do, may you always do and never abandon. But with swift pace, light step and unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir up no dust, Go forward, the spirit of our God has called you.”—Prayer of St. Clare Perhaps the most important line of this prayer is the final one, which calls us to go forward as we have been called by God. For Clare, that meant to stay exactly where she was. She had been called to San Damiano, to a life of community, poverty, and prayer. Others, however, are called in different ways. Our challenge is to discern our path and follow where God is calling us.

Prayer “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”—Luke 1:45

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December 22—Third Saturday of Advent “Don’t be afraid. Trust in Jesus.”—St. Clare of Assisi to her sisters during an attack by the Saracens Clare had a strong connection with the Eucharist, often spending long periods praying before it. In 1240, when the Saracens were attempting to invade Assisi, they made their way to San Damiano. As they were attempting to scale the walls and enter the convent, St. Clare, who was ill at the time, got out of her bed and retrieved a monstrance containing a consecrated host from the chapel. She stood in the doorway, held it up, and implored Christ’s help. The strong act of faith caused the Saracens to retreat from the convent.

Prayer “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. for he has looked upon his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.”—Luke 1:46-48

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December 23—Fourth Sunday of Advent “Gaze upon that mirror each day, O Queen and Spouse of Jesus Christ, and continually study your face within it.”—fourth letter to Agnes of Prague In her final letter, St. Clare instructs Agnes as to how to use a mirror as a tool for understanding the spiritual life. As a noblewoman, surely Agnes would know the intricacies of the ornate mirrors of the time. Using the different aspect of the mirrors, such as the parameter—the outside edges— Clare tells Agnes to reflect on the “poverty of Him who was placed in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes.... The King of the angels, the Lord of heaven and earth, is laid in a manger!” This type of everyday evangelization was a hallmark of Clare’s ministry to others.

Prayer “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”—Luke 1:45

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December 24—Christmas Eve “Cling to his most sweet mother who carried a son whom the heavens could not contain; and yet she carried Him in the little enclosure of her holy womb and held Him on her virginal lap.”

—third letter to Agnes One Christmas eve, when Clare was too ill to attend Mass with the sisters, she prayed that, even though she could not attend, the Lord would allow her to take part in the Mass through her prayer. At that moment, Clare had a vision that allowed her to see the Mass on the wall of her room as clearly as if she were physically there. In 1958, when Pope Pius XII was searching for a patron saint of television, which was fairly new at the time, he recalled this story and named St. Clare the patron.

Prayer “In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”—Luke 1:78-79

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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Cover and book design by Mark Sullivan ISBN 978-1-63253-280-0 Copyright ©2018, by Susan Hines-Brigger.

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