Sacred Radiance: The Legacy of St. Clare of Assisi

 

In Assisi's heart, a maiden fair was born,

Chiara Offreduccio, destined to adorn

The annals of saints with her radiant grace,

St. Clare of Assisi, in her sacred place.

From noble lineage, she came to be,

Yet chose a path of humility,

Her mother's devoutness, her father's gallant,

In her soul, a fervent fire did reside.

At eighteen summers, in the Lenten haze,

St. Francis' words set her heart ablaze,

To live the Gospel's truth, she did aspire,

To forsake worldly wealth, to aim higher.

On Palm Sunday's eve, she took the solemn vow,

To Christ alone, she'd bend her fervent brow,

Her tresses shorn, her garments plain and stark,

She embraced poverty, illumined by faith's spark.

With sisters faithful, she sought solitude's embrace,

San Damiano's walls, her sacred space,

The "Poor Ladies," they, in austerity's glow,

Living the Gospel, in sweet overflow.

No shoes adorned their feet, no meat did they taste,

In humble abode, their hearts found haste,

Silent prayers and toil, their daily bread,

In simplicity's embrace, they were led.

Defending her order, from prelate's decree,

Clare stood firm, in piety's decree,

"Alter Franciscus," another Francis, they'd say,

Her love for him, unwavering each day.

When Frederick's army marched, with violence near,

Clare's faith shone bright, dispelling fear,

With Blessed Sacrament held high,

She faced the foe, with resolute eye.

"Protect these sisters," her fervent plea,

In that moment, peace set them free,

Her frail form bore suffering's weight,

Yet joy in the Lord, made her heart elate.

On August's breeze, her feast day rings,

A chorus of praise, to heaven it sings,

In basilica's halls, her memory's glow,

In hearts of faithful, her love does grow.