The year 2012 marks the 800th anniversary of Saint Clare’s religious consecration and the founding of the Poor Clares. The Poor Clares of Belleville, Illinois, invite everyone to join them in their solemn novena in honor of Saint Clare, August 2 through August 10. Her feast day is Sunday, August 11th.
Pope John Paul II said that there was no concern, suffering, anguish or discouragement of others that did not find an echo in the heart of this prayerful woman.
She is the:
- Patroness of Television (declared so in 1958). When she was too sick to attend Mass, she was able to see it on a wall in her room. The origin of the word television comes from tele (far) and vision (sight). Mother Angelica, who founded EWTN, is a Poor Clare nun.
- Patroness of Seamstresses – preserved at the basilica of St. Clare in Assisi is a linen and lace alb she made for St. Francis
- Intercessor for those with eye trouble – one of the first miracles after her death was the restoration of the sight of a blind man
- Patroness of Good Weather – the traditional offering for a CLARE-sky day is one dozen eggs to the nearest Poor Clare Monastery
- Helper in Childbirth – Her mother prayed before a crucifix shortly before the birth of St. Clare. The Lord said, Fear not, for you will bring forth a light that will greatly illumine the world.
- Friend of Children in Need – People brought their children to the monastery confident that Saint Clare’s prayers would help them
The theme for this year’s novena is: Clare: Close to Us