Saint Clare of Montefalco
Stored in Cargo: Saint Clare of Montefalco
| Saint Clare of Montefalco | |
| Feast Day | August 17 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Montefalco, mystics |
| Birthplace | Montefalco, Papal States |
| Death Place | Montefalco, Papal States |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes (illness) |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Saint Clare, Montefalco, Italy |
Saint Clare of Montefalco (1268 AD – 1308 AD) was an Italian nun and mystic, known for her visions and the miraculous cross found in her heart. Born in Montefalco, Papal States, she led the Augustinian nuns, promoting charity. Canonized in 1881 AD by Pope Leo XIII, she is venerated for her mysticism.[1]
Clare is the patron saint of Montefalco and mystics, with her feast day on 17 August. Honored in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, her relics at the Basilica of Saint Clare, Montefalco, draw pilgrims. Her heart’s cross symbolizes devotion.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Clare was born in 1268 AD in Montefalco, Papal States, to a devout family.[1] Montefalco’s religious culture shaped her faith. Her parents ensured her spiritual education.
Her visions began in childhood.[3]
Early Life
Clare joined a hermitage at 6, later entering the Augustinian nuns in Montefalco.[4] Appointed abbess in 1290 AD, she experienced mystical visions of Christ’s Passion. Her heart, examined post-mortem, bore a cross, affirming her sanctity.
Her mysticism drew pilgrims.[5]
Occupation
Clare was a nun and mystic.[1] She led her convent, counseled the poor, and recorded visions. Her “occupation” was contemplative prayer, guiding her sisters.
Her heart’s cross fueled devotion.[6]
Vocation
Clare’s religious vocation began with her consecration in 1274 AD.[1] Leading the Augustinians until 1308 AD, she fostered charity and contemplation. Her visions of the cross defined her calling, inspiring her community.
Her mysticism influenced Umbrian spirituality.[7]
Death
Clare died on 17 August 1308 AD in Montefalco, Papal States, from illness, aged 40.[1] She passed in her convent, surrounded by sisters. Her death was mourned locally.
Her heart’s relics at her basilica draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
- Joined hermitage, 1274 AD.[5]
- Became abbess, 1290 AD.[6]
- Heart’s cross discovered, 1308 AD.[4]
- Died in Montefalco, 1308 AD.[1]
- Canonized, 1881 AD.[8]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Montefalco, Papal States
Death location: Montefalco, Papal States
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
Clare’s sainthood process began post-1308 AD, initiated by her convent.[3] Her heart’s cross supported sanctity. Testimonies from Montefalco advanced her cause.
Devotion grew in Umbria.[1]
Venerable
Clare was declared Venerable in 1624 AD by Pope Urban VIII.[1] Her heroic virtue was cited. Church reviews of her visions formalized her cult.
This boosted devotion in Italy.[5]
Beatification
Clare was beatified on 13 April 1737 AD by Pope Clement XII.[1] A child’s healing from blindness in 1736 AD was verified. Her beatification inspired Augustinians.
Shrines emerged in Montefalco.[6]
Canonization
Clare was canonized on 8 December 1881 AD by Pope Leo XIII.[1] A woman’s healing from fever in 1880 AD was confirmed. Her feast day of 17 August was set.
Her sainthood celebrated mysticism.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
A child’s recovery from blindness in 1736 AD was verified for beatification.[1] Medical evidence confirmed the miracle.
This strengthened her cult.[2]
Miracle for canonization
A woman’s healing from fever in 1880 AD was verified for canonization.[8] Church investigations upheld authenticity.
This solidified her sainthood.[6]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Clare is the patron saint of Montefalco and mystics.[2] Her patronage supports contemplation.[9]
Feast day
Clare’s feast day is 17 August, celebrated with Masses in Montefalco and Orthodox Christianity.[1] Pilgrimages to her basilica mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Clare is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Basilica of Saint Clare.[2] Mystics seek her intercession. Her heart’s relics are displayed on her feast day.
Depicted with a cross, her visions, noted in X posts, inspire devotion.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
- No surviving works; legacy in visions.[3]
External links
- CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Clare of Montefalco
- Catholic.org: St. Clare of Montefalco
- Franciscan Media: Saint Clare of Montefalco
- Catholic News Agency: St. Clare of Montefalco
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Clare of Montefalco". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-clare-of-montefalco/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "St. Clare of Montefalco". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=245. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Clare of Montefalco". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04005a.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Clare of Montefalco". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Clare-of-Montefalco. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Clare of Montefalco". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-clare-of-montefalco/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "St. Clare of Montefalco". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-clare-of-montefalco-613. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Fr. Mario Rossi. "Basilica of Saint Clare". Diocese of Perugia. https://www.perugiadiocese.it/clare. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "St. Clare of Montefalco". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20030817_clare-montefalco_en.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Clare of Montefalco". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-clare-of-montefalco. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Clare of Montefalco, Mystic". CatholicSaints via X. 17 August 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/claremontefalco2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.