August 2, First day of Novena to St. Clare

Today we begin the Novena to St. Clare. As we pray for our personal intentions, let us unite with all people who are praying this novena around the world during this time of Corona virus.

Sr. Dianne Short, OSC

It is so easy to get caught up in our own needs, losses, and sufferings, forgetting we are not alone. St. Clare can help us in our pain and loss. She lived for twenty-seven years after the death of her dear friend, Francis of Assisi, who she called “our pillar of strength, and after God, our one consolation and support.” Clare herself was ill and bedridden for many of those years, but she was still in touch with the needs of those around her. Through prayer, she allowed her pain to teach her compassion, letting the healing power of Jesus flow through her as she cured her sick sisters. The people of Assisi also knew the strength of Clare’s prayer. In 1241 the city was in danger of being invaded by the imperial army. Clare gathered her sisters around her and said, “We have received many benefits from this city. We would be most ungrateful if we did not come to its aid as far as we can. Go now to Our Lord and plead with all your hearts for the deliverance of the city.” The city was saved through their prayers. To this day, on June 22nd, members of the city’s government come to the monastery, acknowledging the intercession of Clare and her sisters so many years ago, expressing their gratitude to the sisters now for their prayerful concern in our own time.

As we begin this novena together, bringing our needs to Clare, let us ask her to help us share Jesus’ compassion with our sisters and brothers who are in need today.

– Sr. Dianne Short, OSC

Ask the Poor Clares to pray for your intentions: www.poorclarescincinnati.org   

Click here to pray the Novena to St. Clare – Day 1