(circa 1194-1253)

Founder of the Poor Clares, Patron of eye disease

St. Clare was the first female follower of St. Francis of Assisi. She embraced the Franciscan ideal of poverty and founded the Order of the Poor Ladies which became known as the Poor Clares. This organization is still active throughout the world today. Clare was humble, charming and courageous. Once, when her convent was under attack by the Saracens, Clare stood at the gates holding up the blessed sacrament. The attackers were overcome with fear and fled.