St Clare of Assisi

Embracing the Spirit of St Clare:
Inspiration and Guidance for Pilgrimage

St Francis’ feminine counterpart is a powerful support to many pilgrims on the Via di Francesco.

When you walk the trail, invite St Clare to walk with you, and allow her energy to illuminate your path towards a deeper, more profound connection as you traverse this sacred path.

St Clare Fresco at the Monastery of San Damiano in Assisi. Photo by Carlo Raso
St Clare Fresco at the Monastery of San Damiano in Assisi. Photo by Carlo Raso

Who is St Clare of Assisi?

St Clare was a 13th-century Italian saint who, inspired by the teachings of St. Francis, renounced her noble background to live a life of poverty, humility, and service alongside Francis. 

St. Clare and St. Francis worked together to share Francis’ teachings of committing to a life of simplicity, humility, and service.

Their relationship serves as a testament to the power of spiritual kinship and mutual support in pursuing a higher calling.

As the founder of the Order of the Poor Clares, she was a trailblazer for women in spiritual life.

St Clare Oratory
St Francis (left), Virgin Mary with Child, and St Clare (right) - fresco 14th century, Oratory of St Clare in Monastery of San Damiano, Assisi. Photo by Carlo Raso

Call on Clare to Hear Guidance

The deep forests of the Tuscan stages invite pilgrims to turn inward and listen.

Pilgrims are invited to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and appreciate moments of stillness, allowing themselves to become fully present and connected.

This mode of listening can be new and challenging, but pilgrims can ask for St Clare’s support.

She is known for healing others’ deafness and inability to speak during the time of Francis.

Deepening Your Connection with the Sacred

As you walk the Via di Francesco, ask for St Clare’s guidance in truly hearing yourself, deepening your connection with your inner voice, and understanding the subtle messages of the trail that surround you.

Call on Clare for Courage

Similar to Francis, St Clare left a wealthy family life to follow a spiritual path that was both challenging and uncertain. 

As you navigate the ups and downs of your pilgrimage, draw strength from her example of fearless commitment to follow the spiritual calling. 

Trusting in the Divine Plan

Ask for her guidance in finding the courage to face whatever lies ahead, trusting in the journey and embracing the challenges as opportunities for growth.

Call on Clare to Release the Need for Control

St. Clare’s life demonstrates the importance of renouncing the need to possess, control, and dominate. She lived in joyful trust, focusing on her spiritual growth rather than worldly possessions.

Expanding Trust

As you walk the Via di Francesco, practice letting go of the need to control every aspect of your journey, and instead, embrace a sense of trust in the divine plan unfolding before you.

Visit St. Clare in Assisi

San Damiano in Assisi
San Damiano in Assisi

Your pilgrimage will ultimately lead you to the enchanting town of Assisi, where you can visit the Basilica of St Clare (Basilica di Santa Chiara) and the Church of San Damiano, her original convent.

These sacred sites offer an opportunity to connect with the spirit of St Clare and St Francis, feeling their presence and guidance.

In the words of St Clare:

“May you go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness.”