Saint Clare of Assisi and the Miracle of the Eucharist
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| Saint Clare and the Miracle of the Eucharist 1240 AD in Assisi |
This spiritually mystical information was found while I was searching for information to share on Maine Celebrates the Franciscan Jubilee Year. Saint Clare and the Eucharistic Miracle.
From The Day When Saint Clare Faced an Army with the Blessed Sacrament published in Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land.
Who Was Saint Clare of Assisi😇❔
To journey into the miracle of the monstrance with Saint Clare, at San Damiano, (where Saint Francis heard the voice of Jesus from the crucifix) we must first meet the gentle yet courageous soul at the heart of the story
Other reported miracles include multiplying loaves of bread and experiencing a Christmas vision of Mass from her bed.
Who Was Saint Clare of Assisi😇❔
To journey into the miracle of the monstrance with Saint Clare, at San Damiano, (where Saint Francis heard the voice of Jesus from the crucifix) we must first meet the gentle yet courageous soul at the heart of the story
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Born on July 16, 1194 to a noble family in the Umbrian town of Assisi, Clare grew up amidst privilege and security. Yet, her heart yearned for something more than the world could offer. Like her beloved friend Saint Francis, Clare was restless for God.
As a young woman, Clare listened intently to the Gospel preached by Francis, whose radical embrace of poverty awakened something deep within her. One Palm Sunday night, surrendering her silks and jewels, she slipped from her family’s house and fled to the small chapel of Our Lady of the Angels. There, in a hush of candlelight, she cut her golden hair and vowed her life to Jesus Christ, taking on the humble habit of poverty.
As a young woman, Clare listened intently to the Gospel preached by Francis, whose radical embrace of poverty awakened something deep within her. One Palm Sunday night, surrendering her silks and jewels, she slipped from her family’s house and fled to the small chapel of Our Lady of the Angels. There, in a hush of candlelight, she cut her golden hair and vowed her life to Jesus Christ, taking on the humble habit of poverty.
Saint Clare of Assisi used the Blessed Sacrament to turn away an invading army of Saracen (mostly Arabic) mercenaries who were scaling the walls of the San Damiano convent in Italy.
Clare was gravely ill and bedridden, but she held the monstrance high at a window, prayed for protection, and the startled attackers suddenly fled.
Saint Clare of Assisi, facing down an invading army armed with nothing but her trust in the Eucharist Real Presence is one of the most stirring in all of Catholic tradition. It’s a tale that draws the heart to awe, inviting every pilgrim soul to consider what faith looks like—stretched to its breaking point and still unwavering.
For those who can never walk the ancient streets of Assisi or kneel before the very monstrance Clare once held, this story still unfolds for us today, echoing in the sanctuary of every tabernacle and in the quiet courage of prayer.
Clare soon became the spiritual mother of the Poor Ladies of San Damiano—now known as the Poor Clares. Together with her sisters, she embraced a hidden life of prayer, sacrifice, and deep Eucharistic devotion. Behind the convent’s simple walls, Clare’s days resounded with prayerful silence and gentle charity.
Saint Clare of Assisi, facing down an invading army armed with nothing but her trust in the Eucharist Real Presence is one of the most stirring in all of Catholic tradition. It’s a tale that draws the heart to awe, inviting every pilgrim soul to consider what faith looks like—stretched to its breaking point and still unwavering.
For those who can never walk the ancient streets of Assisi or kneel before the very monstrance Clare once held, this story still unfolds for us today, echoing in the sanctuary of every tabernacle and in the quiet courage of prayer.
Clare soon became the spiritual mother of the Poor Ladies of San Damiano—now known as the Poor Clares. Together with her sisters, she embraced a hidden life of prayer, sacrifice, and deep Eucharistic devotion. Behind the convent’s simple walls, Clare’s days resounded with prayerful silence and gentle charity.
Although she never left her cloister, the witness of her holiness drew pilgrims and the curious, the desperate and the hopeful, to her side.
Yet, it was not only her devotion and self-denial that marked her sanctity. Saint Clare possessed an unfaltering faith that stood firm in crisis. When Assisi trembled under the threat of attack, it was Clare who would place her trust in the power of Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, becoming a beacon of faith, courage, and hope for her community.
Yet, it was not only her devotion and self-denial that marked her sanctity. Saint Clare possessed an unfaltering faith that stood firm in crisis. When Assisi trembled under the threat of attack, it was Clare who would place her trust in the power of Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament, becoming a beacon of faith, courage, and hope for her community.
Clare's spiritual story is a shining example about how surrender, prayer, and courageous faith can defend and sustain us, whatever storms we face.
In the year 1240, Assisi was under threat.
A wave of Saracen (mostly Arabic) mercenaries, that were hired by Emperor Frederick II, descended on Italy. Ruthless and violent, they approached the peaceful convent of San Damiano just outside the city walls—home to St. Clare of Assisi and her community of Poor Clares. The sisters had no weapons, no soldiers, and no real way to defend themselves. But Clare knew where her strength came from.
As enemy forces drew near, Clare did something extraordinary: she took the Blessed Sacrament—Christ Himself, present in the Eucharist—and held it high at the convent gates. What happened next is one of the most powerful and overlooked stories in Catholic history.
This was not just a tale of medieval courage. It was a bold demonstration of Eucharistic faith, the kind of belief the Church is calling Catholics to rediscover during this time of Eucharistic Revival. St. Clare’s act wasn’t dramatic for drama’s sake—it was a declaration that prayer and the Real Presence of Christ are not passive things. They are weapons.
Facing the enemy with the Body of Christ raised high, she prayed aloud: “Does it please You, Lord, to deliver into the hands of these beasts the defenseless children I have nourished with Your love? I beg You, Lord, protect these women whom I cannot protect.”
Then something happened. The advancing soldiers—armed, aggressive and confident—suddenly froze. Panic overtook them. One by one, they turned and fled. Not a single one laid a hand on the sisters. Not a single sword was drawn. The convent was spared.
Clare credited Christ alone. She never took personal credit, only pointing to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist as the source of their protection.
In the year 1240, Assisi was under threat.
A wave of Saracen (mostly Arabic) mercenaries, that were hired by Emperor Frederick II, descended on Italy. Ruthless and violent, they approached the peaceful convent of San Damiano just outside the city walls—home to St. Clare of Assisi and her community of Poor Clares. The sisters had no weapons, no soldiers, and no real way to defend themselves. But Clare knew where her strength came from.
As enemy forces drew near, Clare did something extraordinary: she took the Blessed Sacrament—Christ Himself, present in the Eucharist—and held it high at the convent gates. What happened next is one of the most powerful and overlooked stories in Catholic history.
This was not just a tale of medieval courage. It was a bold demonstration of Eucharistic faith, the kind of belief the Church is calling Catholics to rediscover during this time of Eucharistic Revival. St. Clare’s act wasn’t dramatic for drama’s sake—it was a declaration that prayer and the Real Presence of Christ are not passive things. They are weapons.
Facing the enemy with the Body of Christ raised high, she prayed aloud: “Does it please You, Lord, to deliver into the hands of these beasts the defenseless children I have nourished with Your love? I beg You, Lord, protect these women whom I cannot protect.”
Then something happened. The advancing soldiers—armed, aggressive and confident—suddenly froze. Panic overtook them. One by one, they turned and fled. Not a single one laid a hand on the sisters. Not a single sword was drawn. The convent was spared.
Clare credited Christ alone. She never took personal credit, only pointing to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist as the source of their protection.
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