St. Clare
Patron Saint of Television, Eye Diseases, and Laundry
Born in 1194, St. Clare was one of the early followers of St. Francis of Assisi. After refusing to marry when she was 15, she began following Francis’ spirituality. At 18, she escaped from her father’s house because he was angry that she refused marriage. Clare went to some Franciscans who took her to St. Francis’ chapel, the Portiuncula. In this chapel, Clare traded her riches for a woolen habit. St. Francis placed Clare in a Benedictine convent and she began following a rule given to her written by St. Francis. The two became close friends, frequently writing about their spirituality. Soon, other women, including her sister, joined her in the convent. These women lived according to the rule, with St. Clare serving as the abbess for over 30 years until her death. This community grew and today is known as the Poor Clares.