Saint Clare of Assisi (1193-1253) was a disciple of Saint Francis of Assisi and founded the Order of Poor Clares. Born into a noble Italian family, she renounced her wealth to lead a life of poverty and prayer. In 1212, she left her home to join Francis and founded a monastery at San Damiano, adopting a strict rule of absolute poverty. She devoted her life to prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. According to tradition, she repelled an attack by the Saracens by brandishing the consecrated host. She was canonized in 1255. She is the patron saint of television and artists. Her cult spread throughout Lorraine and Europe.
