by

SIGNS

cropped-saint-clare-podcast-1-1.jpegTHE LEGEND OF SAINT CLARE
EPISODE 11

Pope Francis once said: “The cross is the badge that shows who we are: our looking, speaking, thinking, and working are all under the sign of the cross, that is, under the love of Jesus until the end (4-18-18).” The sign of the cross is the way that we profess our faith before the world. The sign of the cross is the way that we mark ourselves as Christian disciples. The sign of the cross is the way that we confess, again and again, that we belong to Christ. The Holy Father said: “Making the sign of the cross when we wake up, before meals, in the face of danger, as a defense against evil, and at night before sleep tells us and tells others to whom we belong and who we want to be (4-18-18).” In this episode of the Legend of Saint Clare, updated here for contemporary readers and listeners, Thomas of Celano (1185-1260) recounts how Clare was blessed with a miraculous ability to impress the mark of salvation on simple loaves of bread, and to heal the sick with that same sign.

The Legend of Saint Clare
Episode 11-Signs

Clare was so holy and devout that bishops and cardinals and even the pope longed to see her and to speak with her about the things of God. The pope visited often. On one occasion, the Holy Father traveled to Clare’s convent with many prelates to hear her speak about the mysteries of faith.

While they spoke together, Saint Clare had the table set and the bread placed upon it so that the pope could bless it. When their spiritual discourse ended, Clare knelt before the pope with great reverence. She asked him to bless the bread. But the Holy Father said in reply: “Clare, my faithful sister, friend and servant of the Lord, I ask instead that you bless the bread and that you make the sign of the cross over it as a sign of the one to whom you have given yourself completely.”

Clare then said: “Most Holy Father, forgive me. If a poor and humble one like me presumed to offer this blessing in the presence of the Vicar of Christ, I would deserve a harsh rebuke.” The pope replied: “In order that you not be blamed for any such presumption, I command you under holy obedience to bless these loaves of bread in the name of God, and to make the sign of the cross over them.”

As a true daughter of obedience, Clare devoutly blessed the loaves and made the sign of the cross. All at once, a cross appeared upon the loaves, each one of them beautifully marked. A part of each loaf was eaten, and a part was preserved as a relic of the miracle. As a witness to this mystery, the Holy Father gave thanks to God and departed the convent after blessing Clare and her sisters.

During this same time, Madonna Ortolana, Clare’s mother, and Agnes, her sister, lived within the holy cloister, along with many other devout women. Learning of the miracle of the loaves and the deep devotion of Clare and her sisters, Saint Francis sent many sick people to their cloister. All of them were healed and restored to perfect health by Saint Clare and the sign of the cross.

Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us!

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LEGEND OF SAINT CLARE PODCASTS

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ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Brother Patrick Garvey is co-founder and spiritual director of the Assisi Project. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, Saint John Seminary, and the Catholic University of America. He is a writer, spiritual director, retreat leader, and university lecturer. He also serves as an Associate Minister in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport in Massachusetts. On October 3, 2023, the Feast of the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi, Brother Patrick was consecrated as a diocesan hermit by Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston. For more information about the Assisi Project and our ministries with adults of all ages and backgrounds, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com.

Art Credit: Nicknickko – Dreamstime

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ABOUT US

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers throughout the world. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. The Assisi Project is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization. Please support our ministry via Pay Pal (see link below) or mail a tax-deductible donation to the Assisi Project, Post Office Box 3158, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01931-3158. May God bless you! May the Lord give you peace!

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