A Prayer and Pledge for the Feast of St. Clare
Centuries before modern democracy took hold, Clare built a thriving community grounded in social equality and shared leadership.
This reflection and prayer were originally published in the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) newsletter. Many thanks to authors Michele Dunne and Claire Fisher for allowing us to reproduce them here—Ed.
On this Feast of St. Clare (August 11), we honor a beloved saint well known for her life of deep prayer, fidelity to the tradition established by St. Francis, and steadfast commitment to voluntary poverty. St. Clare was the first woman to write a rule for her own community and have it approved by the pope, just before her death in 1253.
But did you know that St. Clare was also a social revolutionary? Her first revolutionary act was to leave the aristocracy within the walled city of Assisi to join the movement outside the walls led by Francis (who, as a son of the merchant class, was her social inferior). Later, when other women joined Clare at San Damiano, she wrote a Form of Life for the community that was radically egalitarian in the context of 13th-century Europe and remains inspirational today. St. Clare gave all sisters an equal voice in decisions for the community regardless of social class, education, or seniority, “for the Lord frequently reveals what is best to the least among us.”
Centuries before modern democracy took hold, Clare built a thriving community grounded in social equality and shared leadership. Today, as we take loving action in the world rooted in the gospel and the Franciscan tradition, may we draw inspiration from St. Clare’s fearless leadership, radical commitment to equal dignity, and enduring vision of a democratic, compassionate community. Please join us in praying the prayer below.
A Prayer & Pledge for the Feast of Saint Clare
I lift my heart to You, O God, on this Feast of St. Clare.
Inspired by Clare’s radical commitment to equal dignity and shared leadership, I commit to building communities where every voice is valued and power serves the common good.
I offer You my voice, my mind, and my daily choices, choosing listening over top-down authority, holy simplicity over excess, and collective responsibility over indifference. Make me a builder of a world where all Your children can participate, belong, and flourish.
St. Clare, pray for us, that we may lead and love as you did.
Amen. +
(A printable version of this prayer is available here.)