High Middle Ages (13th century)
Feast: August 11
A contemplative founder whose trust in the Eucharist became courage under siege.
Clare (1194–1253) left nobility to follow Francis, forming the Poor Clares. During an attack on her convent, she processed with the Blessed Sacrament. Her rule emphasized poverty and community prayer. She was the first woman to write a rule for women’s religious life approved by a pope.