Have you ever heard the amazing story about St. Clare’s Eucharistic miracle?
Saint Clare of Assisi is most well-known as the co-founder of the Poor Clare Nuns, or the Second Order of Saint Francis, after befriending Saint Francis of Assisi.
This 13th-century saint is especially known for her devotion to the Eucharist, and her life of humility, poverty, sacrifice, and prayer.
Many documented miracles occurred during her lifetime, including one story where she saved her convent of San Damiano, as well as the city of Assisi, through the power of the Blessed Sacrament.
In The History of Saint Clare, Virgin, Tomaso da Celano wrote:
“By imperial order, regiments of Saracen soldiers and bowmen were stationed there (the convent of San Damiano in Assisi, Italy), massed like bees, ready to devastate the encampments and seize the cities.
“Once, during an enemy attack against Assisi, a city beloved of the Lord, and while the army was approaching the gates, the fierce Saracens invaded San Damiano, entered the confines of the monastery and even the very cloister of the virgins.
“The women swooned in terror, their voices trembling with fear as they cried to their Mother, Saint Clare.
“Saint Clare, with a fearless heart, commanded them to lead her, sick as she was, to the enemy, preceded by a silver and ivory case in which the Body of the Saint of saints was kept with great devotion.
“And prostrating herself before the Lord, she spoke tearfully to her Christ:
“‘Behold, my Lord, is it possible You want to deliver into the hands of pagans Your defenseless handmaids, whom I have taught out of love for You? I pray You, Lord, protect these Your handmaids whom I cannot now save by myself.’
“Suddenly a voice like that of a child resounded in her ears from the tabernacle: ‘I will always protect you!’
“‘My Lord,’ she added, ‘If it is Your wish, protect also this city which is sustained by Your love.’
“Christ replied, ‘It will have to undergo trials, but it will be defended by My protection.’
“Then the virgin, raising a face bathed in tears, comforted the sisters: ‘I assure you, daughters, that you will suffer no evil; only have faith in Christ.’
“Upon seeing the courage of the sisters, the Saracens took flight and fled back over the walls they had scaled, unnerved by the strength of she who prayed.
“And Clare immediately admonished those who heard the voice I spoke of above, telling them severely:
“‘Take care not to tell anyone about that voice while I am still alive, dearest daughters.’”