August 11 St. Clare
St Clare of Assisi was a follower of St Francis of Assisi, with whom she sought refuge after escaping from an arranged marriage. At the Porziuncola Chapel below Assisi she received her vows, marking the beginning of the Second Order of St Francis. After being joined by her mother and sister, nicknamed "The Poor Clares," she became the abbess of the convent of San Damiano, near Assisi in 1216.
In 1958 Pope Pius XII declared herPatron of television, in reference to an incident where she miraculously heard and saw the Christmas midnight mass in the basilica of San Francesco on the other side of Assisi, despite being ill.
"St Clara of Assisi." 2012. Biography.com 29 Jul 2012
God of mercy,
You inspired Saint Clare with the love of poverty.
By the help of her prayers
may we follow Christ in poverty of spirit
and come to the joyful vision of Your glory
in the Kingdom of heaven.
As Patroness of Television, help us to use it in a manor
worthy of Christ.
We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.