7 things to know about St. Clare of Assisi, the patron saint of television

On Aug. 11, the Catholic Church celebrates St. Clare of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints of the Middle Ages. Best known as the founder of the Poor Clares and a close friend of St. Francis of Assisi, Clareʼs life was marked by radical trust in God, profound Eucharistic devotion, and remarkable courage.

Here are seven things to know about the woman whose witness continues to inspire Catholics more than 800 years later:

1. She came from a wealthy noble family — but left everything behind. Clare was born in Assisi, Italy, on July 16, 1194, into one of the cityʼs most prominent noble families. As a young woman, she enjoyed a privileged upbringing and was expected to marry into another wealthy household.

Instead, after hearing Francis — who is now known as St. Francis of Assisi — preach about living the Gospel with radical simplicity, Clare felt called to dedicate her life entirely to Christ. At age 18, she secretly left her family home on Palm Sunday night in 1212 to begin a new life of poverty.

Her family attempted to bring her home by force, but Clare firmly refused and cut off her hair as a sign that she belonged to God alone.

2. She founded the Poor Clares. With…