NOVENA TO SAINT CLARE OF ASSISI

Ninth Day - August 10

I, Clare, a handmaid of Christ, a little plant of our holy Father Francis, a sister and mother of you and other poor sisters, although unworthy, ask our Lord Jesus Christ through his mercy and through the intercession of his most holy mother Mary, of blessed Michael the Archangel, and all the Holy Angels of God, and of all his Men and Women saints, that the heavenly father gives you and confirm for you this most holy blessing in heaven and on earth. On earth, may He increase His grace and virtues among His servants and handmaids of His church militant. In heaven, may He exalt and glorify you among His church triumphant, among all His men and women saints.

Always be lovers of God and your soul and the souls of your sisters and always be eager to observe what you have promised the Lord.

May the Lord be with you always and wherever you are, may you be with Him always. Amen.

The blessing of Saint Clare

Dear Saint Clare,

As a young girl you imitated your mother’s love for the poor of your native Assisi.

Inspired by the preaching of St. Francis, who sang enthusiastically of His Lord Jesus and Lady Poverty, you gave your life to Jesus at nineteen years of age, allowing St. Francis to cut off your beautiful hair and invest you with the Franciscan habit.

All through your life you offered your great suffering for your Sisters, the Poor Clares, and the conversion of souls. You greatly aided St. Francis with his new order, carrying on his spirit in the Franciscans after his death.

Most of all you had a deep love of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, which fueled your vocation to love and care for the poor.

Please pray for me (mention your request) that I will seek to keep Jesus as my first love, as you did. Help me to grow in love of the Blessed Sacrament, to care for the poor, and to offer my whole life to God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Saint Clare. Through her intercession, please hear and answer my prayer, in the name of Jesus Your Son.

Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...