Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints – Episode on St. Clare of Assisi
Podcast Details:
- Title: Catholic Saints
- Host/Author: Augustine Institute
- Episode: St. Clare of Assisi
- Release Date: August 11, 2025
1. Introduction to St. Clare and Her Significance
The episode commences with Tim Gray, President of the Augustine Institute, welcoming listeners to discuss St. Clare of Assisi, coinciding with her feast day on August 11th. He introduces Dr. Ben Akers, Executive Director of Formed and a professor at the Institute, highlighting St. Clare's inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi. A key visual discussed is a beautiful icon of St. Clare, emphasizing her role in founding the Poor Clares after her death, initially known as the Poor Sisters of San Damiano during her lifetime.
Notable Quote:
Tim Gray [00:02]: "St. Clare was inspired by St. Francis, and we'll talk about that."
2. St. Clare’s Vocation and Family Opposition
Dr. Ben Akers elaborates on St. Clare's noble background, coming from a devout family with her mother engaged in pilgrimages to Rome and Santiago de Compostela, seeking divine guidance for their lives. Despite her privileged upbringing, Clare experiences a profound personal conversion, leading her to embrace a life of radical poverty and devotion to Christ.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Ben Akers [04:48]: "Her conversion was not easy for her family, especially for her father."
3. Miraculous Signs Supporting Her Vocation
Clare's decision to join the Franciscans faces fierce opposition from her affluent family. A dramatic confrontation ensues when twelve soldiers attempt to forcibly remove her from the convent. Through her unwavering faith, Clare prays for divine intervention, resulting in the soldiers being unable to lift her — a miraculous sign convincing her family of her divine mission.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Ben Akers [09:51]: "Agnes becomes so heavy that these 12 men can't lift her."
4. St. Clare's Devotion to Poverty
The discussion delves into St. Clare's commitment to poverty, a cornerstone of her spiritual life. Despite suggestions to adopt a less austere rule, Clare steadfastly maintains her vow of radical poverty, inspired by St. Francis. This extreme form of poverty symbolizes total trust in God's providence and detachment from material possessions.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Ben Akers [15:20]: "Poverty is a complete emptiness. To be a beggar before the Lord."
5. The Role of Poverty in Spiritual Renewal
Tim Gray and Dr. Akers explore the broader implications of poverty within the Church's renewal. They highlight modern examples of Augustine Institute graduates joining religious orders, drawing parallels to St. Clare and St. Francis's transformative impact on the Church. Poverty is portrayed not merely as renunciation of wealth but as a profound spiritual discipline fostering trust in God.
Notable Quote:
Tim Gray [19:22]: "Our treasure in heaven is better than all the treasures that we will give up here."
6. St. Clare's Devotion to the Eucharist
St. Clare's deep reverence for the Eucharist is a pivotal theme. Despite her long-term illness rendering her bedridden, she maintains her spiritual connection by creating Corporals for Mass and, uniquely, reportedly sees the Mass projected on her wall. This extraordinary devotion earned her the title of the patron saint of television.
Notable Quote:
Tim Gray [24:40]: "She couldn't attend Mass, so she was stuck in her bed... she saw it projected on the wall."
7. Modern Inspirations from St. Clare’s Life
The hosts draw inspiration from modern figures like Mother Angelica, paralleling her miracles with those of St. Clare. Stories of divine intervention and steadfast faith serve to encourage listeners to trust in God's miracles and to live lives of true devotion and sacrifice.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Ben Akers [27:31]: "The Lord has these things in mind for us... Why don't we experience these great miracles that St. Clare does?"
8. Concluding Insights on Renewal and Faith
In wrapping up, Tim Gray emphasizes the call to emulate St. Clare's complete commitment to God, advocating for detachment from material possessions as a pathway to spiritual freedom. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own attachments and consider small acts of sacrifice to deepen their faith and reliance on God's providence.
Notable Quote:
Tim Gray [20:37]: "Make little sacrifices... this is part of the Christian discipleship because our home is in heaven."
Final Thoughts: The episode vividly portrays St. Clare of Assisi's profound influence on the Catholic Church through her unwavering faith, radical poverty, and deep devotion to the Eucharist. By sharing her miraculous experiences and steadfast commitment, the hosts inspire listeners to pursue spiritual renewal and trust in God's divine plan.
Additional Resources: Listeners are encouraged to explore the audio drama "Brother Francis," available on Formed.org, which features dramatizations of St. Clare's life and her relationship with St. Francis.
Call to Action: Join the Augustine Institute Mission Circle to support the sharing of the Gospel's truth and beauty worldwide.