Feast of Saint Clare, Holy Virgin, Mother of the Franciscan Order

My "shrine" at my house where I pray the Office,
if I'm lucky enough to be at home

Morning Prayer

Hymn

O virgin Clare, enrapt in splendor

You daughter of eternal light,

Today we mark your solemn passing

From earth to heaven's starry height.

By spurning earthly joys so fleeting

You follow Christ, the Lamb of God;

You feed with him among the lilies

That stud the cloister's fertile sod.

You guard with care the holy virgins;

To every virtue show the way;

You lead your group of saintly maidens

To Christ their Spouse in bridal array.

Beneath the humble Francis' banner

In three-fold strife for Christ unfurled,

You bravely march, a constant victor

O'er devil, flesh, and wicked world.

And now amid the starry heavens,

Enthroned in bliss with God on high,

Do grant that we who strive to follow

May on your guidance e'er rely.

To Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Be honor, glory, endless praise;

And may Saint Clare's incessant pleading

Obtain for us God's saving grace.

Prayer

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. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

[from the Proper Offices of Franciscan Saints and Blesseds in the Liturgy of the Hours]

Saint Clare, Holy Virgin, pray for us.