Solemnity of Saint Clare
Assisi celebrates the founder of the Poor Clares on August 11th
About Solemnity of Saint Clare
Saint Clare of Assisi
Born in Assisi in 1191, Saint Clare founded the Order of the Poor Clares, the first female religious order in the Church. Following the example of Saint Francis, she settled at the Sanctuary of San Damiano, where she lived until her death in 1253, dedicated to absolute poverty and a life of alms. She was canonized in 1255. Her remains now rest in the Basilica of Saint Clare, in the historic center of Assisi (province of Perugia).
The Solemnity of August 11th
The liturgical feast is celebrated on August 11th, the anniversary of the Saint's death. The celebrations include the first vespers and the Mass of the vigil, the prayer vigil for the Transit of Saint Clare at San Damiano, and on the day of the solemnity, numerous Masses in the Basilica, with the solemn concelebration mid-morning. Civil processions, illuminations, and fireworks accompany the religious rites.
A Franciscan Celebration
The solemnity of Saint Clare, along with that of Saint Rufinus the following day, is one of the most intense moments of the Assisi summer. It celebrates one of the great figures of Franciscanism and attracts faithful and visitors from all over Italy, in a city that preserves the very roots of the Franciscan movement.
Solemnity of Saint Clare — edition 2026
Solemnity of Saint Clare 2026
For 2026, Assisi renews the celebration of Saint Clare, founder of the Poor Clares. The celebrations begin on the evening of August 10th with the first vespers and the Mass of the solemnity in the Basilica of Saint Clare, and with the prayer vigil for the Transit of the Saint at the Sanctuary of San Damiano. On August 11th, the feast day, various Masses will be held in the Basilica and the solemn concelebration mid-morning, followed by the second vespers.
Civil processions, illuminations, and fireworks will accompany the religious rites. The 2026 edition is part of the Franciscan Centennial year.
Programme Solemnity of Saint Clare 2026
Monday, August 10th — Vigil
- Afternoon — First vespers and Holy Mass of the solemnity in the Basilica of Saint Clare
- Evening — Prayer vigil for the Transit of Saint Clare at the Sanctuary of San Damiano
Tuesday, August 11th — Solemnity of Saint Clare
- Morning — Holy Masses in the Basilica of Saint Clare
- Mid-morning — Solemn concelebration
- Afternoon — Second vespers and Mass for the Transit of Saint Clare
In addition: civil and religious processions, illuminations, and fireworks. Detailed times on the website of the Diocese of Assisi.
Highlights Solemnity of Saint Clare 2026
Prices Solemnity of Saint Clare 2026
Practical information — Solemnity of Saint Clare
How to get there
The Basilica of Saint Clare is located in the historic center of Assisi, reachable on foot. By train: Santa Maria degli Angeli station with a shuttle bus. The Sanctuary of San Damiano is just outside the walls, reachable on foot or by car.
When
The solemnity is celebrated on August 11th, with the first vespers and the vigil of the Transit on the evening of the 10th.
Admission
Free access to celebrations. Program on the website of the Diocese of Assisi.
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Where does it take place — Solemnity of Saint Clare
Basilica di Santa Chiara, Assisi
Basilica di Santa Chiara, Piazza Santa Chiara, 06081 Assisi